PRODUCTIONS HAVE BEEN FLOCKING TO THE BEAUTIFUL CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF BARBADOS FOR MANY YEARS, BUT WITH MOVES BEING TAKEN TOWARDS AN OFFICIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMME, THE EXOTIC LOCATIONS ARE JUST THE CHERRY ON TOP.
| Two of the biggest are Netflix show Outer Banks and HBO’s Succession. The latter headed to Barbados to film the conclusion of the Roy family business drama at the luxurious Maddox Villa, designed by Oliver Messel, with its Greek columns and large terraces on the west coast of the island. As well as the shores of Bathsheba on the east coast. Local production company Parachute Film produced for Succession’s time on the island. The team secured the Maddox Villa after their use of the property in November 2023 for a Ralph Lauren commercial, the first time it had been rented in 30 years. “The professionalism and hospitality of Parachute Films cannot be overstated,” comments Sue Quinn, supervising location manager for the project. “This is a team that seems to make it their mission to ensure every aspect of the filming process runs smoothly, which is crucial when working in an unfamiliar country. In an industry where time is money, having local support who not only know the island inside-out but are also eager to help is a godsend.” Outer Banks meanwhile filmed season three extensively in Barbados, even in the middle of winter. Locations included the capital city Bridgetown, the waters of Port St. Charles, a marina and resort near the historic Speightstown, the Lion Castle Estate in St. Thomas, which includes a plantation house, apartment buildings and cottages, and Welchman Hall Gully, a collapsed cave with tropical trees and plants. “Filming in Barbados is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s an island that seems custom-made for cinematic experiences, where every corner offers something visually breathtaking and unique,” Quinn adds. “Barbados offers an ideal combination of logistical ease, visual diversity, and cultural warmth that few other places can match.” Proposals for a 25% tax credit for films shot in the nation and using a Barbadian production company were announced last year and are expected to lift interest in local shoots. The island’s experienced crew base and commitment to quality remain as the foundation that has resulted in a number of film, television and commercial projects heading for its tropical shores. Main Image: |
“IT’S AN ISLAND THAT SEEMS CUSTOM-MADE FOR CINEMATIC EXPERIENCES, WHERE EVERY CORNER OFFERS SOMETHING VISUALLY BREATHTAKING AND UNIQUE.” |
