Antigua and Barbuda Emerges as a Rising Hub for Film and Television Production

Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has made film and television a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economic and cultural strategy. His administration has actively courted international productions, positioning the twin-island state as a sought-after destination for feature films, reality shows, and music videos.

The results are tangible. Hollywood productions like Allied (2016) and Wendy (2020), as well as high-profile television moments such as the finale of The Bachelorette, have brought Antigua’s beaches and historic sites to global audiences. In a nation of just over 100,000 people, each project delivers an outsized impact — creating jobs, stimulating tourism, and amplifying Antigua’s profile on the world stage.

“Every production filmed here tells a part of Antigua and Barbuda’s story to the world,” Prime Minister Browne said. “We are proud to see our island’s landscapes showcased on the global stage, inspiring both investment and tourism while creating lasting opportunities for our people.”

Film and television productions provide opportunities for a wide cross-section of local talent — from seamstresses, hair and makeup artists, and drivers to drone pilots, photographers, and catering teams. By employing Antiguans and Barbudans directly, projects provide income while building long-term skills in a growing creative sector.

The benefits also ripple outward. Productions generate significant economic activity through hotel bookings, restaurant spending, equipment rentals, and transportation. They contribute to government revenues via sales taxes, tourism levies, airport fees, and payroll contributions. At the same time, the media coverage, social media buzz, and streaming exposure give Antigua free global advertising that would cost millions to purchase.

Resort brands have embraced the momentum. Elite Island Resorts, for instance, has invested in music videos and short films featuring acts like UB40 and Antigua’s own Reggae Ambassador, Causion. These productions have garnered millions of views while showcasing the island’s natural beauty.

Local filmmakers are also gaining international recognition. Howard and Mitzi Allen of Hama Films have long been pioneers, with The Sweetest Mango (2001), The Skin (2011), and Deep Blue (2023) all helping to solidify Antigua’s reputation as a hub for Caribbean storytelling.

With its mix of lush rainforests, bustling markets, historic forts, marinas, and the famous “365 beaches,” Antigua offers an unmatched variety of filming locations. The Browne administration has streamlined logistics, reduced bureaucratic barriers, and invested in infrastructure to make production easier.

Reliable nonstop flights from major cities, modern airport facilities, and safe, high-quality accommodations ensure a smooth experience for visiting crews.

The island has even turned its film success into tourism products, with tours that take visitors to iconic filming locations allowing fans to step into the scenes of their favorite shows and movies.