In a landmark conversation on Boardroom Black, GenB TVs flagship business show, Christopher Kenna sat down with His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, to discuss the bold new future of film, tech, and cultural collaboration between Jamaica and the UK. What followed was not just a dialogue, it was a call to action.
His Excellency Alexander Williams and Christopher Kenna on location at Setting Up Shop – Photo Alicia Clarke
Boardroom Black and its partners are setting their sights on an ambitious 2025–2026 project: the development of a 10,000-square-foot virtual production studio in Kingston, Jamaica. “If you can shoot anywhere in the world, why not Jamaica?” asked Kenna. With its beaches, rainforests, vibrant cities, and distinctive textures, Jamaica offers more than just aesthetics, it offers authenticity.
Virtual production removes the limitations of geography. As Kenna noted, “You just put the world on the screen, and then you are there.” But Jamaica brings its own world, with real-life beauty and cinematic grit, ready to be captured and shared.
His Excellency Alexander Williams and Christopher Kenna filming Boardroom Black – Photo Alicia Clarke
His Excellency Alexander Williams underscored that Jamaica is not new to the world of cinema. From the legendary Dr. No in the 1960s to Bob Marley: One Love and contemporary series like Get Millie Black, the country has long been a sought-after backdrop. But now, it’s ready to become a full-fledged production hub.
Jamaica’s government has already laid the groundwork, including:
- The Screen Development Initiative, with JMD $2 billion in funding (approx. £5 million) for film production;
- A co-production agreement between Jamaica and the UK (since 2007), offering a framework for joint ventures;
- Generous tax incentives for international productions;
- A well-established ecosystem of local talent, equipment, and production support;
- And most recently, the option to finance production companies through the Jamaican Junior Stock Exchange, providing new routes to equity and growth.
Christopher Kenna showing His Excellency Alexander Williams around the Setting Up Shop PopUp space – Photo by Alicia Clarke
Despite the solid foundations, the High Commissioner acknowledged that the co-production treaty between the UK and Jamaica has seen limited uptake. “The rubber hits the road with a company like yours,” he told Kenna, “linking with another company and/or a filmmaker in Jamaica to get things going. That’s really the core of it.”
Kenna echoed the sentiment with a clear challenge to the UK media industry: “Come on this journey with us. Channel 4, Channel 5, even the BBC, we’re inviting you to explore co-productions, invest in this partnership, and help redefine what global content can look like.”
His Excellency Alexander Williams having a conversation with GenB TV, AOTO, Cube Studio and JAMPRO – Photo by Alicia Clarke
The GenB TV studio being built in Jamaica, in collaboration with Cube Studios and state of the art technology from Chinese Firm AOTO Electronics, will be a hub of creativity, connectivity, and cross-cultural storytelling from a State Of The Art facility in the heart of Kingston.
One key enabler in this international partnership is JAMPRO, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation, credited by both speakers for helping turn ambition into action. From logistics and investment planning to talent and policy guidance, JAMPRO acts as a one-stop partner for anyone looking to invest in Jamaica’s booming creative sector.
His Excellency Alexander Williams with Enid Williams (JAMPRO) and Fredi Nwaka (GenB TV Head of Content) – Photo by Alicia Clarke
“They helped us bring you here today,” said Kenna, praising their role in facilitating connections between UK creatives and Jamaican institutions. His Excellency further encouraged potential collaborators to visit the Jamaican High Commission in South Kensington or get in touch directly with JAMPRO for guidance on incentives and infrastructure.
Both Kenna and the High Commissioner closed the conversation with optimism and urgency. The message was clear: Jamaica is open for business, and the time to collaborate is now. Whether you’re a broadcaster, a filmmaker, an investor, or a storyteller, the opportunities are real, and growing.
“Magic happens,” said Kenna, “when culture, technology, and collaboration collide.” And as Jamaica steps into the spotlight, the world is invited to join in.
Fredi Nwaka (GenB TV) and Enid Williams (JAMPRO) – photo by Alicia Clarke
Want to collaborate or invest in this initiative?
Reach out to GenB TV and JAMPRO to get involved, whether you’re based in the UK, Jamaica, or anywhere in between.
