The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has announced that two-thirds of the 406 applicants for the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI) have advanced to the evaluation stage.

JAMPRO said the applicants advanced to the next stage after an extensive review and validation process.

“The applicants were officially notified by the Film Commission, which falls within JAMPRO, and which has direct oversight of JSDI’s implementation,” JAMPRO said in a release on the weekend.

Their applications will now be assessed by an evaluation panel comprising global industry experts. The panel will assess the applications based on demonstrated track record, project development potential and execution, financial viability, market appeal and overall contribution to the Jamaican economy.

Jackie Jackson, film commissioner stated: “We’re excited and confident in the efforts being made to ensure our vibrant community of ambitious, creative, and dedicated filmmakers committed to growing Jamaica’s screen-based industries are supported.”

In preparation for the Call for Projects, the Jamaica Film Commission held a series of sensitisation sessions with key stakeholders. These sessions aimed to guide aspiring applicants on critical aspects of their submissions to enhance the applications made. Looking ahead, the Commission plans to introduce additional support sessions for future applicants to strengthen compliance and success rates.

The President of JAMPRO, Shullette Cox said: “The verification process took longer than anticipated due to the unexpected volume of applications. We also thought it important to make the process iterative, allowing us to ensure that as many applications as possible were complete and ready for evaluation.”

In moving forward, the Film Commission will continue to maintain contact with applicants to keep them informed of the expected timelines.

The JSDI will re-open applications for Film Festivals & Market Attendance, Marketing & Distribution and Production Rebates, on a rolling basis for the remainder of the fiscal year, beginning September 16, 2024.