Brittany Kelly, who has worked in the movie industry in Los Angeles and London, as well as locally, is Cayman’s new film commissioner.
The Department of Tourism announced on Thursday that Kelly, who will head up the Cayman Islands Film Commission, will take up the newly created role.
Immediately prior to this, the award-winning writer/producer was based in Los Angeles, working with production companies, including Will Smith’s Westbrook Inc.
According to a press release announcing the appointment, Kelly, who holds a post-graduate diploma in film production from the London Film Academy, is “bringing international experience and creative vision” to the tourism department.
It noted that Kelly, in her new role, will be responsible for managing the administrative functions of the Cayman Islands Film Commission Secretariat, as well as strategic planning, partnership development and marketing and promotions.
“Film is my first love and Cayman is my home,” Kelly said in the release. “I am incredibly honoured to return home to step into the role of Film Commissioner and to bring my experience in storytelling, production, and cultural advocacy to this position.
“As a Caymanian filmmaker, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible talent and potential within our creative community, and I’m excited to champion local and international collaborations that will elevate our industry.”
She added, “I look forward to working alongside our filmmakers, the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, the CIFC, other government agencies and private sector partners to build a film industry that is both creatively and economically sustainable.”
She says she plans to foster an environment where local artists, crew, and productions can thrive, “showcasing Cayman as a premier destination for film while preserving the authenticity of our own unique stories”.
Congratulating Kelly on her appointment, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan, in the release said the global film industry “represents a powerful avenue for economic diversification”.
“By leveraging our unique landscapes, skilled professionals, and rich cultural heritage, the Cayman Islands can be positioned as a premier destination for film production, creating long-term opportunities for Caymanian participation in this dynamic and lucrative global sector. I extend my warmest congratulations to our new Film Commissioner as she steps into this vital role and look forward to the further development of a vibrant, sustainable film industry in our Islands under her stewardship,” he added.
Filmmaker Frank E Flowers, the chairman of the Cayman Islands Film Commission, said the commission was thrilled to welcome Kelly as the new film commissioner.
“Her passion, experience, and vision are exactly what the local industry needs at this exciting time,” he added. “We are confident that under her leadership, the Cayman Islands will continue to grow as a dynamic hub for film and creative production.
“Brittany joins us at a pivotal moment, ready to build on the important milestones already achieved by the CIFC Board — including the launch of our production incentive program. We’re especially excited about the potential for increased job creation and hands-on opportunities for young Caymanians to pursue film and television. We look forward to supporting her and seeing all that she will accomplish.”
She was also welcomed by Director of Tourism Rosa Harris, who described her as the perfect person to lead the Film Commission Secretariat. “Brittany’s expertise will be invaluable to our strategy as we continue to promote the Cayman Islands as a destination of choice for film and media production,” she said.