LANDOWNERS could be trained to manage film productions and access fees worth millions of dollars, as the Government looks to increase iTaukei participation in Fiji’s film industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica told Parliament on Thursday that landowners currently benefited mainly through employment and services, while the most lucrative opportunities were in production management.
“The iTaukei are not even participating in that space, and it is quite a lucrative space,” he said.
“We are talking about fees in millions for those who are doing that kind of a job.”
He said the Government wanted to train Land Owning Units (LOUs) to eventually take on production management roles.
His comments followed concerns raised Opposition Member of Parliament, Semi Koroilavesau about compensation paid to landowners, particularly for infrastructure left behind by film companies.
Mr Kamikamica said he had not received complaints directly but acknowledged landowners must benefit more from productions.
“Right now, it is mostly in terms of employment and some of the services, but I am certain that the cream is where they manage the production,” he said.
He said the iTaukei Land Trust Board had developed a structure to speed up arrangements between landowners and production companies, particularly for islands that were not surveyed.
