Growing An Infrastructure

By Brooke Comer
 
 

 For years, the Caribbean and Bahamas have served as Hollywood's lush and tropical backlot: Tarzan swung from the vines of Jamaica's Irie River into the natural rock pools, and images of white sand beaches and sparkling water have seduced us in thousands of commercials to buy products completely unrelated to sand and water. But now the islands are more than just beautiful locations; they are becoming sophisticated production hubs with support services, talent, and film-savvy locals and businesses, eager to work with film projects.
 
 

 The U.S. and British Virgin Islands are popular; for one thing, there's a common language and shared culture. When you think of the British Virgin Islands, don't think big, think plenty, because there are plenty of them and they offer a lot of diversity for filmmakers. Tortola, the largest island, is the primary center of Caribbean yachting. Virgin Gorda, an isle of natural wonders, is home to the Baths. Picturesque Jost Van Dyke reveals the Caribbean as it used to be. Isolated Anegada offers a coral atoll with miles of deserted Caribbean beaches. But in addition to the major islands of the BVI, there are also dozens of secluded islands, islets and cays, all unique and beautiful in their own right.

 The United States Virgin Islands has been entertaining major feature productions for many years. Shows like Four Seasons, Forces of Nature, Shawshank Redemption, and Trading Places, just to name a few, have filmed in the USVI because of its diverse locations and cooperative filming environment. "The communities love movies and will do anything to help make it happen," says Edward La Borde, Director of Film Promotion. "We're American but we are also Caribbean. So we have a lot of the conveniences that they would get by going to another state to shoot." La Borde sited easier customs, permits, and a film friend environment as amenities the USVI has to offer.

 Recently the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 (a sequel to the original) have scouted the USVI as a possible location beginning in early 2005. They scouted places such as Botany Bay and Magens Bay on St. Thomas; Buck Island and Sandy Point on St. Croix; and the National Park and other various locations on St. John. All three islands offer their own unique settings. Producers can find everything from city or open flat landscapes to lush mountains and smaller historic communities.

 Then there's Barbados. Alastair McKenzie, production manager of Film Barbados, Inc., explains why the 166 square mile coral island that he calls home is such a popular film location. "We've got white sand beaches and luxuriant tropical landscapes," he says. "And considering that we measure only twenty-one miles in length and fourteen miles in width at the widest point, Barbados is an island of great scenic variety and contrast."

 How does Barbados differ from other parts of the Caribbean? "We're independent, stable and English is the official language," says McKenzie. "We are a parliamentary democracy that is part of the British Commonwealth. That means we have a first-world infrastructure, including the best telecommunications in the Caribbean, with high-speed internet and GSM mobile phone technology."

 "Producers need to know that Barbados offers a diversity of beautiful, fresh locations," says McKenzie, "under ever-sunny skies, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees, in a time zone that allows twelve-hour shooting per day. There is minimal rainfall from January through May, so that in general, there is no bad time for shooting in Barbados." He adds that the diversity of looks on the island enables it to double for Canada, the U.S.A., Denmark and England, as well as the other Caribbean islands.

 Film Barbados is an experienced, international film production service that owns and operates a five-ton grip truck with full grip, HMI and tungsten packages, and cameras.

 "In addition to benefits from a technical aspect, with a stable government and economy, the area is very safe on this island with a 98% literacy rate," says McKenzie. "Producers find that there is an ease of shooting, friendliness of the locals, short travel times to locations and best of all, an excellent, fully trained local crew." Further enticements: The U.S. dollar is accepted island-wide at a current rate of $1 to $2 Barbados. Additionally, Film Barbados arranges speedy immigration clearance for visiting crews and talent, as well as special VIP treatment.

 More good news for producers, according to McKenzie, is the fact that no permits are required to shoot in Barbados and location fees are very inexpensive. There are many film-friendly hotels, including a brand new 300-room Hilton, that work with production companies. Along with no shooting permits, no work permits, no customs duty on equipment, the VAT is refunded.

 In the island capital of Bridgetown, there are well-preserved examples of colonial architecture, a record of four centuries of settlement. There is a mix of picturesque alleys, overhanging verandas, military buildings and old forts suggestive of the British past. One can find superb parish churches and centuries-old plantation homes. Landscape variety is offered in the central valley, a lush agricultural heartland with rolling sugarcane fields and forests. To the west, the luxuriantly landscaped platinum coast beckons, with fine resorts and coral-stone villas that look across the sapphire-blue Caribbean Sea. In contrast, there are deserted beaches to the east and north, with sweeping vistas against a backdrop of steep hills, deep ravines and wind-scoured cliffs affording a view of the Atlantic surf.

 Film Barbados is geared to facilitate every aspect of film production, not only on the island of Barbados but also the islands of the southern Caribbean, including Trinidad, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines and Guyana.

 The Bahamas, according to Angela Archer of the Bahamas Film Commission, have always been a popular spot for film work.

 No wonder. The coral archipelago of 700 islands stretches sixty miles off the coast of South Florida as far as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Some of the populated islands include Grand Bahamas, New Providence, Nassau/Paradise, Exuama, Andros and Bimini.

 Archer believes that one of the differences between the Bahamas and other islands of the Caribbean is the number of islands that make up the Bahamas, each with its own uniqueness and location variety. "We have the world's third largest barrier reef off Andros," she notes, "and the waters in the Bahamas are virtually free of silt and pollution, making them some of the cleanest waters in the world." Several James Bond movies have done underwater shooting in the Bahamas.

 Just a few of the productions that took advantage of the clarity of the Bahamas' water and natural island beauty were Disney Cruise Lines, in a promo at Castaway Cay; Lifestyle Photography, shooting in Northern Eleuthera; IBM and Royal Caribbean shooting at Coco Cay, Nassau; ABC's The Bachelor, filming in Kamalame Cay; and National Geographic Channel, shooting a science documentary in Nassau and Andros.

 Major movies with scenes shot in the Bahamas include The Insider, starring Al Pacino, with a beach scene doubling for the Virgin Islands; Splash, with Daryl Hannah and Tom Hanks, in which a New England beach shot was actually in the Bahamas; Cocoon, with Don Ameche and Hume Cronyn, in which a beach scene doubled for St. Petersburg, Florida; and Silence of the Lambs, with Jodie Foster. Other projects include Flipper, the movie and TV series, and 2000 Leagues under the Sea. Recently, New Line Cinema's film project Before Sunset, with Pierce Brosnan and Woody Harrelson, and MGM's Into the Blue were filmed on the tropical isle.

 The Bahamas boasts a diverse architecture that includes stone structures (a tower, a church and adjoining buildings) and an official building of pastel pink with green shutters and Greek columns. Other featured locations include Top A Da Hill, Cat Island; Rock House, Harbour Island; Cape Santa Maria Resort, Long Island; and Love Beach, Nassau.

 The sun, the sand, and the sea offer a timeless quality to any scene on the Bahamas shores. While there is really no bad time to shoot in the Bahamas, obviously, one must take into consideration the hurricane season.

 Producers interested in shooting in the Bahamas should know that their equipment can be brought in duty free, as long as it will leave the Bahamas at the completion of the project. If it is necessary to replace equipment, replacements can be turned around in half a day and a technician can be flown in from Miami within two to three hours. Permits to use government properties are free, but there is a fee that is negotiable for private properties. For short-time projects, there are no fees for work permits. For projects of three months or more, a processing fee is applicable.

 Close proximity to the U.S. makes travel and movement easier and quicker. There is ease of travel between the islands from Florida and it is only a two-hour flight from New York. The Bahamas offers pre-clearance facilities. If production companies don't bring in their own equipment, it can easily be brought in from Miami. Visitors may use their home driver's licenses for up to three months and may apply for international driver's licenses.

 There is a permitting procedure, which requires information at least seven days prior to arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas. The list: A letter of intent introducing the company and outlining the nature of the project, including script and/or storyboard if applicable; types of location required; list of cast and crew members, nationalities and flight information; list of photographic equipment, props and wardrobe items, including their U.S. dollar value (for approvals and duty waivers); list of required production personnel and talent; estimated overall budget, with some indication as to the amount to be spent on the Islands of the Bahamas; proposed airing/release of the production, including venue; and special requirements, i.e., traffic control, helicopter permits or casino locations.

 Archer assures producers interested in shooting in the Bahamas that the film commission is sensitive to their needs. "We are prepared and will assist in every way to ensure the ultimate success of any project. At this time," says Archer, "there are serious talks going on with the islands' government about an incentive package for filmmakers, and it looks promising."

 Over the years, the film commission has developed persons within the communities to reinforce the support for relevant services. The commission also works closely with government agencies to ease movement of both people and equipment in and out of, and around the islands. The bottom line, according to Archer, is that "red tape is eliminated, and with hotels that are film friendly and willing to work out special rates with production companies, the royal carpet is rolled out for filmmakers."

 Location manager and U.K. native Ilt Jones has been in the business for 14 years, working mostly in Los Angeles but also in the Bahamas. "I have a brother who lives in the Bahamas, and have been there about 20 times, as well as having visited other Caribbean islands," he notes.

 What do producers need to know when it comes to shooting in the Caribbean islands? "The common misperception is that the Bahamas represents a tropical paradise. In fact, it's more of a marine paradise with the most beautiful, clear water I've ever seen. Producers need to know that the scenery is limited except in terms of marine life. They also need to know how expensive it is to shoot there. Shipping and food are a major expense!"

 Many Caribbean islands can double for one another; Jones recalls when the Bahamas won over Jamaica as the setting for Before Sunset, starring Pierce Brosnan. "But it was really chosen because Jamaica had a perception of being unsafe and also because the Atlantis hotel in the Bahamas offered free rooms to the cast and crew - probably because the hotel was featured onscreen."

 Getting filming permits on the islands was relatively easy for Jones personally. He describes the hard work of Donna Mackey from the film commission, who "saved the day," and was "one of the best foot soldiers in the commission. She was there to meet the planes and see that customs was a smooth process." He also cites local location manager Martina Carroll, who was "notably helpful."

 The fact that the Bahamas are so close to Miami makes it easier to bring in equipment; shipping is less expensive. "We brought in about 95% of our gear," he notes. When Jones was scouting a military base, he'd been denied a request to take pictures, so he walked back and was caught going through the woods. He was thrown in jail where he sat for six hours reading a copy of Vanity Fair. It took a high-powered lawyer to get him out. "The only good thing about that little incident was that I was intending to scout the jail for scenes in the film and I was able to do it for six hours. There I realized that the cells were too small." The police chief apologized to Jones the next day. But despite the incident, Jones remains convinced that Bahamians are "really lovely people."

 PUERTO RICO

 Marvin Crespo, production coordinator for the Puerto Rico Film Commission, is confident that his island can solve any filmmaker's challenge. "When you have a script that calls for the Caribbean, you'll find that no other island provides the level of support Puerto Rico does," says Crespo. As part of the United States, Puerto Rico has an infrastructure that allows production offices to stay in touch easily with their home offices. Fax, courier services and daily flights to most major cities in the continental U.S. also provide traveling flexibility, and the comfort of receiving dailies on time. Equipment, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies, "and anything else you might need can be easily found in or shipped to Puerto Rico without any problems."

 Puerto Rico also has an ideal climate with temperatures in the 80s year round, and 365 days of location shooting. "The terrain diversification of our compact island provides companies with a short travel time to locations," says Crespo. "Production companies can stay at beachfront hotels while shooting scenes in jungle, urban or rural locations without having to go through a company move."

 Directors like Michael Bay (Bad Boys 2), Steven Spielberg (Amistad), Robert Zemekis (Contact), and Richard Donner (Assassins) have had positive experiences shooting in Puerto Rico. Christopher Seitz, producer/U.P. on Last Flight Out, says, "The local crew was terrific, we had great locations and an abundance of equipment. Puerto Rico has it all!"

 PJ Gaffers, a local one-stop equipment shop in Puerto Rico has been keeping busy with local films. Rosa Torres, the general manager for the company says they have just completed filming for a local movie titled Cayo, and have just started working on another local movie, El Sueno Del Regreo. The company offers cameras, lighting, grips and a studio. Although recently working primarily in Puerto Rico, PJ Gaffers provides service for all of the Caribbean.

 David Bixler, Sr. V.P. of production on Eye Witness, says, "The crews were great, equipment was readily available and the film commission very helpful. In our film we had to sell San Juan as Tijuana, Mexico and we were able to do that successfully because of the hard work and creativity of the local crew. Don Enright, producer of Rain and Never Say Die (both shot in P.R.), put local talent in key positions, "so we not only saved money, but also had a really wonderful time. We very much look forward to making our third picture in Puerto Rico." Thom Eberhardt, director of Captain Ron, calls Puerto Rico "one-stop shopping for the entire Caribbean - everything we wanted, we found here."

 Alba Raquel Barros, a "Jane of all Trades," who has been a SAG actress, acting coach, production coordinator, and script supervisor, having worked on projects like Under Suspicion and the Dream Team, had this to say about working in Puerto Rico.

 "Puerto Rico is a unique location, easy to double for Central or South America, Cuba, Vietnam or simply a unique Paradise, where a tax credit is available to those who bring their productions to the island," says Barros. "Excellent weather, combined with English speaking, trained and experienced crew and staff, backed by our local IATSE 494 office, can provide everything a production needs for the best Caribbean filmmaking experience.'

 'Action, drama, Sci-fi, documentaries and heart-breaking stories are just some of the categories our beautiful beaches, mountains and starry nights have shared with what are now our friends, but were onlyh filmmakers when they arrived," says Barros.

 "Our production companies offer hard working, talented crew in eery department, from office staff to FX. We have shot, photographed, and even blown up locations. Our excellent art and construction departments have helped producers realize their visions well beyond their imagination, even for worlds never seen before. As an example, the after the Holocaust themes movie, Terminal Force, created a whole new world with very different inhabitants, and Bad Boys spared no effort where action was the main theme, not to mention the romantic comedy, Second Honeymoon. Puerto Rico was by far the best choice for each of these projects," exclaimed Alba.

 She continues, "Puerto Rican talent is constantly on production, with local or visiting projects. Local actors have been on the big screen and our SAG and non-union actors are so well trained, that visiting directors have been, more than once, surprised and happy that they chose Puerto Rico.'

 'Puertor Rico offers a completely secure and professional atmosphere. We know that working in a different culture and atmosphere can cause more than one reason to worry, but that is why we have organized our people under a common denominator for the film industry. Crew and actors here and in L.A. work by the same rules and regulations, we speak the same language, and we just make it simple and enjoyable for the entire production. Flexibility is a key concept on the island and we go the extral mile!"

 As the oldest area within the United States of America, "our architecture dates back to the sixteenth century," says Crespo. "Old San Juan is a classic fortress city, designated as a World Heritage Site, and is modeled after the fortress cities of Europe. Our metropolitan area is a contrast to the old city. Modern avenues and skyscrapers provide the look for any modern city."

 Splitting the island through the middle is La Cordillera Central, a mountain range that rises more than 4,000 feet above sea level, running from east to west, just a short drive from any of the hotels and resorts. "In these mountains," says Crespo, "you will find lakes, waterfalls, caves and vegetation that will fill any production with rich colors. Our topography covers rich tropical rainforest to arid coastal plains to breathtaking beaches." If that's not appealing enough, there is Law 362, which provides a 40% tax credit to productions that shoot at least 50% of their movie on Puerto Rico, a tax credit that goes against money paid to local residents, vendors, etc.

 JAMAICA

 "Jamaica, the fairest land ever eyes beheld . . . where the mountains touch the sky . . ." That's a description straight from the log of no less than Christopher Columbus. This third largest island in the Caribbean consists of 4,424 square miles of luxuriant tropical land, 550 miles south of Miami.

 Currently, film production in Jamaica is flourishing, with documentaries, still shoots, music videos and TV series. Forever Eden, a Fox TV reality show, recently wrapped, along with independent feature film Surf Rasta and Lively Up Yourself. In this island of diverse locations, Jamaica has doubled for Florida on occasion and Africa in the movie Instinct.

 Jamaica Film Commissioner Del Crooks wants producers to know that they have the assistance of the film commission to identify locations, assist with permits and waivers, collaborate with private sector companies on product placements, and the valuable experience of a talented local crew. Jamaican film crews are non-union and work a 12-hour, 6-day week. These highly professional crews have worked with MGM, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney.

 How Stella Got Her Groove Back, the 20th Century Fox production starring Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg, helped put Jamaica back on the map. Back in the golden age of Hollywood, moviemakers used Jamaica as a location for jungle and beach scenes. But there's more to the island than pretty beaches.

 Crooks believes producers would be surprised to learn "how diverse our locations are and how available equipment is on the island. Because of our close proximity to the U.S.A., together with the frequency of flights to Jamaica, getting crew or equipment on short notice is a problem easily solved. Meanwhile, Jamaica offers full grip and lighting equipment as well as 1000-amp Crawford generator trucks and one honeywagon. Additional equipment may be brought in duty free when a list of each item with serial number and value is sent to the film commission one week in advance. These items must be re-exported at the completion of filming. Duty is charged on consumables; a custom broker can be engaged to clear imports and a list of brokers will be provided by the film commission."

 All permits are facilitated by the film commission; there is a one-time fee of $200 U.S. This fee does not include any location fees, which vary from location to location. Jamaica also has a share of film-friendly hotels and the film commission does assist with negotiations.

 "Once you have the production," says Crooks, "Jamaica is your location. This romantic and historic island offers majestic mountain ranges, meandering rivers, rolling green meadows and spectacular waterfalls. For contrast, there are arid terrains, savannas, and views of calm waters the color of lapis lazuli. There are forest preserves, winding roads and breath-taking cliffs. When darkness veils the natural beauty, there are city lights to enhance the evening."

 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

 In terms of diversity in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands have it all. According to Keith Dawson, the Public Relations Manager for the BVI Tourist Board, each island offers something unique. "All the islands have a different look and appeal. We have hills, rugged coastland looks, harbors and beautiful white sand beaches." Right now, filming is taking place on the islands for a new Fox reality show, The Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best. The show is set to premiere in November. MTV Cribs has also been filming a promo for the Fox show, this time showing off the house of Richard Branson. The British Virgin Islands have also been keeping busy with local lifestyle and travel programs that cover destination features on the BVI.

 In terms of costs to film in the BVI, Dawson states, "There are no location fees, and we primarily waive filming fees, although we do require temporary work permits. Work permits are $50 dollars per person, and entry permits are $25 dollars per person." With no fee to film, the BVI is set to be very accommodating. They offer hotels, transportation, seaports and an airport. "Everything is relatively hassle free. All you have to do is contact the film commission, and we will in turn contact the government and semi-private companies that you would need to deal with. We facilitate that whole process." Dawson says.

 But how does one get around to all these islands? "We offer ferry rides or boats for rent. The islands are not that far apart. The farthest distance is 10 miles, but the average is about 3-4 miles between each island." Dawson assures.

 In terms of disadvantages of filming in the British Virgin Islands, there is no direct flight that flies to the BVI and during hurricane season, which is June through November, rains and winds are very sporadic. Dawson says you can get lucky though, "Just yesterday a local production had a shoot. It rained in the morning, cleared up for the shoot, the shoot wrapped and it started raining again." With tropical weather you can expect rain to come and go, but it never rains all day. But with every bad is a good: The average temperature in the BVI is about 85 degrees.

 With so much diversity and sunshine, what is Dawson's outlook for the future? "The Tourist Board is now hiring someone who will be the official film office manager. With a person who is dedicated to filming, I think it will enhance film promotion and activity." Dawson says handling filming issues is just one of his jobs, and by having someone focus on all the film aspects, there will be a positive difference that will in turn be great for the economy and the film industry.

 TRINIDAD-TOBAGO

 Ismail Merchant of Merchant-Ivory Productions loved shooting on the Trinidad-Tobago islands. Carla Foderingham, manager of Film and Entertainment - Trinidad and Tobago Film, explains that Merchant is not the only one to have a positive experience filming there. "Trinidad and Tobago are amazingly different from the typical Caribbean islands because of the variety of contrasting locations in such close proximity. There are diverse and unique landscapes, and flora and fauna that more closely resemble that of South and Latin America." There are waterfalls, rainforests and deserted sandy beaches. In addition to a variety of landscapes, there are cityscapes, mosques, temples and island villas for location specifics. Foderingham believes producers should know that in addition to the excellent offerings of locations, Trinidad and Tobago have a highly artistic and creative skilled labor force with a growing number of professionals in art production and editing facilities.

 "We have a rainy season, from June to December," says Foderingham, "but the rain falls usually in the afternoon so shoots can be scheduled around that factor. In February and March, there is an annual festival called 'Carnival' and the capital, Port of Spain, is extremely busy with tourists, parties and musicians. Visiting crews might be distracted by all the local fun."

 With daily flights from the U.S.A., Canada and Europe, crew travel and equipment is easily facilitated. Producers might be surprised to learn that in addition to ease of travel and transportation of equipment, a competitive foreign rate of exchange lowers the cost of production (U.S. $1 to TT $6.30). Combine those incentives with Trinidad-Tobago's well-developed partnerships between government agencies and the private sector, "and you have an ideal setting for producers," says Foderingham.

 Equipment is available on the island and can be imported from Miami and/or Venezuela. Miami is four flying hours away and Venezuela is one hour away with daily flights. Located in the media heart of the twin-island republic, Visual Art and Production, Ltd., is one of the leading production houses offering a wide array of production and post-production services. "We pride ourselves," says operations manager Lisa Bento, "on being a one-stop shop and offer full pre and post-production services with access to other services related to the communications/broadcast industry." C.E.O./director Tim Mora adds, "Visual Art is one of the leading production houses employing some of the most talented people in the local industry and Caribbean region. We offer clients a wide array of top-quality production and post-production options, from broadcast shooting on 35 mm film and digital betacam (one of the highest quality video formats available), to uncompressed non-linear editing and Internet streaming as well as CD-ROM and DVD authoring and encoding services."

 There is no charge for permits, which are available from the Trinidad and Tobago Film Commission; however, location fees vary from $50 to $150 (U.S.) in some special instances. Speaking of locations, Foderingham adds that the twin islands can double for India, Africa and the island territories. Among the films shot in Trinidad-Tobago are Calypso Dreams (2002), The Mystic Masseur (2001), Swiss Family Robinson with Dorothy McGuire (1960) and Fire Down Below with Rita Hayworth and Robert Mitchum (1957).

 Douglas Dresser, second unit production manager on Cave, which shot recently on the Mayan Riviera of Cancun in the Caribbean and also worked on a print shoot with Gwyneth Paltrow for Marie Claire magazine in Belize. He's scouted a variety of Caribbean and Bahamas terrain, including New Providence in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, the Belizean cays, the Guatemalan coast, the Yucatan, and an assortment of mountains on the sea and coral reefs. Dresser's experience in the Caribbean has taught him that "when it comes to shipping and customs, always be prepared to spend more money and time than you'd planned. Boats and water always take double the amount of time to shoot than other things. And then there's the weather! It can be very unpredictable."

 That's an understatement for Dresser, who's worked his way through several hurricanes. "Once I was on a location job for Marie Claire magazine. Long before Survivor, MC had Gwyneth Paltrow write an article about being stranded on a deserted island. For three days she was completely alone. I scouted the southern cays of Belize for two weeks and found the perfect island for her adventure. There were flowers, fish, coconuts, a gorgeous reef, and swaying palms. Ms. Paltrow flew in to Belize City, and we boarded a fast boat to take us to the island. As we were on our way, the sky turned black and the seas turned from calm and sunny to a foot swell. By the time we got to the island, we were on the tail end of a hurricane. Everyone was sick, including the crew from the boat. We overnighted on a 40-foot sailboat that was being whipped and tossed like a toy boat in a Jacuzzi tub. When we went to the island the next day, all of the flowers were gone, the reef was covered in storm surge, and many of the palms were uprooted. It was far from the island dream I had sold to the client in New York. The good thing was that Ms. Paltrow didn't complain and went on and did her duty on the island with no regrets. She built a shelter and waited out a few more storms on her own. She was a champion and she wrote a great article, too. That was a lesson learned for me. The islands can change in 30 minutes. One day an island is a dream, the next a survival adventure."

 Dresser also learned that "everything is hard to get on the islands, except sand and salt water, and everything is more expensive. And 90% of all the film equipment we needed (including trucks, trailers and gear) had to be shipped in. It's very expensive to do an island shoot, because of water travel and resort prices. But I'd go back to the islands anytime. There's something about watching a sunrise or doing a tech scout in bare feet, that makes it all worthwhile. It's tough to double for paradise on a back lot."