entertainment

Panama looking for more films

Industry officials say that the country needs more technicians for the film industry to grow here.

The government plans to start offering courses in television and film production.

LA PRENSA

Action:The government plans to fund film courses.977611

With the current excitement of the new James Bond movie being filmed here, officials are hoping to capitalize on the exposure to boost Panama's fledgling film industry.

But that will take more than saying lights, camera, action.

Juan Planells, director of the Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional y Capacitación para el Desarrollo Humano (Inadeh), said there is a lack of qualified people to work on the technical aspects of filmmaking. Filling that void, he said, would make Panama much more attractive to production companies.

In the coming months, the Sistema Estatal de Radio y Televisión (SERTV) plans to begin offering courses in film production. The program, which will cost an estimated $3 million, is awaiting presidential approval.

Luis Pacheco, president of the Asociación Cinematográfica de Panamá (Asocine), has supported these courses, which will be jointly organized by the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (Inac) and the Instituto Panameño de Turismo (Ipat).

Pacheco said that a major motion picture can inject millions of dollars into the local economy by providing jobs, as well as by creating business for hotels and restaurants.

The country also benefits by getting free exposure.

While the James Bond movie is receiving top billing, it isn't the only show being filmed in Panama. Production company Jaguar Films is working on an adaptation of the work "Gauguin y El Canal," by Frank Spano.