THE threat of a tropical wave did nothing to dampen the spirits on the set of the Rich and the Ruthless, the television film which was being shot at the Secrets Resort in Montego Bay recently.

Directed by Hollywood actress Victoria Rowell of The Young and the Restless fame, she is hoping the movie will develop into a television series.

“The storms did not affect our filming at all. When you are filming you always have alternatives, especially when you know weather is about to break. So because Secrets has a variety of restaurants, like the Piano Bar and Bordeaux where we were able to shoot, we shot at the Piano Bar with the indefatigable, legendary, wonderful Oliver Samuels. I had the privilege of being in a scene with him,” Rowell told the

Jamaica Observer during a break from the set.

Among the actors who were shooting in Montego Bay were Richard Brooks, whose acting credits include roles in Law and Order, NYPD Blue, and Being Mary Jane; Mykel Shannon Jenkins — Ugly Betty, The Bold and the Beautiful andGeneral Hospital and MTV regular, Alesha Renee.

According to Rowell, her decision to film in Jamaica was guided by her desire to support the local film community and the experience has been really rewarding.

She also wanted to take the opportunity to encourage other Hollywood producers to take advantage of what exists in Jamaica.

“The dilemma is, people are afraid to travel, and moreso now with all the crises going on in the world. But it is critical as a film-maker that you allow yourself to see the world. It is because I was brought to Jamaica in the ’80s as a photographer and artist that I knew I wanted to work here in Jamaica because it offers so much visually — not only the topography, but the architecture of Jamaica. They have to know that we have sound studios in Jamaica. We have film equipment — with Phase3 and others — we have make-up, hair and stylists. We have line producers, we have actors extraordinaire. Add to that, places like Secrets, The Courtleigh Hotels, Strawberry Hill. We have the interior with the Blue Mountains. We Have Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio… We have the world here in Jamaica.”

Rowell, however, stressed for the authorities to create the right environment for filmmakers to want to bring their projects here.

“I think it is very important that people not only consider making their movies and television shows here, but giving back to a country that has given the world so much already. But do not become a one-off. Don’t just come here and shoot and run out, but leave economy here. Leave an economic base here. We no longer want to see $800 million fly back and forth to either the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico. We want that $800 million to stay here in Jamaica. On the other side, you have to incentivise productions to come to Jamaica. I am profoundly grateful for Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ commitment to entertainment. I really believe that Jamaica can once again be a mecca for television and entertainment. I think that if we pull together it could be an extraordinary example of filmmaking in this part of the world,” said Rowell.

Her enthusiasm regarding Jamaica as a location for The Rich and the Ruthless was echoed by co-star Richard Brooks, who told the Observer that coming it was a no-brainer for him to decide to come to sign on to the project.

“I love it. I love it down here,” he stressed. “The crew has been really great, it’s a beautiful location… you really can’t ask for more. My first thought was I’m in. I don’t care what the deal is. Then I just loved the idea that the show could come back and actually be filmed here. I’ve been working on other shows myself that I want to bring to the Caribbean. So I feel like this is a great entree to this connection between black Hollywood and Jamaica,” said Brooks.