The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Natalie O. Hodge as Film Commissioner effective May 17, 2021.  Ms. Hodge, who most recently served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer with the Government of the Virgin Islands, is responsible for establishing and maintaining a close working relationship with the BVI Tourist Board, ensuring that the vision, mission & goals of the BVI Film Commission, are aligned to those of the BVI Tourist Board.  She will be responsible for identifying the key film and photography industry players, as well as senior industry executives locally, regionally and internationally, while fostering and developing strategic networks and relationships with them.

She will also work along with the Board’s Advertising, Marketing and/or Public Relations Agency on decisions regarding key publications to be advertised in and ensuring that such media can reach the BVI Film Commission’s market target audience. 

As the Film Commissioner, Ms. Hodge will also identify opportunities where the Film Commission’s work can be leveraged to benefit the BVI, coordinate location shoots, and liaise with governmental and community resources, as well as local production companies and service providers. She will ensure that local assets and resources are used, and developed, by all productions wherever possible.  In addition, Ms. Hodge will oversee the development, functionality and daily operations of the Film Commission’s website, social media platforms and Digital Locations Library while working closely with the Web Provider to ensure the site meets the Film Commission’s needs.

Commenting on the appointment, Director of Tourism and former Film Commissioner Clive McCoy said, “There is tremendous potential for the further development of the Territory as a location for film and photography projects.  We believe that Ms. Hodge has the requisite skillset to both assist with the development of the local film industry as well as take the lead in bringing projects to the BVI that will stimulate a broad base of economic activity.”

Ms. Hodge has successfully completed all the required coursework including the Master Classes as mandated by the Association of Film Commissioners International.  She has a Master’s Degree

in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Media Productions from American InterContinental University in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her other qualifications include, certificates in Strategic Management, Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills.

Ms. Hodge has a wide range of professional experience with various production companies including Tyler Perry Studios, Rainforest Films, No Regrets Productions, Blue Lion Club Productions, Tillymann Productions, Martha Munizzi Ministries & Symmetry Entertainment, Great Fortune Films, and Breakdown Productions LLC, where she has held positions ranging from Production Assistant to Production Secretary.  She is also experienced in social media management and public relations.

The BVI Film Commission can be contacted at 284-852-6020 or email:info@bvifilm.com.

About the British Virgin Islands Film Commission

The BVI Film Commission (BVIFC) was established in 1992 to regulate film production activity in the Territory, market the BVI as a premier film production location and to foster the development of local production activity and related professional services in the Territory. The BVIFC actively seeks and facilitates a wide cross-section of production types and has built a reputation for the provision of seamless location services. Over the years, the BVIFC has been the location for numerous productions including feature films, catalogue shoots, television commercials, documentaries, print ads and music videos.  Some of the BVI’s notable production credits include: Gilette, Sports Illustrated, Calvin Klein, Rescue 911, Muppet Treasure Island (movie), Pain Killer music video by Little Big Town, Victoria’s Secrets and National Geographic.

About the British Virgin Islands

Known as a treasured destination rich in undiscovered experiences, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an alluring archipelago comprising 60 islands and cays located in the north-eastern region of the Caribbean Sea. With plentiful private villas and luxury boutique resorts, there is no shortage of accommodations from which to choose, whether for leisure or MICE (meetings, events and incentives) travel. The BVI has long been hailed as the sailing capital of the world for its line-of-sight sailing, myriad boat charter options (bareboat, crewed, powered, traditional hoisted sail) and an array of experiences catering specially to yachties. The BVI is continually recognized with accolades including “Top Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2020, placing #2 on The New York Times' coveted "52 places to Go in 2020' list and ranking "#1 Best Place to Visit in the Caribbean" by U.S. News & World Report in 2017, 2018 and 2019. For more information on how to experience BVILOVE, visit the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.