“The Harder They Cluster”: The case of the Jamaican Film Industry

This study investigates the Jamaican film industry to assess its potential as a film production cluster and identifies the characteristics that influence this development. The main research question guiding this inquiry is: What is the process of creating a film production cluster in Jamaica? A Small Island Developing State, this research on Jamaica provides a model for future cluster research in similar locations. The research employed a qualitative approach, conducting 19 in-depth interviews with experts in the Jamaican film industry, including freelance workers, writers, producers, directors, and managers of production companies. These interviews, combined with a seven-parameter framework of media clusters developed by Komorowski (2016), provided valuable insights into the conditions necessary for the advancement of a robust film production cluster. The framework identifies key cluster principles including the presence of media entities which include workers, institutions and communities; as well as the characteristics of seven parameters consisting of; place, proximity, population, profile, path-dependency, policy and performance. The analysis revealed a complex interplay between the parameters, in particular those to do with, policy, population, proximity, and profile. While there are strong collaborative networks, they are often limited by cliques and gatekeepers. Equally, the study highlights perceived policy inconsistencies and a lack of governmental and private sector support, which hinder growth. Jamaica has a skilled film workforce - although it is limited; and while there are concerns about the limited training opportunities, individual entrepreneurship in the film industry is evident. Despite examples of entrepreneurship, local film production at the time of this research does not have a consistent style aesthetic, due in part, to many fragments remaining informal in nature. Despite these challenges, there is significant potential for a film production cluster to benefit the economy and national culture. Specific metrics for success were developed in line with Jamaica’s development goals in line and SIDS priority action areas to appropriately assess. This study provides key recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in Jamaica. These suggestions specifically recommend strengthening existing collaborative networks, implementing local content quotas, advancing educational and skills training programs, incentivizing private sector investment and supporting further research. It is argued through the integration of targeted support and strategic initiatives, Jamaica can cultivate a thriving film industry cluster that contributes to national pride, economic growth, and international awareness. This research contributes to the understanding of film production clusters in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and presents structure suggestions and further research areas for future study.