Town & Country Magazine features BVI in 12 page spread

Town & Country Magazine's visit to the BVI last December has resulted in a 12-page fashion spread in their March 2004 spring fashion issue. The issue showcases top models clad in colorful and attractive tropical fashion wear from high profile designers such as Vera Wang, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to the fashion spread, the magazine also features a one page editorial section on Little Dix Bay Resort. The producers of the magazine consulted the BVI Film Commission in early December indicating their interest in conducting a photo shoot in the territory. The 10 member crew arrived on December 6th and stayed at the Little Dix Bay Resort and Bitter End on Virgin Gorda until December 12th The crew also toured the islands, participated in several water sport activities, dined at various restaurants and enjoyed the BVI's nightlife entertainment. Town & Country photographed various Virgin Gorda locations for the fashion shoot. Town & Country Magazine is an upscale lifestyle publication based in New York City and owned by Hearst Magazines. It is published in North America with a circulation of about 450,000. According to Tourist Board Public Relations Manager Keith Dawson, "The BVI Film Commission's role is to promote the territory as a prime location for film and photography production, and also facilitate those productions. The BVI benefits from these commercials and photo shoots because of the services they engage while in the territory. For instance, Town & Country had to spend on meals, transportation and other location and production services and this does not include what individual crew members would spend since the magazine covers their expenses." The BVI Film commission was established in 1992 to actively encourage and facilitate film production activity in the British Virgin Islands. In 1994, the BVI Tourist Board became responsible for the operation of the Film Commission. Numerous television commercials and shows, magazines, catalogues, promotional videos and feature films have been shot on location in the BVI because of the BVI Film Commission's activities as well as the efforts of local production service companies. The Film Commission acts as a liaison between the film/photography producers and all relevant Government agencies, particularly Customs, Labour and Immigration Departments, National Parks Trust and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.