MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Arthur Wylie of Global Renaissance Entertainment Group and Michael Rollins, director of Rose Hall Developments Ltd, will partner with the island of Jamaica to produce an epic trilogy of films based on the legend of Annie Palmer – The White Witch Of Rose Hall.
Details were announced recently at a press conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The fact-based supernatural thrillers will be written and executive produced by Jeffrey Reddick, creator of the $650 million Final Destination franchise.
The trilogy will be produced by CEO Wylie and COO Dale Godboldo for Global Renaissance Entertainment Group, and co-executive produced by Rollins, owner of the Rose Hall Estate in Montego Bay.
Stephanie Denton, former president of international sales and distribution for Lionsgate, will handle worldwide distribution for the films, levering her success with Underworld, Saw and Hostel.
The first film is in development with an estimated production budget of $20 to $30 million and will begin shooting next year in Jamaica. The trilogy adds to the catalogue of Global’s multi-picture deal with Reddick, which includes the upcoming Superstition franchise.
White Witch of Rose Hall is based on a well-known story in Jamaica about Annie Palmer – an English-Irish woman born in Haiti in the early 1800s. When her parents died of yellow fever, she was adopted by a nanny who taught her to practise witchcraft and voodoo.
She moved to Jamaica and married John Palmer, owner of Rose Hall Plantation. Annie murdered Palmer along with two subsequent husbands and numerous male plantation slaves. Annie’s spirit is believed to haunt the Great House of Rose Hall to this day.
“I am honoured to collaborate with Michael and his family on a project that pulls from such a rich culture and vivid history,” said Wylie. “We not only share a love for Jamaica and commitment to paying homage to this extraordinary tale, the Rollins also bring an unparalleled level of enthusiasm and business acumen that stems from building a billion-dollar empire from industries as varied as real estate, casinos, and hotels.”
“Jamaica has been near and dear to my heart,” said Rollins. “To have a project like this, from Jamaica, filmed in Jamaica, is something that our family has been working to realize for over 50 years now. I’m excited to be working with Arthur, Jeffrey and Dale to finally make it a reality.”
The producers are working hand in hand with JAMPRO, an organization that works closely with local and global entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the many investment and trade opportunities in Jamaica. Global’s goal is to bring additional film opportunities to Jamaica while providing employment opportunities for its residents.
“JAMPRO is pleased to be associated with a project of this magnitude,” says Carole Beckford, film commissioner. “The impact it can have on the local industry is incredible and we anticipate a great working relationship with the team. We look forward to the end result.”
To mark the announcement of the films, Global Renaissance invited U.S. and local media, business associates, investors and other VIPs to a weekend filled with activities centered on the celebration of Jamaica.
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