US-based Fox TV network is reportedly working with local promotions agency Jampro on the filming of a reality show series in Jamaica.

Sources close to the local film industry estimate that Fox is spending in the region of US$7 million on the project, and according to the sources the reality show is providing employment for 150 Jamaicans.

When contacted, Film Commission officials offered no comments on whether there was such a project taking place in Portland. However the Observer sources advised that although the locations were being held secret, the project would be aired as Forever Eden on the Fox TV network.

The first of two episodes of the series, for what tourism industry sources see as an opportunity to promote Jamaica, was shown on Fox TV last Monday (March 1) and the other was aired on Tuesday. The regular series will begin on Thursday, March 18.

"Because it is a reality show, no local actors will be involved. They (Fox) brought down their own contestants, but have hired a large number of Jamaican film professionals who are also being asked to keep the project confidential until Fox reveals the location at a later date on US national television," one of the Observer sources said.

The Forever Eden series of 25 shows which is fashioned off a similar one filmed in Mexico a year ago, called Hotel Paradise, will not actually mention Jamaica as the location, but from products that will be used it will be obvious to most that Jamaica is indeed the location.

"What you'll see is Jamaican products such as Red Stripe Beer," the Observer source said.

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