Left to right, Spragga Benz and Paul Campbell An independent feature film, Shottas will begin casting on location in Jamaica on Thursday, March 15, starring several reggae and dancehall acts such as Spragga Benz, Matterhorn, Kymani Marley and Wyclef Jean, with cameo appearances from Lennox Lewis. Jamaican actor, Paul Campbell is also to be a part of the cast.
According to Jamaican script writer Cess Silvera, it will be an urban drama which will also be directed by him. The project will be the second for Access Film Company for which Silvera is executive producer.
In an interview with Showbiz, he disclosed: "This film will be my debut directional film. It is a drama about life in the streets of ghettos in Jamaica and America.
"It is an honest and intense depiction of what happens to young people, whose lives are complicated by crime, violence and greed."
Meanwhile, the company will be scouting in Jamaica next month for crew members to work on the project.
Silvera told Showbiz that his inspiration to write the script came after noticing similarities in both cultures and peoples of Jamaica and the United States of America.
But he was quick to point out that he did not "want this film to be classified as Jamaican, as it is a film for all persons."
While in Jamaica, Silvera will try to forge links with organisations and music personalities such as Shang Records, Specialist Dillon, music producer and artiste manager and Tony Kelly, producer.
By June the film is expected to be completed and ready for distribution and screenings. The soundtrack will be released in July.
J. W.
