By Andrew Clunis, Freelance Writer
SHOOTING of a new urban flick will begin in Jamaica within a few weeks.
The film, called Shottas is being produced by Access Entertainment, a Miami-based company run by Cess Silvera, a Jamaican of St. Mary extract. The film will be shot in parts in various inner-city communities in Kingston, in the hills of St. Andrew overlooking the city and in America, in South Beach, Miami and Washington DC.
Essentially, the film details the life of inner-city youth, their trials and successes. From the script, it appears it will be a hard bit of reality derived from the stories of those who have gone in search of greener pastures.
A number of Jamaican actors have already been assigned roles and others are lining up for additional casting for minor parts. Top flight DJ Spragga Benz will make his major film debut. He had a minor part in Third World Cop but Shottas will give him an opportunity to prove whatever acting skills he has. The cast for Shottas is perhaps its strongest pre-production element. Leading roles will be played by Kymani Marley, Paul Campbell and Louie Ranking while world boxing champion Lennox Lewis will appear in cameo.
Incidentally, Paul Campbell will be going back to his 'bad boy' role which catapulted him to greater heights in Dancehall Queen. Campbell has had major roles in most of the movies done locally and has established himself as a major talent.
From all indications, major investment is being thrown into this production. The fact that it will be shot on 35 mm film indicates that Silvera is going all out to achieve a product which will stand up on the North American circuit.
The film industry has slowed down considerably in Jamaica in recent times. Over the past few years we have done Dancehall Queen and Third World Cop as full local productions. But then, the island was used in other movies, including "How Stella Got Her Groove Back". We are not hosting as many of those films as we used to and the fact is that the entire Caribbean has fallen in line. Other countries have established film commissions and are offering incentives to major companies, so Jamaica's lure has been significantly diminished.
We need to encourage people like Silvera who have a vested interest in Jamaica, to come here and work on their projects. Let's hope that JAMPRO is being full facilitators and that the producers will benefit from all the assistance that has been given to other film makers, and as stipulated under law.
Carolyn Pfeiffer-Bradshaw who now runs the LA Film School has said that Jamaica has great wealth in theatrical and technical talent. If opportunities are not provided, we'll end up with a serious constipation of talent and creative energies. We need to find ways to encourage more film productions here one sure way is to amend the motion picture industry encouragement act, to provide greater incentives for film makers. Encourage local companies to sponsor film production by offering them tax incentives.
The fact is, if we utilise this natural backdrop which is our island effectively, we would be creating jobs for hundreds of youth and offering opportunities to those who wish to pursue careers in film and other areas of the dramatic arts.
Cess Silvera says his dream is to create new Jamaican stars. From where I sit, Silvera seems to be in a position to undertake his projects in America. He has chosen Jamaica because of his unadulterated love for his homeland. We should welcome him warmly. He plans to do four other films between this year and next year and Jamaica should seek to capitalise as much as possible from this.
Queries and comments: andrewclunis@hotmail.com
