By Andrew Clunis,
Freelance Writer
JAMAICA'S BURGEONING film industry is making great contributions to the wider film world. Our local folk are frequently called upon to assist with international projects and director of film at JAMPRO, Del Crooks, said requests for Jamaicans to work on foreign projects both overseas and on the island are increasing.
"People would be surprised at the high level of proficiency which our local people possess. Our technical people are highly rated in the international film sphere and that gives Jamaica an advantage, because people want to work where they have the requisite levels of expertise readily available.
"Whenever we get that call from someone who is looking at Jamaica as a film destination, we encourage them to use the talent we have here," she said.
Jamaicans are desired in the dressing rooms as well and several make-up artistes, costume designers and hair stylists have worked with international and local stars. For example, Carol Reid, who does make-up for the local television soap Royal Palm Estate and local sitcom Traxx, braided tennis star Serena Williams' hair for the US. Open.
"We didn't get to Venus, because she continued to win and didn't get a break to have her hair done. My cousins have a salon in Miami that specialises in natural hair. Serena and Venus had asked them just before Wimbledon to do their hair but it didn't work out.
"I was passing through Florida and I just mentioned that I would love to do their hair. I got a chance to speak to them and that was how my sister and I did Serena's.
"We gave her the 'dream braid' as a complimentary do. She has asked for it to be done again in a month's time, but this time I will invite them to Jamaica to get it done," Reid told Showtime.
She has done make-up and hair for international film stars Jasmine Guy, Angela Bassett and others.
Myrna Lawton and Cecile Burrowes are also two prominent persons in the field who work with the big names. Natalie Thompson is preferred as a line producer by most film companies who work on the island. She is also called on from time to time to work on projects overseas. Despite the great talent base which exists in Jamaica, many of whom have learnt through their experiences of working locally, there is the feeling that the film industry is in need of proper, structured development.
Local film pioneer Lennie Little-White told Showtime that the talent base in Jamaica is remarkable and it was amazing what locals could do on a shoe-string budget compared to their foreign counterparts.
Development
"Looking at what we possess naturally, there is great room for development, but we have to put systems in place to attract investors," he said.
Mrs. Crooks said there were many Jamaicans working in the mainstream of Hollywood, who were declaring their heritage.
"Jamerican actress Sheryl Lee Ralph was telling me the other day that Vanessa Williams has declared her Jamaican roots as her mother is Jamaican. People are now owning their ancestry because of the proud history we have created and the wealth of talent they see here. That means well for the film business on the island," she said.
Home-grown Jamaican actors have been making their presence felt internationally as well, with Paul Campbell appearing in the film Fire with several major African actors. Lois Kelly-Barrows appeared in 1998's smash movie Meet Joe Black starring Brad Pitt. People like Grace Jones, Sheryl Lee-Ralph and the late Madge Sinclair have made Jamaica proud internationally.
Mrs. Crooks said her department was having discussions with a view to signing a film co-production treaty with the Canadian government.
"This will make funds available both from local government and foreign governments," she said.
Lukkee Chong is a member of the Jamaican film industry who has been able to stay on the island and project Jamaica's tastes and images to the world.
His Frame By Frame company creates products primarily for North American consumption. His works are also shown in Europe and western and southern Africa. Among the shows he produces in Jamaica for viewership of millions around the world are Jazz In The Sun aired on BET on Jazz and Island Stylee, which is distributed by BET International and is best known among locals as one of Air Jamaica's inflight features.
Potential
He also believes there is tremendous potential for Jamaican film and video in the international market. In fact, he has his own sights set on Hollywood, as he has a project in the making which is being designed for the big silver screen.
Myrna Lawton, a local make-up artiste and costume designer, said the reason Jamaicans were continuously requested by foreign filmmakers, had to do with the level of professionalism and dedication displayed.
But she added that although local services were well sought after, providers were not well paid.
"That just blows me away, because our counterparts will get three times as much as we do," she explained.
Film producer Carolyn Pfeiffer-Bradshaw has worked on about 15 features so far and several have used Jamaican crews.
"Oh, they can fit in anywhere in the world," she beamed. She now runs a film school in Los Angeles and has pledged to train Jamaican youth there who have an interest in film. Andre Bidwell graduated last year with honours in sound and cinematography, while Storm Saulter is presently doing a directing course.
"Since the school started more and more Jamaicans have been approaching us. We are trying to keep at least one Jamaican student going at all times," said Pfeiffer-Bradshaw.
She added that although Jamaican film crews were worldclass, there needed to be training in some areas. "With the extra touch, Jamaican talent could work alongside the best in the States," she told Showtime
Little-White said that with financial support, the local film industry could attain the desired international standards.
"The resources are just not there in terms of attaining quality. Right now we are trying to persuade the government to change the Motion Picture Encouragement Act to give more incentives to investors. Until we change that, we'll continue to batter around the place," he concluded.
