From left, the PAR founders: Galfrie Balgrove, Vivenne Chance, Paul Campbell and Adrian Allen. - Contributed

Jamaican actor Paul Campbell isn't one to mess with. Campbell, who often portrays rogue characters on the wrong side of the law, had a brush with Hollywood favouritism when he was unfairly robbed of a role last year. However, instead of adapting his onscreen persona, Campbell used the experience as the impetus to start his own film company, PAR Pictures.

An independent motion picture film production company based in Florida, United States, PAR Pictures has produced two films starring Campbell - Heart of Summer and Where Sleeping Dogs Lie. The company is run by four Jamaicans - Campbell, Adrian Allen, Galfrie Balgrove and Vivienne Chance. In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Campbell discussed the company, its future and his two latest projects.

"The idea for PAR came out of wanting to do something for myself to be paid for all the hard work that I do. I came together with the others who are all living in Florida, who are all Jamaicans and who all have expertise in different areas," said Campbell. This was eight months ago. The company's first film, Heart of Summer, is already in post-production after being shot in Miami.

Playing the 'bad boy'

In Heart of Summer, a romantic drama, Campbell deviates from the typical bad boy roles that made him popular in films such as Dancehall Queen, Shottas and Third World Cop. In his new role, he plays a staunch Christian father who tries to protect his daughter, Naomi, who has recently fallen in love with a young man - Omari. Pulse model Oraine Barrett makes his debut in film as a friend of Omari.

For an actor who is used to playing roles on the 'dark side', Campbell said this role wasn't a far stretch as he used his memories of an uncle who was similar to his character. For Campbell, however, playing the 'bad boy' is always exciting.

"I love the bad-man role. It's very unpredictable and you can always have fun with it cause you never know what he will do next," he said.

PAR is hoping to release Heart of Summer this summer on HBO, which has expressed an interest in the movie. It will also be available on the internet.

Suspense thriller

The company's next project, Where Sleeping Dogs Lie, will begin filming in March in Miami and Los Angeles. A psychological suspense thriller, the film was created by Campbell, who also stars in it. Also in the film are Leon Robinson from Cool Runnings and Steven Bauer from the classic gangster film, Scarface.

"It's about a man who harbours grudges and hate, justifiably so. He went on a robbery spree and was caught and his friends sold him out," Campbell stated.

For PAR Pictures, Campbell sees a bright future, one that reflects films that appeal to a worldwide audience, but still reflects its urban/Caribbean roots.

"I needed a chance as a young actor so we want to give chances to new talent," Campbell pointed out. "My partner Balgrove is coming to Jamaica where he will seek out aspiring actors to become a part of the PAR family. I want to build Jamaica's film industry to make it viable in such a way that people can make a living from it. I applaud all the people who are trying. PAR Pictures is gonna change what's happening in the Caribbean."