THE CREATIVE Production and Training Centre Limited (CPTC) has successfully steered its way through the challenging application process of the EU/ACP ACP Films Programme to secure a grant of €68,550 to facilitate advanced training in film/video production techniques.

The application was submitted to meet a deadline of September 5, 2008, and resulted in an advice in January 2009 that the CPTC had passed the first phase and further information was required to move to the next phase. This was completed and resulted in the completion of contract signing in late July 2009.

The project will enable the Media Technology Institute (MTI) of the CPTC to deliver four advanced training programmes in lighting, directing, digital editing and production management.

No tuition fees

The first three areas of instruction will be provided by the London Film School, and the fourth by Maxine Walters, noted Jamaican manager of film productions. The grant will enable attendees to participate in the programme without paying tuition fees.

"This will be a great boost for skills enhancement in Jamaica, since for the first time, this level of instruction will not only be provided without major expense, but will be provided right here in Jamaica through the CPTC and its MTI. In addition, this will enable a prototype to be developed so that this level of instruction can be provided through the MTI with the London Film School. "We will extend an invitation to our Caribbean brothers to participate in the programmes, which will be held between November 2009 and March 2010," says CPTC CEO, Angela Patterson.

Patterson also commented on the fact that the application required partnership commitments from Jamaica Trade and Invest, which will assist with project management, and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, which will assist with promoting the courses among Caribbean Broadcasters. Assistance in completing the application was provided by the Visual and Performing Arts Cluster of Jamaica.

This is a major achievement for the CPTC, as this is the first time that any Caribbean entity has been successful in securing funding through this grant process from the EC.

"Here is a further demonstration of the high regard that CPTC can demand and receive in international circles, and it feels good that Jamaica can once again produce such institutions," says Patterson.