First cohort of inaugural Business of Film course graduate

Minister Of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports John King has urged the first cohort of the inaugural Business of Film course  to use their newly acquired knowledge for the improvement of the local film industry.

The six week programme, hosted by the Barbados Coalition Of Service Industries (BCSI), ran from March 11 to April 6. It was conceptualised by Lorna Garner and examined the business side of the multi-million dollar industry.

The programme was over-subscribed attracting up to 40 participants who were educated on a range of topics such as film marketing and publicity, intellectual property rights, legalities, accounting and more.

During his remarks at the graduation ceremony, King encouraged the filmmakers gathered not to waste the opportunities given to them.

“One thing I would ask of you is to do not waste this opportunity . . . This really is your time and if you don’t grasp it and make the best use of it you are going to dampen the opportunities of those coming behind you. So, it is important you take this as seriously as you can because you are not only here for yourselves but you are here pioneering for the younger set of people who might have the same aspirations as you do,” the former calypsonian said.

Meanwhile, programme facilitator Lorna Garner expressed she was extremely pleased with the large turn out of interested students and their commitment during the six week course.

She noted that despite the heavy course load, participants remained driven. However, the prominent film industry agent commented that island’s “emerging” film industry needed more scriptwriters.

“What I really want to see more of, and that is where the future is, the writing of scripts. I think the case of films and TV dramas it starts with a script. There are lots of writers in Barbados who are very good [and] they write books but I want to see them writing more film scripts,” Garner stressed.

She highlighted that the film industry was a hub for cultural and business activity and if done expertly would reap rewards for the county.

“The goal of this is for filmmakers and the public to realize that there is money in film not just the film producer but the actor writers music and the crew . . . We’re hoping that the making of films can be exported and bring income into the country.” (KK)