Local production group engaged in filmmaking

By Kareem Smith

Some Barbadian filmmakers are attempting to take the industry to another level in the midst of one of the most difficult periods for entertainment.

In a recent interview, creative director of Boardhouse Productions, Stockton Miller, revealed that his group of creatives was in the process of developing a number of exciting films, including a horror, which they are preparing to have distributed internationally.

Miller told Barbados TODAY that the group has been given the unique opportunity to participate in an anthology film series hosted by film distribution and media production company PlayNowMedia, with a film entitled Into the Darkness.

The Fairfield, Connecticut-based company began as a streaming service, but currently owns 35 channels and has contracts with Dish Network, Redbox and Netflix.

It will be the only film in the series produced outside of the United States of America and will feature a full local cast and crew. The National Cultural Foundation, through its technical assistance fund that was rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided the financing to cover all of the necessary equipment. To raise the remaining monies however, BoardHouse Productions has launched a crowdfunding campaign that started on May 21st.

“We are raising the funds, because we want to make sure we produce something of quality. In Barbados we know we have people that deal with lighting and audio, so we plan to bring those people onto our team,” Miller told Barbados TODAY.

“Right now, during COVID-19 many creatives aren’t doing anything or making money, so we are trying to do this to raise the funds so we can bring on people so that at least, they can get some money in their pockets and be part of something historic,” the filmmaker added.

The short film is a zombie movie that zeroes in on the struggle of a father and daughter who are contending with a mysterious virus. According to Miller, it also touches on fundamental issues like love and teenage pregnancy.

“I was told depending on the quality of this film, [PlayNowMedia] can push this as far as they can. I don’t have to worry about distribution and you know as bajan filmmakers, that is the one thing we have problems with.

It is so hard for us to get the cinemas to show our movies, so we have to self distribute. But with this company, because they are a distribution company, they are distributing it,” Miller explained.

In addition to horror films, the team will also be working on numerous other productions, including a Barbadian comedy entitled Pants and Shirt and Rebellion Song, which is a historical drama based on the 1647 slave rebellion in Speightstown, St Peter.

Brandon Blackman, one of Boardhouse Production’s outstanding male actors described the undertaking as a potential “game changer” for Barbadian actors who do not get exposure on international platforms.

On a personal level, he said the project provides an opportunity to showcase new facets of his acting ability in an environment that has been very difficult for creatives to thrive.

“I believe in our team and I believe in the talent that Barbados has and I truthfully believe once we come together and put our heads together, I believe this thing can go across the world and it will not only bring more opportunities for us as creators, but it would make Barbados a hub for more international movies, because not only do we have the talent, but Barbados is a beautiful island, filled with lots of history that people can incorporate into their films,” he said.

Actor and acting coach Dy Browne, who is the producer of “Pants and Shirt”, said the last 16 months of COVID-19 have been extremely difficult and he was eager to pursue new opportunities.

“From July to December, I was actually making a living as a standup comedian, but then the second lockdown came and it has been very dread to be honest.

I did get some money from the COVID grant that NCF was doing…but basically it has been dread, because I can’t do shows and that has been hampering me a lot,” Browne revealed.

“We as bajan filmmakers realise we have to team up. Film is a team effort, so we are teaming up and going forward,” he added. (kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)