Miami, FLORIDA - 22 year old Bahamian filmmaker Jarrod A Knowles, is currently in his senior year studying Information Technology with Liberal Studies at Florida International University. It was there that his life took an interesting curve into film-making.
"What Lies Beyond...The Beginning" is a horror / comedy and Knowles may well be the first Bahamian to work in that genre with film-making. When asked why he chose that particular genre he said,"Horror
is typically one of the easier genres to produce, as far as competition
is concerned, because there aren't many great horror films. Moreover,
you usually don't need a huge budget, or big name actors."
Jarrod was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas and attended Kingsway Academy and Queens College as well as home-schooled for a year. When asked how the storyline came about he said, "
It all started with a script I wrote when I was a freshman in college.
One day, I decided I'd turn the words on the page into moving
pictures. I did not sleep well until the story was told, and
the vision was realized. I hosted a casting call, secured a familiar
location, hustled together some resources, and thus began my journey
into the film world."
Jarrod directing
"Having never attended film school, I was driven,
simply by my vision and I thrived off of the enthusiasm and knowledge of
the cast and crew. This experience taught me so much. More, than any school could ever teach me. 'Experience' is indeed the greatest teacher," said Knowles. "I
can certainly say that what I do is not meant for the faint of heart. I
am driven by my will to succeed, and that requires a unique level of
relentless tenacity and utter determination."
With this 'prequel' Knowles intends to give the audience a roller coaster experience, and hopes to cater to a wider audience. "Those who don't like horror can enjoy the humor and drama, and simply close their eyes during the horror violence," he said. "The humor in this film is indeed second to none. I credit this to a well written script and amazing actors who stepped up to the plate and enhanced the dialogue."
And as like any film-making, the work comes with the usual challenges, such as fundraising and managing the set within a tight to non-existing budget. Still in the post-production phase, and with another scene to be shot in The Bahamas (Nassau) on August 26th, 2012 the young filmmaker is seeking sponsorship. "I need $15,000, to successfully complete project," he said. Interested investors can reach out to Knowles via his contact details below.
Answering the call to assist are The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, and MP Leslie Miller.
"He is a talented young filmmaker with a bright future. He
is courageous to go beyond the common boarders and tackle a very
difficult film genre...horror," said Bahamas Film Commissioner, Craig Woods. "His script is well written, and he has
captured the true essence of the subject blending his own brand of cinema
with that of some legendary Hollywood filmmakers. With consistent
work and focus, his career as a filmmaker can only go to greater
heights. Keep your eyes on the prize, Jarrod."
Story-line of "What Lies Beyond...The Beginning":
After a year has passed, the Collegiate Ecosystem Association grants another research opportunity, but this time, not for money. Several college students decide to take part, given increased security, and the presence of a witty chaperone. A normal day once again ends in a killing spree and these potential victims must decide whether to fight
for their lives or fight to escape. Will there be any survivors left to tell the tale?
Cast and crew
Starring:
Addys M. Guerra | Jenny Marie Marrero | Joseph 'Texas' Akharoh | Harley Souza
Lexi De La Rosa | Adriana Scala | Zachary Dean | Masha Silberberg | Carlos M. Acevedo
Casting by Sheena Joy Chiong
VFX by Anthony Bernard
Music by Andrew Scott Foust
Audio Production by Louis Richner and Jessica Delcarpio
Edited by Anthony Bernard and Jarrod A Knowles
Make-up and Special Effects by Jennifer Majewski
First AD: Tristan John
Lighting and Key Grip: Fred Jean-Baptiste | Director of Photography: Joseph Ascioti
Associate Producers:
Ayman Elyasin | Kriston Moore | Sheena Joy | Michelo Milfort | Delphino Gilbert Cassar II
June Montanez | Devin Walker | Tristan John | Derek Dean | Giovanni Fernandez | Isabelle Mejia
Matthew Reid | Jordan Roberts | Christina Smith | Jeremy Kemp | Vaughn Simmons
Executive Producers:
Albrion Symonette Jr. | Houston Cypress | Franky Faze | Leslie Miller | Adonis Butler | Jarrod A Knowles
Full time student studying Information Technology film-making in his spare time - Jarrod Knowles on set of "What Lies Beyond..."
Written, Directed and Produced by JARROD A KNOWLES
*Currently seeking sponsorship! I need of $15,000, to successfully complete project. Willing to provide detailed budget, equity, etc.
Future Plans:
In their near future, I plan to complete my script for "Said & Done",
an action drama film following Susana Sherman, who, after having one of
the worst days of her life, comes home to find the one thing that
pushes her over the edge and triggers old habits from her dark past.
Moreover, I plan to re-shoot my original What Lies Beyond Film, in 2014
and complete the story. Furthermore, I wish to expand my current
company, into an agency, to help persons find work in the film industry
and help to sponsor filmmakers, whom are just getting started.
"I can certainly say that what I do is not meant for the faint of heart. I am driven by my will to succeed, and that requires a unique level of relentless tenacity and utter determination."- Jarrod Knowles