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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Bahamian filmmakers, Travon Patton and Tracy-Ann Perpall, are pictured with Clarence Rolle (center), general manager of the Bahamas Film Commission, at Caribbean Tales Incubator's big pitch event.
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Bahamian filmmakers competed as finalists in the Caribbean Tales Incubator program for the chance to have their film projects financed by film investors.
Travon Patton and Tracy-Ann Perpall took part in the initiative that spanned several months and culminated in Toronto during the same time as the 40th edition the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It was the perfect environment for building skills and networking with high performers in the film industry, said Clarence Rolle, general manager of the Bahamas Film Commission, who supported the filmmakers at the event.
"This is still one of the most influential film festivals in the world," said Rolle. "In addition to supporting our filmmakers, it is important for the Bahamas Film & Television Commission to be here so that we can maintain a presence in the industry marketplaces. This is one of the places where we meet influential persons who decide where a film gets made. So we have the opportunity to tell them in person how our location can enhance what they want to do creatively and in terms of meeting their business goals."
The Bahamian filmmakers were among eight teams invited to receive mentorship from filmmakers and executives who guided them in marketing, scriptwriting, producing and several other areas. At the end of their mentorship, the teams pitched ideas for their productions to industry leaders and festival guests. Although they were not selected as the winning team, Perpall said the experience increased their knowledge of the industry.
"A lot of it was in relation to going back and building your own industries in your country and also how you can exchange ideas to promote your countries and the tools and vehicles you can use to promote your country through film and television," she said. "I am really looking forward to taking the knowledge that I learned here and sharing with people back home."
Perpall and Patton said they made significant contacts with filmmakers and investors from the Caribbean and other regions. They said The Bahamas should not undervalue the work that Bahamian filmmakers are doing because many people from outside The Bahamas are impressed by Bahamian films and willing to work with Bahamian filmmakers.
"Our industry may not be as recognized as other Caribbean nations such as Trinidad, Jamaica or those of the French persuasion, but I think we are on to something," said Patton. "I think we have great filmmakers and the next time Bahamian filmmakers come here, we are going to be known for coming out with strong projects."
This year's Incubator winner was Guadeloupe's Mariette Monpierre for French Girl, NYC. Second place went to Rommel and Karen Hall and Shane Holford of Barbados for the television series Abiola.
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