Photo caption: Stakeholders at the meeting on Monday 10th July, 2017.
In the final part of this article, we adddress questions on CONNECTING WITHIN THE SECTOR
- Are there opportunities for sync arrangements between artists and film makers?
- In the short term, we would suggest using the Production Directory, meet other film makers and producers at ttff, and attend other such events to meet other content creators. In the near future, FilmTT aims to create more opportunities for international and local networking and connecting through comprehensive capacity building programmes.
- Do film makers typically seek out local music to accompany their films? If so, then where do they source their music and what obstacles are there in sourcing music?
- Not sure, this would be a question to pose to producers and directors. If you are a composer with some experience in the field, I would suggest offering your services on FilmTT’s Production Directory.
- How do people get into film production crews "work" and if you are creating a film could you list the resource "human + equipment" availability there is in Trinidad, also the information on filming in Trinidad and Tobago the red tape so to speak …. Like filming in some parts of the country is not allowed or you need permits which deter filmmakers.
- FilmTT could in the future create some kind of central space for information about upcoming productions. In the short term, we recognise that it is about being connected in the sector, people working on the ground know who is doing what, but such informality doesn’t necessarily encourage or foster growth. So, we will note the feedback and look at the creation of some central point of information for productions.
- Also, the need for permits is not something that should deter filmmakers; this is part of an internationally-accepted system that allows for tracking of productions, data collection, and accounting for what is actually taking place in the sector. This is one of the reasons we currently have gaps in data collection, and will be aiming to address this in the future. We will be working to ensure that as many locations as possible are open to locations production, but there must be clear systems in place for tracking and for protection.
- What advice would you have for someone attempting to make a movie on a budget?
- This is being done. Look for collaborators with whom you can work on multiple projects; consider the slate approach. And continue to learn your field and your craft.
- What can we do to support each other? (The aspiring film makers, directors, actors etc).
- A real and accepted way to make independent films is through the collective approach: working with a group to pool resources and work on each other’s projects.
- Be encouraging to other T&T producers who are finding their way; look for ways to collaborate, offer your services either through preferred rates or barter.
Click here to read the previous 3 articles in this series.
Photo courtesy: Bain Photography.