MEDIA ADVISORY: PRESS CONFERENCE - CARIBBEANTALES NEW YORK FILM SHOWCASE/CARIBBEAN WEEK IN NEW YORK/ BARBADOS TOURISM UPDATE

WHO: Founder and CEO of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, Frances-Anne Solomon; Lennox Price, Consul General of Barbados at New York; Sylma Brown-Bramble, Director of the Americas, Caribbean Tourism Organization; Campbell Rudder, Vice President of Marketing, Barbados Tourism Authority.
 
WHAT: Press Conference to announce The CaribbeanTales New York Film Showcase to be held during Caribbean Week in New York on Saturday, June 11; updates from the Caribbean Tourism Organization about the week's activities; and to introduce the new Vice President of Marketing of the Barbados Tourism Authority.
 
WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 5 p.m.
 
WHERE: Consulate General of Barbados/ Barbados Tourism Authority, 820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017 - 5th Floor Between 43rd and 44th Streets.
 
WHY: The creativity of Caribbean filmmakers will be a focus of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Caribbean Week in New York, June 4 to 11, 2011. CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution has announced a new partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) which will feature trailers of top Caribbean films during CTO meetings and events, and a day-long Caribbean film showcase with panel discussions and networking on Saturday, June 11. The Showcase has received early support from the Barbados Tourism Authority, the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, Caribbean International Network (CIN TV) and Distribution Specialist Michelle Materre.
 
RSVP Contact:
Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence + 1 201 861-2056 - bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com

Watch: “Remixed & Remastered: Defining & Distributing The Black Image In An Era Of Globalization

Michelle Materre's conference "Remixed and Remastered: Defining and Distributing the Black Image..." took place in New York City on April 9/10. Most of you know that Michelle has been very involved with the CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution project during our first year - as a tutor and facilitator at our Toronto Launch and Market Acces Program, our Barbados Content Incubator, and as a consultant on marketing and distribution.
I am grateful to have been invited to this memorable conference, where I met many extraordinary people. There were great discussions, and a really positive vibe. Here is a clip from the panel that I sat on.

CARIBBEAN ENTREPRENEUR BACKS CREATIVE ECONOMY

NEW YORK (April 21, 2011) - The creativity of Caribbean filmmakers will be a focus of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Caribbean Week in New York, June 4 to 11, 2011.
Frances-Anne Solomon, founder and CEO of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, announced a new partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) which will feature trailers of top Caribbean films during CTO meetings and events during Caribbean Week, and a day-long Caribbean Film Showcase with panel discussions and networking on Saturday, June 11.

"By presenting the best and brightest of our filmmakers, our intention is to create a platform on the world stage for Brand Caribbean," said Solomon, who noted that the linkages between film and the bread and butter tourism industry are obvious, but have not been exploited.

Sylma Brown-Bramble of CTO (left) and Frances-Anne Solomon in New York last week. Photo available at: http://tinyurl.com/ctwdcto  

The Creative Economy Report 2010, recently launched at the United Nations, shows creative industries have more resilience to the global economic crisis than traditional manufacturing industries. Global exports of creative goods and services - ideas and creativity-centered industries such as arts and crafts, audiovisuals, books, design, films, music, new media,visual and performing arts - have more than doubled from 2002 to 2008, reaching nearly US$600 billion, according to the UN publication.

"In a Caribbean context, films create powerful and easily accessible images," said Solomon. "The Caribbean can be promoted through feature films that tell our stories and documentaries that sensitize wide audiences about our identity, but also through local commercials or music videos which help to boost the creative economy," she advised.

Nigeria's US$2.75 billion film industry is the third largest in the world, following the US and India. Nigeria's "Nollywood" produces more than 1,000 films annually, creating thousands of jobs and is the country's second most important industry after oil. In recognition of its importance, the Government has invested in the film industry, reforming policies andproviding training to promote film production and distribution. And, in a highly unusual move, the World Bank also invests in "Nollywood".

Sylma Brown-Bramble , Director of The Americas of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, thanked the Toronto-based Solomon for her company's participation in Caribbean Week this year, noting the integration of the overseas Caribbean communities in the week's activities was heartening.

"We are encouraged by the participation of the Diaspora in Caribbean Week this year and anticipate forging an even closer relationship with the community," said Brown.

Dominion, the new Bajan-American web series is one of the films that will be profiled at CaribbeanTales NY Film Showcase on June 11th.

Solomon, who hails from Trinidad, said more details about film screenings and events will be shared in the weeks ahead. She thanked the CTO,  the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, the Caribbean International Network (CIN TV), and distribution specialist Michelle Materre for their early support of The CaribbeanTales New York Film Showcase. "We look forward to inviting more partners on board as we launch a movement to promote the region in a more creative and sustainable manner."

For further information, visit www.caribbeantales-worldwide.com or www.caribbeanweekny.com.

About CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution
 CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution is the first full-service film distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean, and aims to become the go-to solution for descriminating producers and buyers of Caribbean-themed content. The company holds marketing events through the CaribbeanTales Film Festival Group, and provides co-production services to producers. CTWD was founded by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and its principals include creative industries expert Dr. Keith Nurse (Chair), economist and businessman Dr. Terrence Farrell, media personality and producer Lisa Wickham, and filmmaker and writer Mary Wells. CTWD is a member of the Barbados Business Enterprise Corporation (BIM Ventures) that provides seed and venture capital services to businesses.

For more information please contact:
Bevan Springer : + 1 201 861-2056
bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com

CaribbeanTales Announces its 2011 Market Access Programs

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution is pleased to announce the following Market Access Programs planned for this year.

Cannes Film Festival 2011 : Guadeloupe May 12-15th, Cannes May 15- 20.

CTWD is partnering with the Guadeloupe Film Commission and the FEMI Film Market to present a high-end Market Incubator that will take place in Guadeloupe from the 12-15 May 2011. The intensive program is in preparation for the participation of an English/French Caribbean Delegation to the Cannes Film Festival 2011 (organised by the Guadeloupe Film Commission and Film France). The 4 day Incubator is also open to any and all regional filmmakers wishing to acquire the tools necessary to present and promote their projects in the framework of an international festival, market or to international broadcasters. Participants wishing to join the Delegation to Cannes are also welcome to do so at their own expense. Deadline for submissions:  April 30th. Read More...

NY Showcase 2011  : New York City, June 11th

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution presents its annual New York Showcase, a special one day event of film screenings, panel discussions and networking, in New York City on June 11 2011. The event will take place as part of CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) Week in New York, and aims to profile regional and diasporic filmmakers and their work, stimulate discussion about Caribbean film, and create links between the US-based and regional industries. Read More...

TIFF Market Access Program : Toronto, September 11-18th

CaribbeanTales is proud to partner with the Harbourfront Center to present its annual Toronto Market Access Program during the most Important film festival and market in the the world. Now in its 2nd year, the CT TIFF Market Access program features an internsive 3-day Market Incubator, informative panel discussions, a speed-dating pitch session, a Caribbean-themed party, networking sessions, educational events, and a sneak peak at some great new films from around the Caribbean Diaspora. Read More...

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPANTS

To participate please write to CaribbeanTales@gmail.com, specifiying which program you would like to attend.  

Except where stated participants are responsible for their own costs. More information about the different events will become available in time, so please check our website regularly. We will also let you know if/when funding opportunities arise.

We look forward to hearing from you, and to working with you!

ABOUT CARIBBEANTALES WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution is the first full-service film distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean, and aims to become the go-to solution for producers and buyers of Caribbean-themed content. The company holds marketing events through the CaribbeanTales Film Festival Group, and provides co-production services to producers. CTWD is founded by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and principals are creative industries expert Dr Keith Nurse (Chair), economist and businessman Dr Terrence Farrell, media personality and producer Lisa Wickham, and filmmaker and writer Mary Wells. CTWD is a member of the Barbados Business Enterprise Corporation (represented on the board by Mr. Jeremy Stephen), that provides Seed and Venture Capital Services.

CaribbeanTales celebrates the success of its 2nd Barbados Festival.

Bridgetown – March 21, 2011
The much buzzed about CaribbeanTales 2011 Film Festival came to a close last Sunday night following seven event-filled days that celebrated the exploding film and television industry across the Caribbean region and it's Diaspora. Filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the region and the world come together for a week of cultural celebration, that took place at the Island Inn, and George Washington House.
The festival's Gala Opening on March 16th at Frank Collymore Hall was held before a packed to capacity audience of 500 patrons.
And at the closing night screening of Raoul Peck's "Moloch Tropical" , CaribbeanTales CEO Frances-Anne Solomon thanked all participants and sponsors for making this year’s theme “Vision Momentum Action! ” a huge success.
"Even though it was very hard work, in a lean year, the support we have had has been tremendous." She continued: "The pay off is a satisfied and nourished audience base, stimulated by rich dialogue about our industry. This will carry our team forward for a long time to come."

The festival's highlight was the unique CT Content Incubator , facilitated by US Marketing and Distribution consultant Michele Matterre, with a special animation incubator led by Camille Selvon Abrahams of Anime Caribe. Selected filmmakers participated in an intensive immersion in the creative, business and marketing aspects of the industry, with support from international industry experts, culminating in a pitch session.

Another highlight was the CT Symposium that provided a comprehensive overview of the regional industry, starting with a wonderful and inspired keynote adress delivered by Mia Mottley.

Many special guests travelled from abroad to take part in the activities including: Hollywood Director Neema Barnette, Berlinale Talent Campus Director Mattijs Knol, World Cinema Fund Director Sonja Heinen, Africa Channel EVP of Corporate Affairs Mark Watson, Kethiwe Ngcobo, Head of Drama at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and award-winning Canadian composer John Welsman who delivered a master class  on sound and music for film.

Also present was a stellar contingent from the Caribbean region including EZONE's Lisa Wickham and Sheldon Felix,  Antigua's HAMA TV - Mitzi and Howard Allen,  Dominica's Alwin Bully and Film Commissioner for Dominica Anita Bully, Guadeloupe Film Commissioner Tony Coco-Viloin and FEMI Director Frank Solvet.
Diaspora filmmakers also were present in numbers including Faisal Lutchmedia  from Montreal, and Dawn Wilkinson from Toronto,
Another high point took place on Saturday evening with the Awards Ceremony honoring Special Guest Hollywood Director Neema Barnette,
This was followed by the world premiere screening of Howard and Mitzi Allen's eagerly anticipated fourth feature film THE SKIN, followed by a talk back session with the filmmakers.
Ms Barnette who came from Los Angeles  to receive the Award, spoke movingly of the importance of the CaribbeanTales. "For someone who has worked hard for everything I have ever got, it is wonderful to see what this festival provides for filmmakers" she said.

Mitzi Allen said that it was important to herself and her husband, filmmaker director Howard Allen to present the film at CaribbeanTales, even though it was not quite finished. “I really liked the feedback we got from industry folks. It was honest and constructive. A pre-screening outside of Antigua was the best thing we ever did,” said Mitzi who is the Executive Producer for the film.
Most of the films screened to sold out audiences at the George Washington House cinema. These featured some local regional and international premieres  including Miquel Jalofre's extraordinary exploration of Jamaican dancehall music Hit Me With Music, and the stunning series premiere of Dominion by Bajan dream team Sean Michael Field and Rodney Smith
CaribbeanTales 2011 Film Festival  was sponsored by: Island Inn, The Starcom Network, Ultimax TV, Lisa Wickham's Ezone, the Commonwealth Foundation, SFa Communications, Hall-e-wood Productions, Morenamedia, HAMA Productions, Barbados Government Information Service, Caribbean Tourism Organisation, The United Nations Development Program, Caribbean Media Corporation, US Embassy, Animae Caribe, Merville Lynch Prods, Creative Junction, Barbados National Bank, Steinhill Studios, Blue Light Media, and Autonomous Entertainment.
CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution the region's first full-service film distribution company, is founded by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and principals are creative industries expert Dr Keith Nurse (Chair), economist and businessman Dr Terrence Farrell, media personality and producer Lisa Wickham, and filmmaker and writer Mary Wells.
CTWD is a member of the Barbados Business Enterprise Corporation that provides Seed and Venture Capital Services.
For further information, please contact: SFA Communications Inc, info@sfacommunications.com

Students exposed to Film Festival

By John Sealy | Mon, March 14, 2011 - 3:47 PM

School children from across the island got a taste of what is expected at  the upcoming Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2011 when they met for a showing of the American film “All You Got” at St. George Resource Centre, St. George this morning.

United States Chargé d’Affaires Dr Brent Hardt, expressed delight at having the students and teachers who represented schools including Alexandra, Ellerslie, Foundation, Garrison, Grantley Adams, Lester Vaughan, and St. Winifred’s.

Multi-award winning film and television director Neema Barnette was on hand to be part of the opening agenda for the festival which runs until March 20.

Barnette is one of the featured artists for Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2011.

More support needed for regional film industry

2011-03-18

Film Makers Need To Roll Up Their Sleeves

The Caribbean film industry can be a viable and profitable industry, but it lacks the support needed to take it to the next level.

Chief Executive Officer of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, Frances Anne Solomon, made the point at the opening of the second annual CaribbeanTales Film Festival and Symposium, at the Frank Collymore Hall last night.

"We don't have the broadcasters on board, we don't have what countries like the UK, US and Canada have, [which are] incentives across the board, across the region to support the region to make the product and make it viable... and make it work as an industry," she said.

Solomon admitted it was difficult to start CaribbeanTales, as well as stage the film festival, but the team pressed on in order to create a structure to assist other film makers to work and make money.

However, she urged that the film makers must be ready to put their hands to the plough to reap the rewards.

"We have to be prepared to roll up our sleeves and do the dirty work. It is a very tough industry, but it is going to deliver returns..."

Manager of Island Inn and platinum sponsor of the film festival, Peter Odle, said he believed the industry could be beneficial to the region.

Noting that CaribbeanTales came at a "critical juncture" for the region, he said: "The prevailing global economic challenges require that our region exploits all opportunities available to provide greater economic benefits to the people of the region. Film and tourism, or film tourism can help to reposition our regional economies by being a key growth industry."

Odle asserted the film industry could result in increased foreign spending and jobs in both the tourism and non-tourism sectors.

But more than the economic benefits, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Celia Toppin, linked the regional film industry's benefits to the issue of identity.

"We see that having an indigenous film industry goes a long way towards helping us enforce that Caribbean identity that we have... Being able to see ourselves reflected back at us for a change makes a very big difference."

At the opening, the audience was treated to a snippet of new comedy series by Rommel Hall, Keeping Up with the Joneses, as well as web series Dominion, starring Sean Michael Field.

The evening closed with A Hand Full of Dirt, a full-length feature by Russell Watson. (LW)