Let's Face it. When we turn on the television, whether we have cable or stick with the local television stations, we are bombarded with a catalogue of choices.Variety has become commonplace in our lives so we expect it in every aspect. However, although the choices we have in terms of television soaps and talk shows are varied, they all seem to have a common thread. They aren't local. There is a steady stream of foreign content on our airwaves, and though organisations like the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company constantly encourage local film and television producers, it seems like any headway made is microscopic.
The T&T Guardian recently spoke to local television and film producer Kevin Adams about the challenges he faces trying to "keep it local" and why it's worth it to endure the fight.Adams is a Trinbagonian who is "against all odds" trying to get local programming on the local television stations and local films in the movie theatres. Don't let his American accent fool you. Despite migrating to the states at a young age and being educated in New York, Adams vision is set on his homeland. He just wishes that local broadcasters could see the things his way, in red, black and white.
Stepping back to move forward
After having worked in video production in the US, Adams moved back to T&T to do a film called Queen of Soca. Additionally, he is currently producing a television show called Local Addicts."It's a matter of looking at other filmmakers worldwide, most study in the US, but then they go right back to their culture to make their best known films," said Adams, adding that he would have been crazy to have wasted the opportunity.However, producing a film and delivering quality material to an audience isn't as simple as one might imagine.
"In T&T if you get a grant, most of the time it doesn't cover your entire production so you still have to find money. The cost of renting production equipment locally is more expensive than US prices," said Adams.Adams received a grant from the T&T Film Company to write, produce and direct the 30 minute feature Queen of Soca. The movie features songstress Terri Lyons and actress Penelope Spencer as part of the cast.With such a huge opportunity, Adams wanted to make the best of it, and realised the film would be best presented as a full length feature. With that decision made, he added 45 pages in about a month.
Producing on a tight budget
According to Adams, the chances of producing a 30 minute film on $200,000 was already tight, so attempting to produce a feature with the same amount was more than a bit challenging. He was able to complete the short, and was able to film 75 per cent of the feature. But he is no magician."Now we are back looking to raise another $200,000 to complete the production and pay off a few debts," said Adams.
With work on the film on hold and a television production in the making, Adams still has to face more hurdles in the form of selling his television show to broadcasters. And these broadcasters insist that in order for the content to be shown, producers must buy the airtime."The US does such a great job with marketing their programmes that everyone knows about it, so when it gets to Trinidad, their work is done. When you hear Tyra everyone knows, so TV stations spend less on marketing and advertising."When a local producer comes with his programme un-marketed, un-known, this is work for the broadcaster," said Adams.
With one movie awaiting completion, and a television show that Adams is actively presenting to local stations, one might wonder why he doesn't give up. Well according to Adams, he lives for challenges. He is also very confident that he will find a creative solution to all the (his) local problems. In the meantime he is promoting Local Addicts, which will feature co-hosts Fern Gray and Ashanna Arthur, former Miss T&T/World.For a preview, check Local Addicts on Facebook.