Tim Duncan was swimming in Frenchtown Wednesday night. In a video, that is, viewed by many of the people who helped make Duncan's recently filmed television advertisement promoting St. Croix tourism.
The newly formed Caribbean Film and Video Association, which met Wednesday evening in Frenchtown, wants to attract film and video productions to the territory. Deborah Quade, one of the group's founders, has applied for a $5,000 matching grant from the V.I. Council for the Arts, and the group is working on fund-raising ideas.
Quade said the association plans to go into schools to provide workshops, seminars or mini-courses in video and film production with an eye toward career opportunities for young people. "The superintendent of the Catholic schools has given us the go-ahead," said Quade, "and we are talking to the high schools and the Curriculum Center. It will be a great opportunity for students of all ages to see what career choices and opportunities are out there in film, right here on the island."
The fledgling group is growing steadily, and the 20 or so members who assembled were enthusiastic. "I'm seeing bright days ahead," said Tod Hecht, association president and owner of a film production company. He was heady about Tourism Commissioner Rafael "Rafie" Jackson's efforts and those of Tourism's film promotion office. "We are working with Tourism, and Jackson is really on the job," he said
Hecht referred to Jackson's presence at the all-day Duncan shoot on St. Croix's Buck Island. Duncan is doing Tourism TV spots in return for V.I. tax benefits.
Tourism hired a mainland company for the shoot, Fuel Inc., which in turn hired local support staff. Hecht did the video, Quade was the production manager, and Paul Quade was the gaffer, who handles eletrical equipment and setup.
The association has a Web site, which is still under construction. "We want it to be a one-stop-shopping-for-the-Caribbean site," said Quade. The site will provide links to services such as restaurants, hotels, transportation services as well as a complete listing of all film and video services available in the territory and the area.
Quade encouraged businesses or individuals to join the group, or come to a meeting to see what it's all about. The group has a toll-free number (877) 336-3617, a local number (340) 774-9289, and e-mail at [email protected]. Deborah Quade's e-mail is [email protected].
The association's Web site is www.caribbeanfilmlocations.com.