I Wanna Be In Pictures!

Local film crew members talk about their dream experiences, working on set in Cayman.

In 2021, a multi-picture deal involving Productivity Media, Darius Films and Balcony 9 – supported by the Cayman Islands government and Dart Enterprises – brought Hollywood to these shores.

From a cavalcade of extras, many of whom had never worked on a movie before, to behind-the-scenes crew, Caymanians got valuable firsthand experience that may have given some of them a step up in a new career.

Heavy-hitting actors like Harvey Keitel, Ron Perlman, Joel David Moore, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jackie Earle Haley and Academy Award-winner Nicolas Cage, along with Caymanian Grace Byers née Gealey, dined at local restaurants, posted about their time here on social media, and mingled with island fans while enjoying the beach.

Now, word is out that the production companies are back, and will once again be gearing up to film movies in Cayman. There should therefore be more opportunities for those who dream of working in the industry, to step up and give it a try.

Here are the reports from four Caymanians who worked on the sets last year, and what they learned.

TREMAYNE EBANKS

Ebanks had 10 years of prior experience in film production, which was an advantage when it came to getting the job on-set as 2nd Assistant Camera.

Realising the possibilities of there being a future film industry in the Cayman Islands was the best takeaway for Ebanks, who said that the use of local talent and locations made it seem more tangible. He is working towards becoming a cinematographer and getting into directing, and also encouraged those interested in the industry to take the plunge.

“Having prior experience is great, but you don’t need a lot to get a foot in the door,” he advised. “Show your interest and drive.”

BADIR AWE

Awe is no stranger to the world behind the camera, with eight years working in production for commercials, reality shows and short films.

He also spearheaded the Poinciana Arts Festival which launched in 2015, highlighting local talent and films.

Awe was introduced to the producers based on his previous experience, but it was how he showcased his abilities through several interviews, coupled with the successful completion of assigned tasks, that led to him being offered the Unit Production Manager job.

“Working on the films themselves is intense training,” Awe said. “Hundreds of things happen on a single day of shooting, so by the time you’ve finished 30 days of shooting the movie, you’ve been exposed to thousands of different types of scenarios.

“I would say these films are the pinnacle of my film career, so in a sense this is my dream job,” he said.

STEFF MCDERMOT

Despite limited previous experience, McDermot turned her hand to being a Set Dresser with ease.

Awe actually put her forward for the job, and after a resume submission and multiple interviews.

“I had very little training for my… position, but my established skills [were] utilised and every day I learned something new,” McDermot said. “We transformed a kitchen into a bakery, a garage into a meth lab, and even the Kimpton lobby into an office in Toronto.”

MICHAEL PEARSON

Pearson made his way onto the set thanks to Caymanian screenwriter and film director Frank E. Flowers, and then Awe. Pearson said the opportunity wouldn’t have happened for him, if not for those two men.

He encouraged those keen on getting into films to step up and make the move.

“First, trust in God,” Pearson said. “Second, apply yourself and reach out to people in the film industry, [as] you’d be surprised how nice everyone is towards others.

“Like what Mr. Joel David Moore once said to inspire me: ‘This is the right path you’re taking towards acting’. Those words coming from a talented actor like Mr. Moore will forever stay with me.”