More than 100 people from across the Cayman Islands auditioned for a variety of roles in television studio production during two days of screen tests held at Hotel Indigo last week, giving rise to a new generation of television broadcasters in Cayman.
The auditions follow a nationwide talent search launched in December for Caymanians who want to work in television production as anchors, producers, editors, camera operators, reporters or contributors. Compass Media reviewed more than 330 applications for on- and off-camera TV roles with a little more than 100 invited to audition.
Applicants ranging from veteran broadcasters to 12-year-old aspiring journalists got their first taste of the fast-paced newsroom environment, appearing before a staged studio to replicate the experience and intensity of live television broadcasting and reading a mock newscast from a teleprompter. Applicants came from a cross-section of industries, including real estate, hospitality, entertainment and business.
Applicants auditioned for a variety of on-camera roles, including core news team positions as anchors, correspondents and contributors who will appear in programmes covering the myriad industries of the Cayman economy, such as lifestyle, wellness, fitness, culinary, law, tourism, financial services and more.
‘I miss local television’
Remembering the days of Cayman 27, applicant Jennifer Weber told the Cayman Compass, “I was so excited that local television is going to come back, and I applied for this, and I’m interested in any role that’s going to help local television make a comeback. I miss local television.”
During the auditions, Weber said, “I was worried that my mouth would get dry when I was reading, so I brought a drink in with me. I chatted with some other people I knew who were in the green room … just felt that I would try it and see how it goes.”
She added, “I’ve spent decades working in the non-profit world and I’ve had enough of it, and so I’m pivoting to do something different. I’m open to trying something different.”
Applicant Antonia Mena-Hebbert from Cayman Brac told the Compass, “I was very interested in the TV realm because it reminds me of the acting world and that’s a niche I’d like to get into at some point, so I feel that this would be a great starter and experience for me.”
She added, “I’m looking to build my skills set. I know there’s more for me to do. Even though I may feel like a natural for certain things, I know there’s always room for improvement, so I’m hoping that if I do get chosen that I’ll be better at it.”
For applicant Kelvin Blanchard, a Compass Media radio personality, making a contribution to his community is his main goal.
“I want to be a role model … to be someone people can look up to. I am always thinking about my why — why I do what I do. My goal at the end of the day is to be a better person and do something for my community and squash any naysayers that say I can’t,” Blanchard said.
Veteran broadcasters look on
Among the screening judges in attendance were former broadcasters of Cayman’s longstanding television network Cayman 27, including Vanessa Hansen, Cynthia Hew, Donna Bush, April Cummings and Tonie Chisholm.
As a seasoned professional in the television industry, Donna Bush told the Compass, “It was an honour to sit on the panel for selecting new talent for Compass Media recently. I was particularly thrilled to witness the passion and enthusiasm from younger Caymanians eager to make their mark in this dynamic field. Their fresh perspectives and willingness to embrace the evolving nature of the industry are truly inspiring.”
She added, “The blend of youthful ambition and seasoned expertise paints an exciting future for Caymanian television. This is a testament to the importance of fostering opportunities for all generations, ensuring a vibrant, diverse and forward-moving industry.”
Compass Media Publisher Tripp Donnelly said, “We invited the Cayman community at large to apply, to showcase their talents, experience or passion for working in television news and the response was extraordinary. In addition, the creative ideas and news issues presented through this process by the community for the community will directly affect our programming.”
He added, “The enthusiasm and excitement were palpable with the anticipation of the return of broadcast news and television to Cayman. More details on the television launch, final selections and programming are forthcoming.”
Compass Media currently produces content for print, social media, digital, magazine publications and radio. The forthcoming television expansion will feature a wide variety of local programming, including daily news, sports, weather and Cayman life, such as culture, entertainment, real estate, health and wellness and more.
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