Building a Sustainable Film Industry: The Case for Creative Executives
Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Jamaican premiere of Tristan Barrocks' "Sugar Dumpling," thanks to my dear friend David Mullings of Blue Mahoe Capital. The experience was profoundly moving, as the film delved into the topic of dementia—a subject very close to my heart, having witnessed the decline of a loved one firsthand. The film also featured the legendary Oliver Samuels, and the entire event served as a tribute to his illustrious career and invaluable contributions to our culture. I highly recommend you support this film at Sugardumplingmovie.com.
The event also inspired me to finally pen this article, which has been on my mind for a few months. David, a sponsor of the event, spoke passionately about the importance of investing in creatives—a sentiment I deeply share. However, it got me thinking: "Are creatives the right people to invest in?" The answer is both yes and no.
Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Jamaican premiere of Tristan Barrocks' "Sugar Dumpling," thanks to my dear friend David Mullings of Blue Mahoe Capital. The experience was profoundly moving, as the film delved into the topic of dementia—a subject very close to my heart, having witnessed the decline of a loved one firsthand. The film also featured the legendary Oliver Samuels, and the entire event served as a tribute to his illustrious career and invaluable contributions to our culture. I highly recommend you support this film at sugardumplinmovie.com.
The event also inspired me to finally pen this article, which has been on my mind for a few months. David, a sponsor of the event, spoke passionately about the importance of investing in creatives—a sentiment I deeply share. However, it got me thinking: "Are creatives the right people to invest in?" The answer is both yes and no.
Oliver replies on receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Jamaican premiere of the short film “Sugar Dumplin’”.
As a creative myself, I often find myself navigating the business side of film, a role that feels far removed from my artistic roots. Frequently joking that I spend more time in Excel and PowerPoint than I do on set. This dual role has led me to realize the necessity of Creative Executives -- specialists who bridge the gap between creativity and business, specialists who can identifies viable projects, develop them from a business perspective, collaborate with the key creatives to enhance the creative aspects, and oversee projects through production and distribution.
In the Caribbean film industry, funding has primarily focused on creatives who drive the artistic vision. However, they often juggle both creative and business roles, which can be overwhelming, especially for larger projects.
By shifting the funding and financing conversation to focus on Creative Executives, we can build a truly indigenous industry for Caribbean Film and Television. The Creatives will have the room to focus on honing their artistic skills and delivering the best results on screen, while Creative Executives handle the business end in a parallel approach that ensures both creative and business aspects are managed efficiently
This is where our vision for JUYAAStart comes in:
JUYAAStart will be the engine for the development of this "class" of creative entrepreneur. Through a structured program of specialized training, paired with direct investment and access to resources, we aim to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurial talent. This program is designed to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that participants not only gain the necessary skills and knowledge but also the confidence to navigate the business landscape of the Film and Television industry.
Our approach will develop a trusted class of entrepreneurial talent, creating reliable avenues for investment. By fostering such talent, we are not only investing in their future but also in the future of our Film and Television Industry.
Moreover, these Creative Executives will become partners and advocates for the creatives in the industry. Working hand in hand with them, providing the business acumen and strategic support needed to bring creative projects to fruition. This collaboration will help to elevate our culture, ensuring that it reaches and resonates with a global audience.
By bridging the gap between creativity and business, JUYAAStart will play a pivotal role in transforming the creative landscape. Our graduates will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles, driving innovation and growth within the industry. Together, we will create a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives and our cultural heritage is celebrated worldwide.
Are you interested in supporting, investment or the JUYAAStart Programme? Connect with us at JUYAA.media and wedeyah@juyaa.co
Introducing JUYAA Media
Hello Everyone,
As a Caribbean filmmaker, I have spent the better part of the last decade trying to find the resources necessary to bring my own creative visions to the screen. To be honest, it has been one of the most exhausting and at times disheartening parts of this creative journey. This journey has given me the honour of witnessing first-hand the incredible talent that exists in our industry. Talent whose potential is only being held back by the lack of resources to bring our own visions to the screen.
Over the two years, my team and I have been passionately working on a solution to address the financing challenges in the Caribbean film and television industry. A solution that began as just a software platform has now evolved into something greater.
Today, I’m excited to introduce JUYAA Media.
JUYAA (Joo-YAH) is all about envisioning the “Big Picture” for our industry. It’s about connecting our community in a way that allows us to make our mark on the global stage. With a digital-first approach, JUYAA Media provides creatives and media entrepreneurs with access to essential business services, infrastructure, and, most importantly, financing.
At the heart of this vision is our flagship program, JUYAAStart. This pioneering venture studio combines the strengths of the “Hollywood” studio structure with the support of an accelerator. Through JUYAAStart, we will partner with and finance a select group of media entrepreneurs to develop the brands that will shape the future of original Caribbean content for the global market.
Supporting this initiative is our inaugural JUYAA Fund. This fund is designed to offer a structured and collective approach to film and television investment in the Caribbean. It is just one part of a comprehensive suite of solutions for media financing that JUYAA will provide to our regional industry.
Driving this is the platform that started it all: The JUYAA Nexus. This studio-in-the-cloud solution serves as a single gateway to everything we offer, whether you are a creative, entrepreneur, investor, or media buyer.
There is a LOT more to come. We invite you to visit our site at juyaa.media or message us directly to join our community as we unveil more details in the coming months.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey with us!
Much Love
Kaiel Eytle
Founder/CEO
JUYAA Media Group