The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company Limited (FilmTT) rolled out the Red-Carpet for the exclusive viewing of the pilot episode of the Mixed Up tv series on June 27th 2023 at IMAX in One Woodbrook Place.
The event, itself marking a historical moment in our TV and film history, was an affair to remember. Present were Senator the Honourable, Paula Gopee Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry; Ayleen Alleyne-Ovid, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry; David Roberts, Deputy Permanent Secretary, the Office of the Prime Minister; Calvin Bijou, Chairman, CreativeTT; Dionne Mc Nicol Stephenson, Chairman, FilmTT and Christophe Brathwaite, CEO, TTT Limited and a host of our local film, TV and theatre practitioners as well as the full cast and crew that brought the Mixed UP TV series to life.
The history made is the completion of the production of the first local situational comedy (sitcom) filmed completely in studio. Mixed Up, a 5-episode television series about was produced in collaboration with TTT Limited and exporTT through FilmTT’s Script to Screen Programme. Through this capacity building programme, employment and upskilling opportunities were created. Through this project, FilmTT also saw a noted increase in respect of the private sector participation in the Film Friendly Network – a network established to support the Film Commission work of the organisation.
The series which features a mix of stalwarts and new comers to the acting fraternity, has already so far, received international interest and will air to the public on September 24th on TTT.
The official proceedings, guided by the Master of Ceremonies, Wendell Bompart included a feature address from Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ayleen Alleyne-Ovid, who spoke on the local film industry and the importance of FilmTT’s involvement in its development noting that “This launch is indicative of the ongoing work of FilmTT to transform the local film industry and establish Trinidad and Tobago as a globally attractive filming destination.”
TTT’s CEO (Acting) Christophe Brathwaite also expressed excitement for the partnership and the continued creation of local content in his address. FilmTT’s Chairman, Dionne Mc Nicol Stephenson in her address to the attendees spoke of, “Seed, Time, Harvest! And it’s Mango Season! The film industry is plenty people and purposes, planted and planting in the same place and producing according to the principles of seed, time, harvest. People, purpose, production! Tonight, is a celebration of these three. I’m very excited and proud of what we’ve accomplished together through the priceless relationships and partnerships that have been formed and continue to prove to me that Trinidad and Tobago is indeed film friendly.”
FilmTT’s General Manager, Leslie Ann Wills-Caton, in honour of the momentous accomplishment of the Script to Screen programme took the time to specifically mention the over one hundred and twenty (120) individuals, businesses and companies that comprised cast, crew, investors, sponsors and persons involved in the creation of the Mixed-Up series. This ode was significant as it highlighted the magnitude of the film sector and the infinite possibilities and opportunities that exist within it.
Seated in their seats at the IMAX Cinema, attendees heard from the TV Series director, Nigel Thompson and Showrunner, Richard Ragoobarsingh. Both gave the audience valuable insight into what it took to create Mixed Up. The lights were then dimmed, Mixed Up’s pilot series was shown and, as the credits rolled, waves of applause washed over the theatre.
The feedback from some of the members of the audience included:
“This was so exciting. As a creative person, just to see ourselves up there and to know that it’s Trinbagonian, mixed up people that do the whole mixed up thing!” Nikki Crosby.
“Fabulous job! I enjoyed it thoroughly. We can only go up from here. I enjoyed the substance and the subtle humour in the show.” Rodell ‘Rodey’ Cumberbatch.
“A red carpet film event is a culmination of hard work, investment and an avenue to showcase to the country what new projects the industry is embarking on. What also makes it special is the actual filming process that the industry embarked upon to create new local content that is already getting international attention before the actual launch date. A local series has not been done in almost a decade. FilmTT’s capacity programme has revitalized a category in film/tv that also focuses on the uniqueness of our Trinibagonian heritage. In Hollywood there is a need and demand for diverse content and in focusing on the Strategic industry plans, FilmTT has been able to focus on the current trends that can enable us to be competitive as a film-friendly destination. This is evident with our very diverse cast and very mixed up Showrunner, the acclaimed Richard Ragoobarsingh. Distribution companies with licenses in the Caribbean, Africa and the US have reached out for potential distribution rights. We are setting up meetings to discuss.” – Leslie Ann Wills-Caton.
For more information on the Mixed Up series, visit www.filmtt.co.tt/mixedup or follow @mixeduptt on IG and FB. For more company updates, follow FilmTT’s Facebook and Instagram pages: @discoverfilmtt.
