Nearly 60 film industry stakeholders, including actors, directors, dancers, martial artists, athletes, and weaponry experts, gathered at the APA Campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) on March 19 for an electrifying and insightful capacity-building session led by Hollywood stunt coordinator David Stevenson.
The highly successful session, organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Film Commission of the Trinidad and Tobago Trade, Investment and promotion Agency (TTTIPA), provided a rare opportunity for local talent to gain hands-on expertise in stunt coordination and action filmmaking.
Stevenson, a Trinidad and Tobago-born stunt professional with an extensive Hollywood portfolio, has contributed to major productions such as X-Men, Cool Runnings, Blues Brothers 2000, Down to Earth, and Jason X. His session covered essential aspects of stunt performance, action sequence choreography, and technical filmmaking techniques, ensuring participants left with a deeper understanding of industry standards and best practices.
Attendees engaged in live demonstrations and interactive discussions, gaining practical skills in executing safe and effective stunt work for film and television. The overwhelming response underscored the local industry’s enthusiasm for high-quality, internationally recognized training opportunities.
“The turnout and energy in the room were incredible,” said Stevenson. “Trinidad and Tobago has an immense pool of talent, and I’m honoured to be able to share my experience and contribute to the development of action filmmaking in the region.” The session is part of a broader initiative by TTTIPA’s Film Commission to strengthen the local industry’s global competitiveness by equipping professionals with specialized skills that meet international standards. The Commission is actively expanding training opportunities and attracting international collaborations, further enhancing the country’s profile as a premier destination for film production.
TTTIPA’s Film Commission provides a range of essential services to filmmakers, including location scouting assistance, permitting guidance, production support, and industry training programs. Additionally, it plays a critical role in supporting high-action productions by ensuring filmmakers have access to the right infrastructure, talent, and regulatory support to film safely and efficiently.
David Stevenson is currently scouting locations to film in Trinidad and Tobago and credited the Film Commission for facilitating the process. This highlights the country’s attractiveness as a filming destination and showcases the Commission’s active role in enabling productions.
For more updates on upcoming industry training and initiatives, follow @discoverfilmtt
on Instagram and Facebook.
