International Film Distribution Workshop scheduled for Trinidad.

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution joins forces with Animae Caribe and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company  to promote and distribute T&T Films on the world stage.

November 11th 2011. For immediate Release

The first in a series of regional workshops on International Film Distribution will take place next week Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 1-5 pm at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, National Academy of Performing Arts, Keate Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Entitled “Taking Caribbean Films to the World” and presented by CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution -- the Region’s premier film distribution company, the event is aimed at film and television producers, film industry stakeholders and film and animation students.

It marks the Official Launch of an important new partnership between CTWD, the Animae Caribe Film and New Media Festival, and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, that envisions Trinidad and Tobago films holding an increased platform and building a stronger profile on the world stage.

Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CTWD said: “We are delighted to be working with these two extremely important local organizations in a sustainable partnership that will bridge the gap between local production and the international market and take the local industry to the next stage.”

Carla Foderingham, CEO of the TTFC, said."The CTWD-led workshop is timely as the commercialization of local content is the next natural area of focus for local filmmakers and by extension the TTFC." 

The workshop will cover principles of marketing and distribution of Caribbean content, and ways to work with international distributors. Solomon added “We know these are areas where local producers can benefit from a deeper and better understanding of skilled practice.”

Last week the TTFC was pleased to increase its sponsorship support of the 2011 Animae Caribe Animation Festival to facilitate a two-day CTWD-led intensive mini – incubator called “The Pitching Game”.  Some thirty (30) T&T filmmakers were trained in areas including marketing and distribution at the participatory session that was tutored by Solomon, and adjudicated by a panel of international experts. The first prize -- a scholarship to attend the well-respected ten-day CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase and Incubator Program (2012) that runs alongside the Toronto International Film Festival, was won by 20-year old Claire Hamel-Smith of Lab206 Studio.  

“We worked really hard on our pitch and I am very excited that it paid off. I can’t wait to go to Toronto to tell the world about Lab206 and all the work we are doing here in Trinidad.” enthused the young animator.

Animae Caribe’s CEO and Founder Camille Selvon Abrahams summed it up: “Our partnership with CTWD is necessary and integral to the development of our industry going forward, as it is exposing producers to the bigger picture.”

The cost of the workshop is $175TT, with a special discounted rate for students of $50.

Those interested in attending the CTWD International Film Distribution Workshop on November 19, 2011, should call 701 4722 or RSVP to email info@caribbeantales-worldwide.com.

Camille Selvon Abrahams (Anime Caribe) and Frances-Anne Solomon (CTWD) congratulate "The Pitching Game" winner 20-year old Claire Hamel-Smith.

ABOUT CARIBBEANTALES WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION: CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD) is the first full-service film sales, and distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean, and aims to become the reference point for producers and buyers of Caribbean filmed content. Founded by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon its principals include creative industries expert Dr. Keith Nurse; economist and businessman Dr. Terrence Farrell; media personality and producer Lisa Wickham; and filmmaker and writer Mary Wells. CTWD, a member of the Bim Ventures, family of entrepreneurs, hosts annual film festivals in Toronto, Barbados, and New York, through the CaribbeanTales Film Festival Group, has produced training workshops for filmmakers, and now has scores of films in its catalogue. http://caribbeantales-worldwide.com

ABOUT ANIMAE CARIBE: Animae Caribe, the Caribbean's leading animation and new media festival, recently celebrated its tenth year of ground breaking activity since introducing Caribbean-themed animation to the Region. Founded in 2001, by Camille Selvon Abrahams, and based in T&T, the festival is a creative space where animation, storytelling, technology, and discussion meet; and it has become a dynamic forum for regional youth participation and interactivity. http://animaecaribe.com

ABOUT THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FILM COMPANY: The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) was established to facilitate the development of the film industry in T&T. It provides logistical support, and acts as a liaison between industry partners, community, production houses and Government agencies. The company administers a tax rebate program to support the development of local content, and has provided funding and support to hundreds of filmmakers since opening its doors in 2006. http://trinidadandtobagofilm.com