The Caribbean Regional Video Workshop has ended, and we are thrilled to share our fantastic experience! The DIA Labs were excited as we welcomed creative young minds from Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. Our participants learned the ropes of video production using their smartphones or a DSLR camera, which participants could access from their respective Labs. From shot listing and logistics to equipment and directing, they explored all stages of video production. Our online training sessions allowed participants from different countries to connect and learn together. The onsite production training was an absolute blast, and we loved seeing everyone come together to make magic happen. Javier Molina, workshop instructor and Belizean filmmaker, traveled to all destinations to teach all the fundamentals and hands-on skills to produce a video from beginning to end. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, the participants gathered priceless knowledge that will inform their creative pursuits.
Online Post-Production Zoom training session with all participants, led by the trainer Javier Molina.
Liz, from the Belize team, shared her experience, “It was really good. I didn’t know much about video production going in, and now I have a good hand on the basics.” When asked if they were standout moments for her, Liz expressed how much she appreciated the support offered throughout the workshop. “I really liked how Ms. Audrey was very willing to open more spaces for us to learn. She has been helpful, and I didn’t expect that, so it is very good.” Liz plans to use what she has learned in her professional life, saying, “I have customers and works related to the video production field, so I am more prepared to help them.”
The Belize team learning to use a DSLR camera on the campus of the UWI Belize DIA Lab, at the Open Campus of UWI in Belize City.
The trainer Javier Molina leading the onsite training in Belize City.
Yanique from Jamaica had an enjoyable experience saying that: “It was fun. I have learned a lot, like how to get proper angles with the camera and how to write a good script.” Yanique’s team decided to work on a short documentary highlighting mental health in their country and the effects of COVID-19. However, commitments to school and other outside factors meant they could not finish their film. She hopes to apply her newfound skills to complete the documentary. She would be interested in another workshop, saying, “The program was very good, and hopefully, I get a chance to participate again in the future when I have more time.”
The Jamaican team and Mr. Molina learning to use a DSLR and their phone to shoot a video, at the Institute of Law, and Economics in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Jamaican team and Mr. Molina in a post-discussion.
Overall, the workshop was an incredible success, and we cannot wait to see what amazing videos our participants will produce in the future! Liz told us they are working on a documentary titled “The Beautiful Soul of Belize.” It primarily focuses on the Belizean lifestyle. “We’re gathering information currently, but this film intends to inspire and appreciate what we have in Belize.” We are so excited to see these filmmakers take their skills to the next level and make an impact in their communities. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our partners, the UWI Open Campus in Belize, the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE) in Jamaica, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the trainer Javier Molina and the Belizean video production company Ignite for making this possible.
Participants at the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute in Trinidad and Tobago learning how to use different equipment to shoot a video such as a gimbal, a drone, a smartphone, and a DSLR camera.
Mr. Molina with representatives of the DIA Youth Innovation Lab in Trinidad and Tobago.
Written by Audrey Robin, Project Coordinator – Belize
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