Italian film producer Andrea Lervolino is in talks with the University of the West
Indies Five Islands Campus to introduce a new programme for students interested
in pursuing a career in the film industry.
The programme could potentially offer exciting opportunities for budding
filmmakers to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in this dynamic
field.
This collaboration between Lervolino and the university holds great promise for
the future of aspiring filmmakers in the Caribbean region and beyond.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Lervolino, who has obtained Antigua and
Barbuda citizenship through investment, engaged in discussions with the UWI FIC
Principal, Justin Robinson.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore the possibility of launching a new
programme. The discussions were fruitful, and the new project has great potential.
Lervolino expressed his eagerness to get started and pledged to hold talks
personally with students interested in the field.
Additionally, he offered to provide select students with an opportunity to travel to
Italy for a firsthand experience in filmmaking.
“I believe we must teach the students to produce a movie from scratch. I would
like them to be part of a crew and put them on set so they have the experience…we
can donate cameras to them…this is easy. The possibilities are endless. We can get
them to do documentaries in the first instance…this is how you teach people,” he
said
The University of the West Indies' Mona Campus currently houses a film section.
The hope is that the newly established UWI Five Islands campus can become the
leading university in the region in terms of film studies.
During the discussions, the possibility of internships was mentioned, which was
met with excitement by the attendees, including Lervolino.
There were also talks about incorporating digital animation into the programme in
the future.
In the realm of digital animation, establishing a reliable infrastructure is crucial.
According to Lervolino, this could entail the creation of a multi-million-dollar
company, which would require a substantial amount of resources and investment.
However, setting up a digital animation operation would be much simpler if the
government provided the necessary infrastructure, such as equipment and other
amenities.
Meanwhile, Professor Robinson said the University of West Indies (UWI) does not
strongly emphasize filmmaking and producing.
Therefore, the proposed venture would be a suitable addition to the university's
offerings.
Additionally, since the UWI campus is predominantly female, there is a constant
search for activities that might appeal to male students.
Education Minister Daryll Matthew is excited about the new proposed venture,
agreeing that it will cater to those interested in the field.
“There is no development in this country, certainly in the last 40 years that. will
have a sort of impact on the national development of Antigua and Barbuda, like
this Five Islands Campus of UWI. And so, as we continue to build out the physical
infrastructure of the campus, we have to build out attractive programs,” he said
“The film sector, which is one of the largest globally, has an appeal and this
partnership can only reap benefits for the UWIFIC and Antigua and Barbuda,” he
added
Lervolino was introduced to Antigua and Barbuda by the country's Ambassador to
Spain in the Principality of Monaco and the Principality of Liechtenstein, Dr. Dario
Item.
Lervolino has not only introduced himself but also made a generous contribution
of USD$100,000.00 to the UWIFIC, reflecting his commitment to positively
impacting the local community.
This contribution was made at the request of Dr. Item, indicating Lervolino's
willingness to collaborate for a noble cause.
During their conversation, Lervolino and Matthew explored the idea of enacting
legislation that would offer tax incentives to entice large-scale film producers to
operate in Antigua.
Johann Hesse, the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the African Union, was
present to witness the launch of a new initiative.
Hesse expressed his enthusiasm for the project and contributed valuable advice and
insights towards the success of this exciting new endeavor.
Lervolino will soon be traveling to Antigua and Barbuda along with Jean Claude
Van Dam for the filming of Kill Em All.
This upcoming project is expected to showcase their talent and skills in the movie
industry while exploring the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda.
Furthermore, Lervolino has expressed his plans to shoot another movie in Antigua, this time to
include local talent in the film.
This decision is a testament to his desire to promote and support the local artistic community
while creating opportunities for aspiring actors and actresses to showcase their talent on a
bigger platform.
