THERE were mixed views on the viability of having local theatre productions broadcast on television at a forum hosted by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).
This was the main topic at the TATT 36th ICT Open Forum, The Missing Link – Moving Local Theatre from the Stage to the Screen, broadcast on September 21 on CNC3.
Before the discussion, TATT CEO Cynthia Reddock-Downes said in a recorded message the purpose of the forum was to critically examine the local theatre and broadcasting industries and examine: "Why, with all the visual and performing arts talent in our twin-island nation, we have not seen that talent transcending (sic) to our local television screen?"
She said the country's substantial local content attracts viewership, but quality plays and other content do not make it to broadcast media.
She added the question was how to generate interest, though the demand may not be in sufficient amounts to generate advertising revenue from the broadcasting of these productions.
Reddock-Downes said there have been excellent theatre performances at sold-out venues, but these are only enjoyed by live audiences. She questioned how to enable the development of the broadcasting sector so that local theatre can become content for broadcasters.
[caption id="attachment_1038250" align="alignnone" width="1004"] The cast of Mixed Up at red carpet event at Imax: FilmTT produced the sitcom, Mixed Up. It used a theatre format and converted it into a sitcom. The five-episode series ran from September 25-29 on TTT. Actress Penelope Spencer, right, who appears in Mixed Up, said it was a good case study of theatre to screen. -[/caption]
She explained that TATT's role as a regulator is to facilitate the orderly development of local telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in such a way as to safeguard, enrich and strengthen the national, social, cultural and economic well-being of society. She said there is a gap to be filled in terms of made-for-television productions, adding the cost can be prohibitive.
Reddock-Downes pointed out that the National Policy on Broadcast and the Broadcasting Industry recognises the acute challenges to local artistes posed by the overwhelming presence of foreign products.
"We recognise our duty to provide significant opportunities for the development of local culture through broadcasting."
She said the forum will go a long way in restarting the conversation on using national television broadcasters to promote local culture.
[caption id="attachment_1038266" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Wendell Etienne, playwright director and producer. -[/caption]
The forum was hosted by actor, playwright, director, and producer Wendell Etienne. The panellists were director, actor, writer, producer and Gayelle TV founder Errol Fabien; member of the Orange Economy Committee in the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce Julie Harris; TT Film Company (FilmTT) general manager Leslie-Ann Wills-Caton; and actress, director, writer, casting director and producer Penelope S
