I was always fascinated with cameras, especially video cameras. I remember looking at wedding videos, and instead of looking at the actual event, I wanted to know how the videographers arranged the effects while producing the video.
I enquired, and most of the time I was given the answer, “I do not share my secret.” This would have been in the early 2000s while residing in my country of birth, Guyana. Fast forward to 2005, and here I am now living on the beautiful tranquil island of Montserrat.
My dad bought a video camera, and together we embarked on a mission of videotaping at every event on the island. He learnt of a photography workshop and encouraged me to attend in his absence, as he had to work. That workshop turned out to be the start of a new career journey.
As we continued documenting events, we were approached by persons who were interested in purchasing copies, so I was tasked with getting the videos on tape. I called my tech-savvy friend for help with acquiring video editing software. He promptly delivered one labelled “Sony Vegas”. The label I would never forget. I opened the software and did not know what to do. I asked him how to use it, and he responded, “I am the only technician; you are the pro.”
So I began the task of learning to use Sony Vegas. After many mistakes, deletes, and restarts, I finally reached the point of producing my first films. It was a Christmas party and also a concert organised by the Golden Arrowhead Association (a group of Guyanese living in Montserrat). The process required many long days, nights, and numerous trials and errors. My family made fun by repeating some of the phrases from the videos that were played repeatedly during the editing period.
After completing each production, I got a widescreen video; however, because of my limited knowledge, everyone in the film appeared short and fat. It took me a couple of years to find out what I was doing wrong.
Two years after the first production, I pursued a filmmaking course with the University of the West Indies and received a certificate in television and professional filmmaking. During that course, I learnt to use a new software, Adobe Premiere Pro. Walking away from my experience in my first film production, I was able to catch on very quickly with this new software.
Moving on from my amateur days, I was able to work for a television company as a newsroom video editor and completed additional courses in video production. Because I put in the effort and kept trying, I am where I am. Currently, my work involves video production, website management, photography, and graphic design.