Bahamian TV Present, ‘This Is Paradise’ Snags Deal in LA

By Arthia Nixon, The Ambassador Company

LOS ANGELES – That is Paradise, the primary Bahamian tv sequence to safe a distribution cope with a serious American streaming service, is formally on Rooster Soup for the Soul Leisure’s free streaming service Crackle. The present premiered on Could 30, 2023. The six-episode sequence was produced and directed by award-winning pioneering Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer and could be accessed at no cost by means of Roku, Samsung TVs, and quite a few different gadgets.

The sequence is a triumph for the Bahamian leisure trade and Caribbean tv as a complete. With an all-Bahamian/Caribbean forged, crew, and manufacturing workforce, That is Paradise is a illustration and cultural authenticity pioneer. Filmed on the picturesque island of Eleuthera, the manufacturing created employment alternatives for Eleutherans as forged members, crew, caterers, and extra.

That is Paradise tells the charming story of two contrasting ladies who uncover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they have to come collectively to rescue their father’s dilapidated resort in The Bahamas. With six episodes, That is Paradise presents a heartwarming narrative set in opposition to the beautiful tropical backdrop of the island.

Mortimer, the visionary creator of the sequence, is the chief producer, infusing the venture together with his distinctive perspective and inventive prowess. Becoming a member of him are govt producer Julia Woolley Chatwin, producer Henrietta Edgecombe, and producers Nicole Sylvester and Trevite Willis. The sequence options an distinctive ensemble forged, together with Dana Deveaux, Julia Woolley Chatwin, Michael Olodeye, Timico Sawyer, and Z’haneo Newbold. The dynamic directing workforce consists of Kareem Mortimer, Henrietta Edgecombe, and Lavado Stubbs, whereas the enchanting scripts are penned by Tim Papciak, Stephen Hanna, and Kerel Pinder.

“Highlighting and advocating for the range of Black cinema has been a core focus all through my profession,” mentioned Gregory Maurice, senior director of worldwide acquisitions & co-productions at Crackle. “That is Paradise showcases a enjoyable and refreshing portrayal of Black people who breaks away from stereotypes. Kareem and his workforce have made historical past, and it’s an honor for us to be a part of this groundbreaking sequence by presenting it on our platform.”

The premiere of That is Paradise coincides with Caribbean Heritage Month in the US which is widely known in June. As streaming platforms more and more embrace genuine African movies and reveals, the sequence presents The Bahamas in its true mild, that includes real accents and places outdoors of Nassau, New Windfall. Filming befell on the island of Eleuthera, the primary colonized Bahamian island identified for its unspoiled pure magnificence and movie star residents that included Mariah Carey, the British royal household, and native favourite Lenny Kravitz. It was additionally the movie location of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married, Too?”.

Zhane’o Newbold, a Caribbean social media sensation and comic identified for his Sarge character, described engaged on the venture as extremely thrilling.

“I used to be surrounded by a mess of proficient creatives and professionals working on a grander scale,” mentioned Newbold who performs Walcott in “This Is Paradise”. “Furthermore, I’m immensely honored to share a slice of this Bahamian historical past. My hope is that the viewers may have the chance to witness the outstanding and diverse expertise that thrives within the Bahamas, brilliantly expressed by means of this charming endeavor.”

Newbold mentioned he desires to determine a profound connection together with his viewers and allow them to really have interaction with the wealthy essence of Bahamian tradition.

“Showcasing our expertise on a world platform is an immense alternative,” added Newbold. “The Bahamas requires higher world visibility, permitting us to determine our distinctive identification and constantly show our distinctive talents. I firmly consider that that is simply the beginning of a outstanding journey in the direction of even higher achievements. My devoted followers have at all times wished for my triumphs and eagerly anticipate witnessing my enlargement into worldwide territories. Their pleasure stems from witnessing my development from humble beginnings to reaching new pinnacles of success.”

Deveaux, who landed the lead function of Kiesha, agrees that being part of the venture is nothing wanting superb.

“There was one thing very particular about engaged on genuine Bahamian materials whereas using the breathtaking panorama of the island of Eleuthera, which can also be a personality within the present,” mentioned Deveaux. “It provides viewers an opportunity to expertise the Bahamas in a very new mild, and I believe this contemporary take is just the start of the kind of creative work viewers can count on from Bahamian creatives. There may be greater and higher to come back – that is just the start!”

Deveaux performs one in every of two ladies who uncover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they have to come collectively to rescue their father’s dilapidated resort in The Bahamas. 

“Securing a deal to achieve tens of millions of viewers in the US has been a very long time coming, and we’re tremendously grateful,” mentioned Kareem Mortimer, govt producer, and creator. “Becoming a member of the Crackle household, related to Redbox and Rooster Soup For The Soul, surpasses our expectations. This achievement demonstrates that perseverance is worth it. I’m delighted to work with this unimaginable workforce and, as we are saying, take 242 to the world.”