Four Original Scripts Produced In An Advanced Production Workshop In Santo Domingo
New York City, NY. January 19th.

As part of the ongoing initiative to enhance the film industry in the Dominican Republic, One Race Films, New York University Opportunity Programs, and the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development/ Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo offered an advanced production workshop at the Global Media Arts Institute in Santo Domingo.

Scripts were solicited to produce during January 3rd to the 13th. Four original scripts, ranging from 8 to 30 pages were selected to shoot under the guidance and technical support of Irving Vincent, Andrea Wong and George Argento, from the Multimedia Lab of NYU's Opportunity Programs, with three of the program's Tisch School of Arts teaching assistants. A production team was formed for each script where the NYU contingent led each from pre-production to production.

30 students participated in the workshop, some with and others without prior experience, taking on a specific role for each script as Director, Producer, Art Director, Assistant Director, Director of Photography, Camera Assistant, Lighting and Sound Technician. Carlota Carretero, a well-respected actress in the DR acted as Casting Director, drawing in professional actors for casting calls.

During pre-production students created storyboards, shot lists and shooting schedules. They scouted and secured locations, drafted permit letters and obtained props and set pieces. Most students remained in Santo Domingo for production while others ventured to other areas in the DR, like the Romana and Villa Mella.

The level of commitment, the professional attitude and creativity of the group astonished instructor Irving Vincent. All four teams successfully completed their shoots, bringing back beautiful and interesting footage.