LOCAL cinematographers yesterday announced the launch of a new production consortium determined to put Bermuda on the map with regard to film-making.

With that aim, Close Encounters and Seymour Artists intend to screen their first venture in local cinemas this spring.

Billed as a comedy-drama, Paper Byes was shot entirely on location in Bermuda. Those involved include Eston Rawlins, Willie Ferguson, Kevin Dill, Al Seymour, Jr. and Gregory Wade.

"The goals of the film-making consortium are two-fold: To entertain local audiences and enter the film in a number of festivals overseas and to inspire and encourage other potential cinematographers to perfect their craft and thereby build the local film-making industry," explained Mr. Seymour, president of Seymour Artists and best known as a cinematographer for his two animated cartoons, The Blue Manta and Raptiles on de Rock.

"After 14 months in the making, the 57-minute production was produced and financed by the core group of Bermudian film-makers who were also responsible for Crimson and Gold, the first home-grown sound movie made over 25 years ago."

Especially when one considered the technology available today, it was not an unrealistic aim that Bermuda film-makers might one day be recognised for their contributions, Mr. Seymour added.

"Story telling in the form of motion pictures is in its infancy in Bermuda. We hope to demonstrate to young people that with today's digital technology it is possible to present a narrative or a documentary in high quality medium.

"The digital revolution now includes the independent film production arena, with the latest off-the-shelf computer systems, editing software and digital video cameras. It is against this background that the stage is set for a new generation of Bermudian film-makers to tell their stories.

"Bermuda should be ready to take its place on the world stage in producing programming. Paper Byes is only the beginning."