'Gangstas' movie to begin production

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

After the popular Shottas, which starred deejay Spragga Benz, another Jamaican movie with a similar theme is now set to begin its production.

The movie, titled Gangstas, is being done by Platinum Camp Records in association with Black Roses Entertainment and Augustus Films, and is about a Jamaican male who was brought up in a broken home and gets involved in street life. As a result of his lifestyle, he has to go to the United States to avoid trouble in Jamaica.

The movie's production team is being headed by producer Mike Jers of Augustus Films.

A number of other subplots surrounding love and loyalty are also revealed in the movie.

Entertainers who will be part of the movie include Paul Campbell, Barrington Levy, Twin of Twins, Wyclef Jean and Spragga Benz. They are also aiming to get Vybz Kartel and Mavado aboard.

According to Daddy Biggs of Platinum Camp Records, the idea to do the movie was around for quite a while.

A different twist

"The movie was supposed to be like a part two to Shottas. We even brought Spragga Benz and Paul Campbell onboard as well. It's the same premise, but with a different twist. Jamaican entertainment is usually good," he said.

Campbell will play the movie's main character, 'Malvo', while Barrington Levy is 'Shadow', a drug kingpin. Wyclef Jean and Twin of Twins also play predominant roles.

"Everybody wants the American dream, some sit around and some chase it," said Biggs.

He wanted to make it clear that they are in no way glorifying or highlighting negativity or violence through the contents of the movie.

They are scheduled to begin shooting in Jamaica next month and are seeking local talent as extras on the set when filming begins.

"Its gonna be a big movement. We don't want to lose time in production and filming so we'll soon nail down a specific time for everything. After shooting, we hope to finish production before the summer," said Biggs.

The soundtrack of the movie is Gangsters, which was recently done by Barrington Levy, Vybz Kartel and Khago.

Platinum Camp Productions was founded in 2005. Platinum recently signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group and INgrooves Distribution.

The company has worked with a number of entertainers including Barrington Levy, Bunny Wailer, HomeGrown, J-BlaX and Louie Rankin aka Ox, Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean and Rohan Marley.

Work with hip-hop artistes such as Lil' Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and Kardinal Offishall is also under way.