'Ghett'a Life', Browne's answer to creative void

One of the distinguishing markers of the film Ghett'a Life and the element setting it apart from its predecessors, is the quality of the images.

Yet, the film, which hits local box offices July 29, was shot in only six weeks. The high production value in the limited time was achieved through the formula of a dedicated crew, excellent detailed planning and the right technology.

Shooting on film has long been the standard of quality in the movie industry. While the entry of digital cameras meant that decent images could be created for much less, the quality has always been less and has, of course, impacted the distribution possibilities for locally produced films.

Third World Cop, Jamaica's highest grossing film to date, squarely established Chris Browne as one of Jamaica's top directors, but left him seeking more artistic satisfaction.

Something meaningful

"You know, Third World Cop was like chewing gum," he explained. "Like a pop song - here today and gone tomorrow - and I really wanted to do something meaningful."

So, after the adrenaline rush provided by the action flick, Browne went about seeking a different kind of project and an unplanned trip to Sandy Park brought him to Ghett'a Life.

Browne also explained that Third World Cop was a low-budget film and looked like one. This time around, he wanted to create a project of international calibre, and considered shooting Ghett'a Life on 16mm film.

A more cost-effective option came with the arrival of the Red One Camera, which Browne describes as a game-changer. The camera has been acclaimed internationally, and has been used to shoot films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Wanted, The Social Network, and District 9.