Waterhouse actor dreams big

Local actor and film director Cornelius 'John Maffia' Grant, says he wants to bring Hollywood's concept of film-making to Jamaica. According to the actor, Jamaica has the talent but only lacks the resources.

The actor is gearing up to release his debut film, Kill Dem All And Done, which is locally produced and directed.

According to the young actor, there is a huge gap in local production but the talent is not lacking.

"Jamaica has the same talent that America has, we just don't have the money and the resources to create the product that they do, that is why we have less production and poor quality," he said.

John Maffia says that he yearns to be on a level playing field with credited actors and directors, but until then, he will continue with his underground film revolution.

"I want to do something big, a real film with unique concepts like Hollywood, but for now the money is an issue. For this movie I used my own camera, and the actors participated out of love for the art, it is low budget but, there is good laughter and action involved. People will love it … it is different," he said.

violence in j'can films

According to John Maffia, critics tend to say that Jamaican movies only show violence, but the same critics will watch an American action film without complaint.

"People will pay their money to watch American violent films, but if it's locally produced they are quick to ridicule, when truly it's a part of our society that we can't hide from. The few people who have wealth are in the minority, the majority are poor and plagued by violence," he said.

John Maffia was born in the volatile community of Waterhouse, and, according to the 25-year-old, all he ever wanted to do was provide entertainment in every form.

"I want to be involved in all aspects of entertainment, which is why my company, Good Vibes Entertainment, is responsible for actors, comedians, dancers, magicians, deejays and producers, the whole works," he said.

John Maffia has played roles in local films such as Secret 21 and Bashment Granny, as well as made appearances in over 30 different music videos, including Bounty Killer and Elephant Man's This Is How We Do It, Ryan Mark's Touch The Road, Erup's Gal A Run Dem Head among others.

Kill Dem All And Done will be released late December or early 2012.

According to John Maffia, he hopes to get sponsorship to push the movie.

However, if that does not happen, he will do a tour of various locations, where the movie will be premiered for a set price before it is officially released on DVD.

John Maffia also said he was also in discussions with cable service providers, Flow, to broadcast the movie to its subscribers.