Behind the Lens: CAB Concept

Videos have long been used to make lasting memories. Now imagine, with the right equipment, the life-changing impact it could make during this technologically advanced era. Local videographer Courtney Brown has not only been telling colourful stories in filming and editing, but he directed his own professional path through the art, making a show-stopping mark in the entertainment industry. Flair got behind the scenes with Brown to find out more about his production company, CAB Concepts.

Brown always had a love for video production, and as a smooth operator, he made a solid transition from being on stage to being behind the camera. "I was dancing professionally with Pro Moves, a dance company, and I was part of a dance crew called Shady Squad. I was also teaching and going on tours with both entities. But I always had a love for video production even before dancing, so the transition of becoming a videographer/director wasn't that difficult. Working with Pro Moves Dance Company and Shady Squad actually made things easier for me because I was able to pursue both passions at the same time. We ended up building a portfolio of videos that I've shot and edited. It was there that people started to see my work, and then found myself expanding my editing base to others," he told Flair.

His first job as a video editor came when he was employed to Irish and Chin. He made that experience batting practice to become a game changer. Two years later, he edited his first video for gospel artiste Ryan Mark's single, Nah Give Up. But something was missing: in order to make a name for himself, he essentially needed a name. "I think I was using the name Yinyan, Yankee or Cuz at the time: that's what everybody used to call me. I started to think about a name change because I wanted to direct my own music videos and those names weren't suitable. So I decided to go with CAB Concepts for my first music video directing and editing Masicka's Me Seh Life," he revealed.

The self taught video director and editor has so far been editing for seven years, directing for five, as he provides a list of services that include video editing, media coverage, motion graphics, design graphics and treatments for music videos, "It's not easy at all, especially working with entertainers and persons of different personalities.Then there are long hours of editing, especially when working on multiple projects at one time. And I was a one-man show, working on my own, directing, shooting and editing, which wasn't making sense. Now, I have a good team working with and that makes things a lot better for CAB Concepts," he said.

The journey overall, he says, has been challenging but worth it. "I don't see myself doing anything else other than video production," he added. Aside from Masicka and Ryan Mark, he has worked with Busy Signal, RDX, DJ Nicholas, Ishawna, and more. Each encounter he describes as unique, with a few clients returning for more business, and even crossing over to build good friendships.

Now that he has got into commercials, something which he always wanted to do and is slowly and surely putting his foot through that door, he offered this advice to aspiring video editors. "You just have to work hard towards honing your creative passion, nothing comes easy. For me, I really appreciate all the things I work hard for in life. It values more to me, and this journey doesn't stop here. I'm still working towards making CAB Concepts successful. So don't give up."

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com