Amandala today caught up with Belizean artist Berne Velasquez and got some behind-the-scene information about what has been happening with the Big Movie Production Company Asylum Productions.
The production company came to Belize earlier this month to shoot the feature film The Seven Voyages of Sinbad, and had open call auditions at the Bliss Center. The turnout for the auditions was great, and more than 40 acting roles were filled.
But one of the leading roles Mehrack, the leader of the Somali pirate gang, was given to Berne.
He said: “I went into the audition room prepared and confident. A week later I got a call informing me that I had gotten the role of Mehrack.”
For Berne having gotten the role of Mehrack is definitely the fulfillment of one of his greatest dreams.
“I never thought I would be in Belize playing a star role in a feature film. I had always felt that I needed to be in Hollywood, where I could involve myself in major productions such as the Seven Voyages of Sinbad. As we shot scenes of the movie in different locations in Belize City and Hopkins, my experience left me speechless. I am very happy that the producers Adam Sandler and Ben Hayflick are pleased with my work, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”
On Friday, February 26, Hollywood stuntman Eddie Watkins will be in Belize City holding a workshop at the Bliss Center, offering aspiring actors the opportunity to attend a well put together workshop to assist those interested in casting for this new film industry in Belize.
Watkins has been a Hollywood stuntman for over 20 years, with more than 100 features and television shows to his credit. He has worked with some of the industry’s leading directors and actors, including Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, and the Wayan brothers.
The workshop will provide the basic knowledge of the requirements of a professional stuntman in the picture and video industry.
The hands-on training will include working with different angles of the camera to create a realistic fighting scene. This is only the first part of the three-part workshop.
Interested participants should be persons with some experience in acting, stunts, tumbling or gymnastics. Participants may be of any age group, but must be in excellent health.
Berne says he will be the first in line and encourages Belizeans to make much of this opportunity.
For more information concerning the workshops, contact Nigel Miguel (663-0110) or Skip Weaver (627-8443).