The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporations (CBC) and Barbados Film and Video Association Inc. (BFVA) agreed to build a working relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on developing a framework for a model of sustainable televisions and film production and distribution for Barbadian and resident content producers and the CBC. The MoU was signed in March, 2022 by the CEO of the CBC, Mr. Sanka Price, and the President of the BFVA, Mr. Rivelino Simmons.
The MoU is a form of mutual commitment in complementing each other`s duties and functions in the perspective of civic duty and national development, particularly in the development of audiovisual skills, visual representation of national identities, and distribution and exhibition of local content.
CBC is a statutory corporation, which was created by an Act of Parliament in 1963. The Corporation is mandated to provide public service broadcasting to the community. The CBC is in the business of producing, broadcasting and distributing content across all its platforms. However, there has been a disconnect between the corporation and the growing community of independent producers in the country, thus the full spectrum of content produced by locals and residents does not reach their intended communities.
Therefore, the BFVA, in line with its duties and mandate to be the primary advocate for the creation of an effective audio-visual policy and regulatory environment that promotes and supports the growth of professions and business in the audio-visual sector, is obligated to foster a partnership between the community it represents and support the statutory corporation in providing content for public service broadcasting to the wider community.
The MoU coverage is focused on revenue generation opportunities, identifying opportunities for grant funding, identifying opportunities for grant funding, distribution to regional television stations, collaborative workshops under the theme of “Producing Content for the Local Market and Beyond”, among other key incentives and opportunities. Both parties to the agreement are expected to enjoy fair exchange in value of goods and services and will exist from March 2022 to March 31 2023 and will be reviewed on an annual basis.
The BFVA will be hosting a workshop on Thursday April 21st, 2022 at 7:30 PM to further discuss with its membership how they can benefit from this agreement. A copy of the full agreement can be found in the 'Connect with Your Community' section on the File Share page.