CANE BAY FILMS LLC’s FILM INDUSTRY WORKFORCE TRAINING Program™© Welcomes its newest class

Photo of the training program class featured in the St. Croix Avis.

St. Croix, USVI - October 14, 2023 — The original USVI film industry training program, The Cane Bay Films LLCs Film Industry Workforce Training Program™© has welcomed its first class.

Setting up at the Buccaneer Hotel St. Croix, the group of more than 50 participants are attending evening classes that provide instruction on everything from cinematography, hair & makeup to security and stunts.

The Film Industry Workforce Training Program™© is running through October 29, 2023 and offers free evening classes to anyone over age 18 territory-wide.

Led by Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz, the training program is the culmination of a 13-year vision of reviving and jump-starting the USVI Film Industry. Its aim is to equip the Virgin Islands workforce with professional skills to prepare them for long-term employment in the US and global film industry, worth nearly $100 billion.

“Virgin Islanders throughout the territory are learning direct skills from prestigious professionals who work with Warner Bros., Starz, Disney, Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon, among other film studios and union collaborators," Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz, Founder and Executive Director of Cane Bay Films LLC said.

"The film industry is integral to our economic growth, government, and sustainable tourism. I am proud of our local and International team, who have worked tirelessly for years. I am grateful for their unwavering dedication. We all love and enjoy watching movies, documentaries, and TV series. The Workforce Training Program and film production is an excellent way for all of us to come together and be a part of the front and back of the USVI Film Industry," said Bermúdez-Ruiz.

Cane Bay Films LLC's Film Industry Workforce Training Program™© is an intensive film industry training program comparable to courses at a national and international film school or college. Our trainers and team consist of representatives from Hollywood: Sundance Film Festival, Warner Brothers Studios, Disney, Apple TV, and welcomes talent from Italy, Chile, and Brazil.

The Workforce Training Program is excited about their award-winning team, who are traveling to St. Croix to bring our vision to life: Suki Medencevic, Executive Head Instructor Cinematographer, ASC; Roberta Marie Munroe, Executive Program Producer; Neyda Mercado, Producer Program Manager; Jerry Garcia, Marketing and Communications Specialist; Ashley Lucio, Content Producer; Orlando Lopez, Costume Designer trainer; Patricia Alonso Casting Director Trainer; Gilbert Gonzalez. Hair and Make-Up Trainer.

For more information, visit the Cane Bay Films website: www.canebayfilms.com.