FilmInterviews

YardEdge Talks to Storm Saulter About Better Mus’ Come

BetterMusComeStormSaulter

Director Storm Saulter on set

YardEdge had a chat with Jamaican director, Storm Saulter about his new movie Better Mus’ Come, which is to be released October 13th in cinemas island wide. See the trailer in the YardEdge Featured Video.

YardEdge: Tell us a bit about Better Mus’ Come – what is it about? What was its inspiration?

Storm: Better Mus’ Come is about many things, I guess the key element though, was to recreate a time in Jamaica (1977-1978) when political tribalism, encouraged by the main players in the “Cold War” (USA, Cuba, Russia), was at its height. There is a misconception that Jamaicans are intrinsically violent, and I wanted to create a story that more accurately illustrated the root cause and effect of the extreme violence taking place in our country. And to examine the type of societal structure that allows criminality to fester to such a point that the inevitable endgame of a Green Bay massacre, or the invasion of Tivoli, plays out.

YardEdge: What was it like filming it in Jamaica?

Storm: Jamaica is somewhat lawless, like the wild west of filmmaking. That is definitely true when it comes to local film production. This can be very liberating as a filmmaker, but also kinda tricky at times. For example, don’t bother getting permits to film at a specific location, cause at the end of the day, the “Big Man” has to give the go ahead. That said, when you reach an understanding with said “Big Man” all of a sudden you are able to move mountains, the entire community is involved, and that is often the only way to have genuine protection. This needs to ultimately change in Jamaica, but until that point we filmmakers have to use it to our advantage, and approach our productions as if we are in the wild west, trying to get the stagecoach across the desert in one piece, without losing any passengers to the marauding cowboys.

YardEdge: Is the cast all Jamaican?

Storm: The cast and crew is entirely Jamaican except for Roger Guenveur Smith, who plays the role of the Prime Minister. He is such an inspiring and accomplished actor, that I believe his participation in the film raised the bar for all the other young actors, many of whom were first time actors.

YardEdge: Who else is involved in the production of the movie?

Storm: Better Mus’ Come had an excellent crew. The Production Designer, Khalil Deane, was responsible for recreating a 1970’s Central Kingston neighborhood, cars, signage, weapons, props. Every detail had to be true to the time period we were portraying. Charl Baker, Costume Designer, had to recreate that funky seventies style, as well as maintain the political consciousness that would have informed the fashion of the time (green being the favored color in JLP neighborhoods, orange and red being the preferred in PNP neighborhoods).

Tamika Nelson and Jackie Greaves were primarily responsible for makeup and hair (very different in the 70’s compared to now). This is a massive job considering the fact that we had scenes with large numbers of extras, each requiring styling and makeup). Capt. Robert Hibbert was our stunt co-ordinator and weapons specialist. Training the actors how to properly handle their weapons and perform stunts safely. Wayne Armond and Marlon Stewart-Gaynor created the original score. Paul Bucknor was the producer. The entire community of Sandy Park, our main location, was fully behind us, and their participation really allowed us to tell the story we wanted to. Filmmaking is a seriously collaborative effort, involving many people, all of whom are essential.

YardEdge: What are the plans for the movie? Where will it be shown, Jamaica? Abroad?

Storm: International ting we a deal wid straight!

YardEdge: Tell us about some of your past work?

Storm: Everything I’ve done has led me to this point. So lets focus on this for now.

YardEdge: What inspires you to make movies? What are your greatest rewards?

Storm: To know that I’ve manifested something that was once a small whisper in the back of my head.

YardEdge: What do you think are the problems that the Jamaican film industry faces?

Storm: This is not the only country where access to funding is limited. So the “filmmakers” need to stop using that as an excuse and find a way to tell their stories. Once you show potential investors that you know how to make a successful product then they will come. But don’t expect them to risk their money on something before its proven.

YardEdge: What do you think Jamaican film makers can teach others in the industry elsewhere?

Storm: I am a producer of the New Caribbean Cinema series. It is in essence, communal filmmaking. A group of filmmakers get together and work on each others films, like a round robin. In the end we will have at least 7 films by different directors, which we will put together to form one feature film at a fraction of the cost of a traditional feature film. We will also have at least 7 individual shorts that can travel on their own. I don’t think we are re-inventing the wheel, but we are getting very high quality films made for very low budgets.

YardEdge: What do you think is the future of the Jamaican film industry, what should film makers focus on?

Storm: Actually making films instead of talking about making films.

YardEdge: Plans for the future? What’s your next project?

Storm: It’s time to take Better Mus’ Come across the world. That’s my next project.

YardEdge: Thanks!

More information on Better Mus’ Come can be found at www.bettermuscome.com and www.facebook.com/BetterMusCome. You can also follow on twitter at twitter.com/bettermuscome.

BetterMusComephoto

BetterMusComephoto3

P1050878

Ricky and Kemala copy

BETTER MUS' COME - official poster

teasereveraldo

Previous post

Market at the Lawn Returns This Sunday With Local Arts, Crafts & More

Next post

Better Mus' Come Presents Reasoning with Nicole 'Sky' Grey

27 Comments

  1. August 13, 2014 at 12:39 pm — Reply

    Light Silk Spray to aid in brushing and easy removal of any tangles.
    Surgical treatment for Gynecomastia is considered the fastest and most effective way
    to reshape the male breast. A tanning solution provides the right kind of solution which is always extremely helpful in showing
    the best kind of effect on your face.

  2. August 12, 2014 at 8:23 am — Reply

    The right price is definitely a big factor in choosing
    the right moving company and the services on the estimate
    will help you get a good price. But also, the comments have
    affirmed that many are where I was before; in a place where they are putting on the happy face and hiding their fears from
    those around them. There are tanks and a lot of men to the left,
    and you need to let the friendly tanks take care of them.

  3. August 6, 2014 at 4:10 am — Reply

    With a skilled ultrasonographer, two gestational sacs,
    two embryos and two distinct fetal heartbeats can be seen six
    weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period.
    There are a few things that must be identified about the HCG diet plan and consequently a
    single really should not start off using them without having any assistance
    of the homeopathic medical doctor. The taste alone may be enough to keep you
    from wanting to overeat.

  4. August 4, 2014 at 1:34 pm — Reply

    “And I can see you – Your brown skin shining in the sun – You got your hair combed back – Sunglasses on baby”.
    – Before you step out to go sunbathing, ascertain that your skin is clear
    from any ingredients of makeup creams and cologne liquids that would make your skin more disposed to sunburn. Cheaper versions are less likely to coat evenly or have colors that do not blend well with a variety of skin tones.

  5. August 2, 2014 at 6:54 am — Reply

    Perhaps it’s time to take that long-awaited ocean cruise.
    These thoughts and many others can prevent us from achieving God’s best for our lives and realizing our full potential.
    But he didn’t care…because that’s just who he
    was.

  6. July 26, 2014 at 5:43 am — Reply

    Last Friday, students were warned about wearing yoga pants or leggings, and some were ordered to change.
    an experience that opens your eyes, softens your heart,
    and quiets you a little bit. The Devil’s Commandment Director:
    Ricardo Freda and Mario Bava Year: 1956 Cast: Giana Maria
    Canale, Carlos D’Angelo, Dario Michaelis, Wandisa Guida and Angelo Galassi.

  7. July 26, 2014 at 5:21 am — Reply

    rear bumper and brackets and replaced it with a 65″ long 3″ dia.
    They also boast more restaurants and dining options than days of the week.

    While these are the major things represented on the control board, you unit may
    have additional items represented, including surface clutter, structure, second
    returns and thermoclines.

  8. April 29, 2014 at 9:55 am — Reply

    This paragraph will assist the internet users for building up
    new website or even a weblog from start to end.

  9. February 26, 2012 at 3:40 pm — Reply

    […] check out YardEdge’s interview with director Storm Saulter For more info […]

  10. […] a talented actress, Sky recently starred in the Jamaican indie film, ‘Better Mus Come‘ directed by Storm […]

  11. […] See YardEdge’s interview with Storm about Better Mus Come […]

  12. February 16, 2011 at 10:48 pm — Reply

    I just visited your website and wanted to let you and your clients know about the Upcoming Bob Marley Festival.

    Bob Marley Movement Presents:
    THE 18TH ANNUAL 9 MILE MUSIC FESTIVAL
    Saturday, March 12, 2011

    Bayfront Park
    301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
    Downtown Miami, FL

    In its 18th year, our festival is currently the longest running reggae show and food drive in South Florida. Created in order to fill the demand for an event to celebrate and pay tribute to the life of the legendary Bob Marley, this daylong festival generates at least 11,000 fans annually.

    MORE INFO: http://www.9milemusicfestival.com

    SPECIAL OFFER: A CHANCE TO WIN BACK STAGE PASSES!
    Buy a pair of tickets today, and you’ll be eligible to win two BACK STAGE PASSES!

    Copy and Paste to your browser the link below To Puchase Tickets Now:
    http://bit.ly/9MileMusic

    Or Contact me direct by Phone or Email. I will give you clear instructions on how to pay.

    Darin Delia
    Contact Page Media, Inc
    561-596-4330
    contactpagemedia@yahoo.com

    This Message is intended only for the Website Owner and is private.

  13. […] See YardEdge interview with Storm YardEdge talks to Storm Sautter about Better Mus Come […]

  14. […] 2. Yardedge talks to Storm Saulter about Better Mus’ Come – one of the most exciting new movies of the year! […]

  15. Monique Thompson
    December 31, 2010 at 2:44 pm — Reply

    For an jamaica film it top the chart but still im not gonna stop write you until, you in person reply, my movie is great one of a kind and i know you will love it.

  16. […] See YardEdge interview with Storm Saulter […]

  17. SHERIAN
    October 25, 2010 at 11:22 am — Reply

    I SEEN PREVIEW OF UR MOVIE ND I LUV IT MY HUSBAND SAVIOLA WAS N IT ND IM ALL DA WAY N DA USA ,,,,,,,BIGUP

  18. Josh-Wayne Smith
    October 24, 2010 at 1:17 pm — Reply

    dis movie sell off and it shot. mi luv it bad. mi rate it at 10

  19. Josh-Wayne Smith
    October 24, 2010 at 1:16 pm — Reply

    yow dis movie shot and it sell off. mi luv it bad. mi rate it. i give it a 10

  20. Gary W
    October 22, 2010 at 12:52 pm — Reply

    I watched the movie and as long as its not unfairly compared to Hollywood flicks, its shaping up to be a classic. I found flaws in the sound track in some scenes but overall it was a good Jamaican Story, particularly because I can relate to that period of our history.

  21. ireko baker
    October 12, 2010 at 4:37 pm — Reply

    our likkle yaad continue to birth xtremely creative souls fermenting big yaad intentions in their busoms. to be a witness to the efforts of our creators, especially those young ones of this post- Marley era,in these ‘imes is a really serious RUSH for me.OUR ARTS NEED SERIOUS ATTENTION FROM OUR SLEEPING PURSE BAG SCROOGES!!!! i man know the incubator Storm come from,so no expect less. BIG UP Yard Edge gwaan do de work but peep round de corner too!

  22. Betty Wilson
    October 6, 2010 at 1:26 pm — Reply

    Can’t wait to see it. Big up a promising young Jamaican director and his colleagues in the local film industry, congratulations in advance.

  23. October 4, 2010 at 6:09 pm — Reply

    I LOVE IT ALREADY

  24. […] check out these links: Yardege Interview with Storm Saulter, Talk with Nicole Grey about her […]

  25. […] See YardEdge inteview with Better Mus’ Come director Storm Saulter […]

  26. Karin
    September 29, 2010 at 10:22 am — Reply

    Thanks! I can’t wait to see this movie!

  27. September 28, 2010 at 8:48 pm — Reply

    Great interview!

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *