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U.S. & Local TV Production Features Bahamian Culture & Talent  

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS (August 1, 2023) – The producers of the Bounce TV network original series, “Johnson,” A Bird and A Bear Entertainment (Eric C. Rhone and Cedric the Entertainer’s production company) and Midnight Train Productions (Deji LaRay and Thomas Q. Jones’ production company) and the stars of the hit show, arrived in The Bahamas in June for the taping of two episodes for an upcoming season of the popular American drama.  “Johnson” is described as an ‘industry rarity’ for its originality and instant audience connection.

Credited as a show highlighting black males in a positive light, fans will see the scenic beauty of land and sea and witness the culture of The Bahamas in both episodes. “Johnson” creator, executive producer, writer, director, and lead actor, Deji LaRay, said The Bahamas ranked first of possible locations and it was important for Bahamians to be involved to secure Bahamian authenticity.

The episodes were filmed in Nassau at the Sandyport Beach Resort, Trip Advisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice award winner, for the sixth time, and the family-themed Atlantis Paradise Island.

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs, was hired as the local director and co-producer for the two episodes filmed outside of the United States for the first time. He also headed the pre-shoot search to select the location spots.

Stubbs said that once he got the scripts, he immediately knew the locations had to ensure The Bahamas was a character in the show and not just any island destination backdrop.

“The Bahamian beauty and local feel of Sandyport Beach Resort made it an obvious choice. It has been here for years and is very Bahamian,” said Stubbs.  “It further added to the portrayal of The Bahamas as a character in the show as every aspect of the resort contributed to the cultural element of the series.”  The award-winning resort also housed the international actors and film crew during the week-long shoot.

“We knew we wanted to go to a beautiful country and island,” said “Johnson” star LaRay. “The Bahamas’ beaches are the best in the world and the people are incredibly inviting and supportive. Bahamian director Lavado Stubbs brought a unique perspective and ensured that the episodes captured the authenticity of the Bahamian culture.”

“Johnson” Executive Producer Reesha L. Archibald echoed LaRay, noting that the show was looking to elevate the series beyond just location, so the inclusion of Bahamian culture and typical events was key.

“The Bahamian production team members and actors, Chantel O’Brian and young artist, BahaMian Trae and the many extras all contributed to the success of that goal.  And we decided that it would be smart and send a big ‘thank you’ to Nassau to include Lavado as a director because of his expertise, local knowledge and his film production company. “It has been phenomenal and definitely worth the months of planning; it was also surprising and wonderful to learn that our show has Bahamian fans.”

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs shared that the shoot was enlightening for him. “What was amazing to me was the “Johnson” team wanted these episodes to be authentically Bahamian, meaning The Bahamas wasn’t just the backdrop, as is usually the case, but a major part of the storyline. As a Bahamian director, I’ve learned that’s rare with a visiting film crew.  It has made me realize that any other projects that come here could see that local production talent is the right way to go.”

Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke said it had been a great experience working with the “Johnson” production team and is thankful that the Film Commission in the Ministry of Tourism and Conchboy Films reached out to the resort with the opportunity.

Clarence Rolle, the Film Commissioner at Bahamas Film Commission said that overall, the decision to film in The Bahamas and involve Bahamian talent in the “Johnson” series demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the elevation of the show. It’s a positive development for both the Bahamian entertainment industry and the visibility of the country on an international platform.” The Bahamas Film Commission is a national agency with a remit to maximize and support the production of international feature film and television in The Bahamas promoting the region through the development of film, video, and multimedia production.

“Johnson” returns for a new season on Bounce TV Saturday nights at 8 p.m. ET starting August 5, 2023, with two new back-to-back episodes. Bounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures,  off network series, specials and events designed for African American audiences. Viewers can catch up on “Johnson” and all Bounce originals anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce’s subscription video-on-demand service. Visit www.BrownSugar.com for more information.

 

Photo Caption: 

Header: Bounce TV network series “Johnson” filmed two episodes in Nassau for an upcoming season in the popular drama. USA production team and local Conchboy Films production team are pictured at Sandyport Beach Resort during the week-long shoot. L to R: Executive Producer, Reesha L. Archibald; Bahamian Actress, Chantel O’Brian; “Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor, Deji LaRay; Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke; and General Manager Cheralda Arnett; Conchboy Films Production Assistant, Keanna Rigby and Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs.

1st insert: “Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor, Deji LaRay; and Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke are interviewed for a promotional video for the Bounce TV hit show “Johnson.”

2nd insert: Conchboy Films owner, and Director of 2 episodes of Bounce TV hit show, “Johnson” filmed on location at Sandyport Beach Resort takes a break with  Bahamian production team member and actor, Chantel O’Brian.

Photos and words: Ashley@serenawilliams-pr.com

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Bahamas News

Husband Murder Plot foiled in The Bahamas; Wife and two others arrested 

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#TheBahamas, August 5, 2023 – An American woman has been arrested in The Bahamas, accused of conspiring with two men, one of them alleged to be her lover, to murder her estranged husband.

The woman, 36 year old Lindsay Shiver and the two men, 28-year-old Terrance Bethel, the alleged lover and 29 year old Faron Newbold, were taken into custody last week following police investigation of a reported burglary at Grabbers Bar and Grill restaurant on Great Guana Cay.

The police looked into their cell phones and found WhatsApp messages detailing the assassination plot to kill her husband.

The couple, who built a life in South Georgia have three children and are home owners on the island in the Abacos.

News outlets throughout the US have reported on the scandalous story, including that a nasty court battle over the couple’s reported, $5 Million dollar fortune and three children was underway.  Shiver, an entrepreneur is a former beauty Alabama queen, her husband a former football player was an insurance executive.

According to US media, the husband, Robert, recently filed for divorce from Shivers after a decade of marriage upon discovering she had an alleged extra-martial affair with Bethel whom she met in The Bahamas.

While the husband claims infidelity on the part of his wife, the wife claims he was abusive.

The suspects Shiver, Bethel and Newbold appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on Friday July 28th.  Their next court date is set for October 5th.

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Bahamas News

Alarming Sexual Assault cases raising fears in The Bahamas

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 5, 2023 – The Bahamas is now facing an unfortunate reality as sexual assault has become and is a growing issue since 2023.  Women and girls are said to be living in fear for their safety from these perpetrators.

The Royal Bahamas Police force has reported on instances of assault in press releases found on their Facebook page.

One report spoke of a 50 year old they were searching for after he burglarized a home and sexually assaulted an elderly woman, 82 years old.  She was reported to be asleep when he woke and assaulted her.

This took place on Tuesday July 11th, 2023 at the home in the Centreville area of Nassau.

There is another incident that took place on July 17th, 2023 which the police are seeking in catching the suspect as they investigate.  It involves a man believed to the perpetrator in for an armed robbery and sexual assault.

According to preliminary data, he approached the victim, a female, with a firearm, robbed her and sexually assaulted her.  He proceeded to enter the house and robbed a male and escaped.  This happened in the Cowpen Road area; also in Nassau.

The assaults continue to grow in number as the police reported that they were investigating two other incidents that took place on July 24th.

The first had to do with a female, 30 years old who reported she was driving on West on Marshall Road when two men approached her after she slowed down near Faith Avenue.  One of the males with a firearm, forced her from her vehicle and took her to nearby bushes where they sexually assaulted her after which they escaped.

The second incident involved à 32 year old woman who was sexually assaulted by a male known to her.  It is reported that she was walking in the Fleming Street area when she accepted transportation from the suspect, who drove her to a dirt road off Gladstone Road where he presented a firearm and proceeded to rape her.

Furthermore, another assault, this time involving a 9 year old girl, was reported.  As revealed by preliminary information, the victim was playing with friends outside where she lives on Saturday July 29th, 2023 when the suspect, a 42 year old male of Summerset Estate, driving a white Nissan Skyline, arrived and gestured to her to enter the car.

She entered the car after which he took her to an unknown location, threatened her and sexually assaulted her.  She was later found somewhere in Spikenard Road; this also happened in Nassau.

Fortunately, he was caught and arrested for abduction and sexual assault on Sunday July 30th by officers affiliated with the Drug Enforcement Unit.

There are other reports of sexual assault throughout The Bahamas as well as rape and attempted rape during the earlier parts of the year, dating back to as early as February.

 

CAPTION: Women Leaders, including Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister filled the gallery of The Bahamas Senate this week as members of the upper chamber debated the Protection Against Violence Bill 2023.  The debate came just as the country experiences a spike in sexual assaults against women and girls.  Photo by Patrick Hanna, BIS.

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Bahamas News

Premier Misick received a courtesy call from the Bahamas Leader of the Opposition

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#TurksandCaicos, August 5, 2023 – On August 3rd, 2023, Premier Misick met with the Leader of the Opposition of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Honorable Michael Pintard. The discussion was highly productive, and they delved into matters of mutual concern between their neighboring nations. Hon. Pintard was accompanied by other opposition members, including Senator the Honorable Darren Handfield and Mr. Joshua Sears.

 

Group photo caption:

From Left to Right: Mr. Joshua Sears, Senator Hon. Darren Hendfield, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Bahamas Leader of the Bahamas Hon. Michael Pintard and Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin J. Saunders.

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