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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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Twist To Win Ends in a Grand Style with Four $5,000 Mall at Marathon Shopping Sprees  

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Twist To Win grand finale winners (l-r) Brian Bethel, Taraceta Neely, Ashia Demeritte and Merlin Adams posing along with their winnings from the shopping spree.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.

The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.

With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.

Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.

Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.

Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!

After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.

The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.

At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.

Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.

Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.

The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.

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 The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival.                                                                                                                                                                              Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.

As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.

Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole, with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.

Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.

Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the listening booth.

Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.

For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!

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CWS Brings a Galore of Bubbles at Annual Jollification Festival  

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Caribbean Wines & Spirits team members smiling behind one of the company’s two bars at Jollification

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.

Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.

The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members.  Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.

Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine.  To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.

On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking in the comfort of the chic lounge.  In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.

The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.

To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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