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The film is a sort of slapstick comedy about two paper boys — in their 40s — who come across a windfall of cash. Suddenly, possessing more money than they ever have in their lives, they have to make a big decision — quickly.

The two stars of the show, Willie Ferguson and Kevin Dill, have both been involved with drama and acting since they started the Close Encounters drama group in the 1970s. Around the same time, Al Seymour began Seymour Film Productions and the two groups collaborated on their first film Crimson and Gold in 1979. That film was thought lost until a copy of it was discovered in perfect condition in the spring of 2004.

After restoring the film and transferring it to digital media, they screened the film to several audiences. The response was so enthusiastic that they broadcast it on VSB-TV11 in October 2004 and later released it on DVD. Reunited by the buzz surrounding Crimson and Gold, its creators decided to begin work on a new film, hence Paper Byes.

Work on the film began in January 2005, and the Close Encounters and Seymour Artists groups quickly found it different from their Crimson and Gold production. They say it was a challenge just to get everyone in the same place at the same time due to work and other commitments. They decided to shoot the film on Digital Video, which allowed them to edit the film on the computer.

On the island

Paper Byes is directed by Eston Rawlins, written and produced by Willie Ferguson and Kevin Dill with Director of Cinematography and Editing Al Seymour Jr. and Production Assistant Gregory Wade. Fourteen months in the making, the 57-minute film was shot at various locations around the island including the Island Press printing press. The first final cut of the movie screened at the BUEI on March 3, 2006, to a select audience of about 130 people. After a standing ovation and lots of feedback, a few minor changes were made to the production, paving the way for this weekend’s release.

“Storytelling in the form of motion pictures is in its infancy in Bermuda. We hope to demonstrate to young people that with today’s digital technology it is possible to present a narrative or documentary in high quality medium,” said President of Seymour Artists, Al Seymour Jr. in a press release.

He added that he believes Paper Byes is the first local entertainment film to be created in Bermuda, and hopes that it will inspire other local filmmakers.

“The lines between film and digital video are blurring, and Bermuda should be ready to take its place on the world stage in producing programming. Paper Byes is only the beginning. May others follow, and surpass us with a passion and a creative spirit!” he

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