NMI could be stage for thriving regional film industry

A big-league Hollywood film producer is setting the stage for a robust film industry in the Northern Marianas and Governor Ralph Torres is committing a million dollars to help the local college be a part of it.

Brad Krevoy, CEO of the Motion Picture Corporation of America, said, "I remember the person that hired me, gave me my first job, and so the whole idea about the film industry is to pay it forward." Krevoy and his production team recently spent two days on Saipan scouting locations and meeting with community members, setting the stage for a number of films he wants to shoot in the CNMI.

Krevoy. who produced Dumb and Dumber, is known for Christmas movie favorites like Operation Christmas Drop, which was filmed on Guam. It's a longterm investment beyond the holiday season.

CNMI governor Ralph Torres said, "I have always believed in our talents here and so finally in June I got another opportunity to hang out with him and continue the effort of relentless to ask him to come here and work with NMC." Torres committed one million dollars to the Northern Marianas College for the creation of a film program, where much of the training and mentor ship will happen under Krevoy's team. 

Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, President of Northern Marianas College, said, "They really are invested. They want to invest in us. They do not want to just bring in everybody...and then leave. They want to train up our people. They want to create a film industry here."

It's a Hollywood moment many are seeking both on and off camera. At a meet and greet, Krevoy offered a dance sequence to a local student who asked a question.  19-year-old dancer Raina Avelino shared, "I really hope it works out because we are from a small island and it is very difficult to make a name for ourselves."