A Four Part Caribbean Community Radio Docu-Series Available Now On PBS
On-Demand & The Independent Lens YouTube Channel, for additional information and resources about the Caribbean community radio series, check out Instagram @funwithronordon or contact Ron or Don Brodie at here.
Caribbean Community Radio SERIES POSTER
‘Driver Radio: Jamaica’ is available now to view
all four episodes online at www.funwithronordon.com
We kindly ask for your support in promoting this announcement!
Also be sure to join the fun! Follow @funwithronordon on Instagram for more activities,
announcements, & information.
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Driver Radio:
Jamaica
‘Driver Radio: Jamaica’ is a travel series
that follows twin brothers Ron & Don
Brodie on trips across the island of
Jamaica to rediscover their heritage. With
the help of local taxi and driving
professionals, they navigate old routes
while uncovering new adventures along
the way.
Over the last five years, we have studied
various modes of PPV and public
transportation. Our research has
culminated into a 4 part mini-series
which celebrates unsung heroes working
within this essential industry.
As an added layer, the series examines
culture through a first-generation
(millennial and potentially gen-z) lens,
encouraging audience members to get
out and explore more of what Jamaica
has to offer. The 4 part series has been
commissioned and produced by The
Public Broadcast System (PBS) in
the U.S.
The series was Created, Executive
Produced, and Directed by Ron & Don
Brodie was made available for digital
YouTube on Monday September 21st, at
12pm EST. The series was also roll out
episode by episode on the ITVS @ITVS
Instagram TV Channel (IGTV) for four
consecutive Mondays from September
21st onward!
‘Driver Radio: Jamaica’ received funding
from ITVS’s Short-Form Open Call
funding initiative.
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We believe transportation is a form of communication and no matter
where you are from, everyone can speak and understand this
intricate language.
–
Ron Brodie
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(Left Don, Right Ron)
Context
Ron & Don were born in Washington DC, and raised in the suburbs of Maryland. Growing
up in an assimilated Jamaican Caribbean community in the United States, they often joke that public
school was responsible for making them American.
With numerous family members still on the island, the Brodies grew up visiting Jamaica
frequently. Through this exposure in a place they consider to be a 2nd home, they became
fascinated with the stories of many locals who fixed cars with dreams of providing more
than a rideshare – they wanted to provide an experience.
Taking a break to attend college and create worldly views and ideas – the brothers
develop independent and alternative personalities while focusing their attention and skills
in the arts and media. Reconnecting with their heritage years later, Ron & Don joined the
family back in JA. Newly developed highways, modern cars and busses, as well as
vanishing coastline all reshaped the vivid picture the brothers had grown to know.
In 2015 Ron & Don began traveling to Jamaica with the priority of studying drivers and to
record their stories reminiscent of early island culture.
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RON BRODIE
Creator, Executive Producer, & Director
Ron Brodie is a cultural enthusiast inspired by his bicultural Jamerican heritage, originally
hailing from the Nation’s Capital, Washington DC. Having obtained his BA in Film and
Television from Howard University in 2006, Ron currently resides and works in New York
City.
Ron has had the pleasure of directing projects for brands including Airwalk, Facebook,
Spotify, Google, and more. He’s worked with several television networks such as MTV, VH1,
BET, ABC, Discovery, and HBO. His work has debuted on Hypebeast, .Mic, Attn:, ESPN,
Medium, Business Insider, ADWEEK, and Fast Company.
Ron’s short film “Jumpman” (shot on 35mm) debuted on Boooom.TV, and received
recognition as official picks of Vimeo’s ‘Experimental’ and ‘Narrative Category’ channels.
Most recently, Ron’s efforts on the music video for Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman No Cry’ has
been awarded an official Vimeo Staff Pick.
Currently, Ron is slated to release a four-part travel series titled ‘Driver Radio: Jamaica’
which explores local transportation through a 1st generational lens; commissioned by PBS
and slated to release on September 21st, 2020. As a filmmaker, Ron looks forward to
enhancing his career by directing & producing underrepresented stories that are often
missed by mainstream media.
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DON BRODIE
Creator, Executive Producer, & Director
Don Brodie was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the small suburban community in
Maryland with his identical twin brother Ron and two older siblings. As the child of two
Jamaican immigrants, Don and his siblings grew up surrounded by and steeped in the
West-Indian culture of their parents, extended family, and friends.
In 2007, Don relocated to New York City to finish his education at Parsons, The New
School, obtaining a BFA in photography and art history. Upon graduation, Don immediately
began to pursue an occupation within the photographic and film industry – first working
and assisting in studios and later with his own freelance career that continues today.
While Don attributes much of his professional inspiration to his family background and
experience; he also heavily credits his first-generation American influence and unique
subcultures introduced to him by his mentors and peers. Don’s sense of self and of his
artistic curiosities come from observing and exploring the interplay/ harmony/tension of
existing in and in between two cultures.
Don has been featured as an artist to watch on ‘It’s Nice That,’ as well as ‘Booooooom’ and
his photographs appear in a variety of print publications worldwide. In addition to
exhibiting and publishing, Don is also a contributing Art Director and editor to a non-profit
effort using art as the funding force for both local and non-local causes.
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This documentary tells a story of heritage in which many can relate, while
exposing folks to unique experiences beyond the world
famous culture.
–
Don Brodie
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(Left to Right: Arizona Newsome, Ron Brodie, Jason Hightower, Don Brodie)
DRIVER RADIO: JAMAICA – THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY RADIO TEAM
Having met during the first year of college at Howard University, the principal ‘Driver Radio:
Jamaica’s team has been long time friend. Following their various tracks through
education and real-world experiences, the team all managed to reconvene upon
relocating to New York City. Managing respective careers in entertainment, the group
vowed to one day find the right project to rejoin forces. Their love of storytelling and
exploring human nature from an intimate perspective resonates strongly between them.
Once funded, Ron and Don taped Jason and Arizona to come on board to ensure the
unique series could come to life!
The group has a natural synergy that allows them to handle all aspects of filmmaking –
from development to production, and post. Their ability to marry creative storytelling and
inspired visuals across various formats provides a distinct style for the series. They are all
very proud of their Howard University beginnings and the fact that they represent a
colorful spectrum of the black diaspora. Using that understanding, From there, the ‘Driver
Radio: Jamaica’s team put together a model crew of diversely talented and capable
production individuals based both domestically and abroad.
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JASON HIGHTOWER
Executive Producer
Jason Hightower is a proud Texan that lives in Brooklyn, NY. An alum of Howard University,
this is where he met Ron and Don Brodie, where they became close friends. Jason has
been in the film business for over 10 years working in physical production as well as
producing/directing shorts, features, and documentaries. Jason’s journey in the film has taken
him to all parts of New York City (Quantico, The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight w/ John
Oliver), Virginia (Burning Sands), Nigeria (Nigerian Prince), and now Jamaica! A lover of
engaging stories, Jason looks to continue producing fun, exciting, and fresh stories.
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ARIZONA NEWSUM
Producer
Arizona Newsum is a greater New York and Tri-state area freelance producer. After
receiving a BFA in theatre arts from Howard University, Arizona began a career in theatre
management. She worked with companies in Washington D.C., London, and Philadelphia
before permanently relocating to New York City to pursue a career in television and film
production. For over a decade Arizona has worked with television and film projects funded
by CBS, Netflix, Sony, Universal Studios, and Starz, as well as with smaller independent
self-derived productions. With a passion for the creative process, Arizona is committed to
creating projects that bolster and give a platform to underrepresented groups within the
entertainment industry.
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CARLOS MEDINA
Director of Photography
Carlos Medina is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate
of the film program at the University of Texas in Austin. He has shot two feature-length
films and dozens of documentaries and music videos. Clients include Disney, Netflix, MTV,
Adidas, Redbull, SB Projects, and many others. In his free time, he produces music and
performs as a video jockey for various musicians.
PIERRE COLEMAN
Production Coordinator
A native of Newark, NJ, Pierre attended Howard University’s School of Communications,
earning his degree in Film Production. He is the founder of Solid Brick Entertainment, a
company that prides itself on producing compelling stories and creating innovative
projects. Pierre has written, directed, and produced several award-winning projects that
played the film festival circuit and aired on television. Also an advocate for giving back to
his community, Pierre educates inner-city students, providing them with hands-on film
experience.
MICHAEL COOKE
Pilot Cinematographer
Michael Cooke is an award-winning director and cinematographer from Atlanta, Georgia.
Michael’s credits span from commercial work to narrative to documentary. He got his start
in 2007 as a Director of Photography lensing some of hip-hop’s biggest names. He is
currently in post on a pilot presentation entitled Freeman Hospitality, which is a passion
project he shot in his hometown of Albany, Georgia. Whether Michael is directing or
shooting, his goal is to carefully craft images that will remain etched in viewers’ minds for
years to come.
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Taxi Ride from Kingston to the Jamaican Countryside | Ep 1 – Driver Radio: Jamaica
EP1: TOWN AH YAAD
After exploring the capital Kingston, Ron & Don take a trek out to some of Jamaica’s more
rural parts to determine if the vibes are any different.
TRT: 10:36
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Grip & AC
Michael “Tingle” Tingling
Episode 1
Production Sound Mixer
Credits
Delroy Johnson
Production Assistant
Created & Directed By
Noah Levy
Ron & Don Brodie
BTS Photographer
Executive Producers
Marcus Bird
Sally Jo Fifer
Lois Vossen
Transportation
Ron Brodie
Donald Robinson
Don Brodie
Jason Hightower
Post Production Producer
Sohee Sohn
Cast
Driver Deh Ah Town – Casweyne “Casper” Palmer
Editors
The Dancehall Professor – Orville “Xpressionz” Hall
Jason Tongen
Dancer – Danielle Allen
Ron Brodie
Dancer – Shanice Welsh
Dancer – Stacey Ann Lacey
Graphics Designers
Dancer – Shamoie Jones
Julie Koong
Dancer – Kavaughn Scott
Don Brodie
Party Specialist – Marcus “Birdimus” Bird
The Mayor of Gut River – Wilbert Allen
Music Supervision & Sound Mix
Driver Deh Ah Country – Padre Senior
Willard Hill
Driver Deh Ah Country – TamesHack “Tommy” Senior
Driver Deh Ah Country – Chadwick Senior
Colorist
Pierre “Dutty” Vannier
Crew
VP of Production
Transcriber
Royd Chung
Bobbi Jeanne Misick
Producers
Music
Sarah Manley
d People” by Dubby Brodie & The Reggae Rocks
Arizona Newsum
“Downtown” by Willard Hill
“Dragon” by Russell Carter II
Supervising Producer
“Cutlass” by Randy Smith
Pamela Torno
“Life Is So Hard” by Empress
“Top Top” by Abie One
Director of Photography
“Aliko” by Abie One
Carlos Medina
“Long Hair Frere” by Willard Hill
Russian Summer” by Bless The Mad
Production Coordinators
Tsehai Scott
Production Counsel
Pierre Coleman
Hoskins Dieuvil PC
Associate Producer
2020 Mundark Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Susan Cohen
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Episode 2: ‘REUNION’
Having learned some of the in’s and out’s of the taxi business in Jamaica, Ron & Don
explore what it might take to run a taxi service of their own.
TRT: 12:00
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Production Sound Mixer
Delroy Johnson
Episode 2
Production Assistant
Credits
Noah Levy
BTS Photographer
Created & Directed By
Marcus Bird
Ron & Don Brodie
Transportation
Executive Producers
Donald Robinson
Sally Jo Fifer
Glendon Newell
Lois Vossen
Marlon McIntyre
Ron Brodie
Don Brodie
Post Production Producer
Jason Hightower
Sohee Sohn
Cast
Editors
Electronic Tech aka The “Driver” – Orville “Villa” Leopold Grant
Jason Tongen
Friend & Business Owner – Marlese Anderson
Ron Brodie
Fisherman – Jason Hogg
Artiste – Tanice Morrison
Graphics Designers
Julie Koong
Crew
Don Brodie
VP of Production
Royd Chung
Music Supervision & Sound Mix
Willard Hill
Producers
Sarah Manley
Colorist
Arizona Newsum
Pierre “Dutty” Vannier
Supervising Producer
Transcriber
Pamela Torno
Bobbi Jeanne Misick
Director of Photography
Music
Carlos Medina
“Villa Riddim” by Willard Hill
Michael Cooke
d People” by Dubby Brodie & The Reggae Rocks
“Cutlass” by Randy Smith
Production Coordinators
“17-Skelter” by Randy Smith
Tsehai Scott
“Ra’s Lament” by Bless The Mad
Pierre Coleman
“Tasty Dreams” by Dale E. James
“Love Me” by Bless The Mad
Associate Producer
Russian Summer” by Bless The Mad
Susan Cohen
Caribbean Boy” (Acapella) by Tanice
Production Accountant
”Mama’s Land” by Bless The Mad
Gaytra Arnold
Production Counsel
Camera Operator
Hoskins Dieuvil PC
Asha McHail
2020 Mundark Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Grip & AC
Michael “Tingle” Tingling
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Episode 3: ‘TWIN CHARTA’
A year after hiring a ‘private’ driver to show them around the North Coast, Ron & Don are
back to reunite with friends that haven’t seen in quite a while.
TRT: 11:56
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- Grip & AC
- Michael “Tingle” Tingling
- Episode 3
- Production Sound Mixer
- Credits
- Delroy Johnson
- Production Assistant
- Created & Directed By
- Noah Levy
- Ron & Don Brodie
- BTS Photographer
- Executive Producers
- Marcus Bird
- Sally Jo Fifer
- Lois Vossen
- Transportation
- Ron Brodie
- Donald Robinson
- Don Brodie
- Jason Hightower
- Post Production Producer
- Sohee Sohn
- Cast
- Driver Deh Ah Town – Dean Martin
- Editors
- Driver Deh Ah Town – Stacy Ann Latty
- Jason Tongen
- Driver Deh Ah Town – Clayton Henderson
- Ron Brodie
- Car Wash Specialist – Wilfred Nelson
- Car Salesperson – Monique Dyer Cole
- Graphics Designers
- Lot Attendant – Norman Holding
- Julie Koong
- Recording Artiste – Marcus “Birdimus” Bird
- Don Brodie
- Crew
- Music Supervision & Sound Mix
- VP of Production
- Willard Hill
- Royd Chung
- Colorist
- Producers
- Pierre “Dutty” Vannier
- Sarah Manley
- Arizona Newsum
- Transcriber
- Bobbi Jeanne Misick
- Supervising Producer
- Pamela Torno
- Music
- “Love Is Love” by Colby Cecca
- d People” by Dubby Brodie & The Reggae Rocks
- Director of Photography
- “Willard’s Song” by Willard Hill
- Carlos Medina
- “Long Hair Frere” by Willard Hill
- “Ra’s Lament” by Bless The Mad
- Production Coordinators
- “Grimy Strings” by Michael Scott
- Tsehai Scott
- Russian Summer” by Bless The Mad
- Pierre Coleman
- “Choose to be Happy” by Abie One
- “When Angels Come” by Willard Hill
- Associate Producer
- “Mama’s Land” by Bless The Mad
- Susan Cohen
- Production Counsel
- Camera Operator
- Hoskins Dieuvil PC
- Asha McHail
- 2020 Mundark Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Episode 4: ‘ALL ROADS LEAD HOME’
Seeking to retrace some of the routes traveled by their parents, Ron & Don attempt to
navigate Jamaica’s local bus system to relink with loved ones across the island.
TRT: 12:41
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- Production Sound Mixer
- Delroy Johnson
- Episode 4
- Production Assistant
- Credits
- Noah Levy
- BTS Photographer
- Created & Directed By
- Marcus Bird
- Ron & Don Brodie
- Transportation
- Executive Producers
- Donald Robinson
- Sally Jo Fifer
- Lois Vossen
- Post Production Producer
- Ron Brodie
- Sohee Sohn
- Don Brodie
- Jason Hightower
- Editors
- Jason Tongen
- Cast
- Ron Brodie
- Father “Pop’s” – Donald Brodie Sr.
- Mother “Muma” – Lorna Brodie
- Graphics Designers
- Driver #1 – Rohan “Junior Bigz” Matthews
- Julie Koong
- Bus Conductor Deh Ah Town – Bubba
- Don Brodie
- Rural Bus Driver – Richard “Richie Ranks” Angel
- 1st Cousin – David Cooke
- Music Supervision & Sound Mix
- 1st Cousin – Leanne Cooke-Popkin
- Willard Hill
- Crew
- Colorist
- VP of Production
- Pierre “Dutty” Vannier
- Royd Chung
- Transcriber
- Producers
- Bobbi Jeanne Misick
- Sarah Manley
- Arizona Newsum
- Music
- My Heart”, The Jamacia National School Song
- Supervising Producer
- Acapella) by Michael “Tingle” Tingling
- Pamela Torno
- d People” by Dubby Brodie & The Reggae Rocks
- “Downtown” by Willard Hill
- “Villa Riddim” by Willard Hill
- Director of Photography
- “Linvals Dub” by Randy Smith
- Carlos Medina
- “Long Hair Frere” by Willard Hill
- “Journey” (Acapella) by Richie Ranks
- Production Coordinators
- “Golden Child” by Abie One
- Tsehai Scott
- “Westenera” by Dale E. James
- Pierre Coleman
- “Tasty Dreams” by Dale E. James
- “Eros Falling” Dale E. James
- Associate Producer
- “Let You Love Me” by Willard Hill
- Susan Cohen
- Production Counsel
- Camera Operator
- Hoskins Dieuvil PC
- Asha McHail
- 2020 Mundark Inc. All Rights Reserved.
- Grip & AC
- Michael “Tingle” Tingling
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About ITVS
ITVS is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that has, for over 25 years, funded and partnered with a
diverse range of documentary filmmakers to produce and distribute untold stories. ITVS incubates and
co-produces these award-winning films and then airs them for free on PBS via their weekly series,
Independent Lens, as well as on other PBS series and through their digital platform, OVEE. ITVS is funded by
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For more information, visit itvs.org .
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‘Driver Radio: Jamaica’ premieres Monday, September 21st, at 12pm EST
on Independent Lens Facebook, PBS Video , and YouTube. We kindly ask for your
support in promoting this announcement!
Also be sure to join the fun! Follow @funwithronordon on Instagram for
more Caribbean community radio activities, announcements, & information.
Thank You
