5 Questions with ... Delano Forbes
Published:Friday | June 7, 2024 | 12:08 AM
When discussing entertainment, the main focus typically shifts towards artistes, selectors, dancers, and similar figures. Unfortunately, one crucial aspect often goes unnoticed – the role of production services, which are integral to the success of the numerous events throughout Jamaica.
Phase 3 Productions, helmed by the highly skilled Delano Forbes, stands out as a key player in the entertainment industry, boasting a remarkable 40-year legacy.
As a comprehensive multimedia production company, Phase 3 Productions has been instrumental in orchestrating prominent events both locally and internationally. Their portfolio includes notable shows such as Reggae Sumfest, Unruly Fest, Kanye West’s Sunday Service, Xodus Band Launch, and the Love and Hip Hop reality show, among others.
With an impressive track record spanning decades, Forbes has solidified his reputation as a production expert, injecting creativity and innovation into the entertainment landscape. In a recent interview with 5 Questions with ..., Delano, CEO of Phase 3 Productions, shared insights into his journey.
1. How did you get started in the production business?
Phase 3 is a family-owned business which has been operating for 40 years. I started in the company working as a teen during summer and Christmas holidays doing odd jobs as a “gofer”, which meant running errands for the production team. By the age of 16, I had played multiple production roles such as “gofer”, audio and camera assistant. Having played these roles, I then started directing short films and music videos. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to learn from many of Jamaica’s leading talents and working from the ground up.
2. What is your favourite thing about production?
No two days are the same in the world of production. It is an ever-evolving landscape, and the great thing about Phase 3 Productions is that we work on a wide variety of productions and events. One day we are producing a live event in Jamaica and the very next day we may be travelling to the Caribbean or [the] US providing production support. I also feel that media and production, on whole, is a career path that allows you to meet a very diverse range of people from all types of backgrounds. You gain and learn so much from these interactions that you are able to adapt.
3. What has been your most rewarding project thus far?
This is a tough one as there are many projects we are proud of. I am going to go with one of our most recent productions, which was the ‘Best Dressed Fun in the Son’ concert held at the National Stadium, which had an audience of over 10,000 people. The event took place in April and featured international headliners such as Toby Mac and Kirk Franklin.
Phase 3 was responsible for the overall technical production of the event. The Best Dressed team challenged us to provide production support which included event design, logistics, infrastructure, staging, lighting, LED screens, audio and content production. We successfully executed this, and have subsequently received much positive feedback from patrons.
4. Are there any major projects coming up that you can tell us about?
We have an international project coming up ... the broadcast of the Copa America Football Tournament, where we will have a team present, playing managerial roles. This is a month-long tournament in the United States, which features South American teams from CONMEBOL such as Argentina and Brazil, playing alongside teams in the CONCACAF confederation such as USA, Mexico and Jamaica.
5. What advice would you give to persons wanting to be a part of the production ecosystem?
Production is not as easy as it seems, you really need to love production to do it! Like anything in life, you will be successful once you have the passion. It is an industry that keeps evolving, so there really is no chance to become complacent. You have to be level-headed so that you can keep up with the changes to ensure that you’re providing the best service possible.