Trinidad and Tobago-born Canadian filmmaker, singer-songwriter, and producer Gino McKoy recently engaged with students from the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) digital media arts program during a presentation and Q&A session on October 15. Known for his sci-fi film *Lumina*, McKoy shared his extensive 17-year experience in the international film and music industries, offering insights on overcoming barriers and leveraging creativity. His film *Lumina* is currently streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube TV, and Google TV, while its title track *Everything to Me* has made waves as the only indie song on the Billboard AC charts. McKoy emphasized the untapped potential of Caribbean creatives, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, whose unique culture, folklore, and music could enrich his ambitious ‘Tropical Hollywood’ initiative. He highlighted the need for legislative reforms and incentives, such as revamping film cash rebates and establishing a state-of-the-art film studio ecosystem, to position Trinidad as a top global filming destination. McKoy’s vision aims to diversify Trinidad’s economy by investing in creative industries, potentially generating over 100,000 jobs, $1 billion in revenue, and attracting millions of tourists. Currently in Trinidad for pre-production on his next film, McKoy has met with government officials to discuss strategies to enhance the country’s appeal to international film and music industries. Over the next five years, he plans to complete ten movie projects in Trinidad, leveraging his global network to bring feature films, music, and more to the region.
Producer Gino McKoy shares valuable insights to UTT’s digital media students
