We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lavado Stubbs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lavado below.
Lavado , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I feel like creativity has always been a part of me. I can remember art class being my favorite subject as far back as 5th grade. While others were drawing stick figures, I was always pushing my imagination to create more. I’ve always been a dreamer, seeing art in everything around me.
Growing up in the Bahamas, I got my first taste of the cinematic world as a kid. There was only one movie theater at the time, the Shirley Street Movie Theatre, and I’ll never forget watching two globally successful films there The Lion King and Jurassic Park. Those films had a profound impact on me and changed my entire perspective on creativity. In that moment, I realized that filmmaking was my calling. Even then, I began to wonder how these foreign stories could be reimagined in a Bahamian context. That thought has stayed with me throughout my career, and today, as a director and producer, I’m able to blend my culture with cinema to share it with the world.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a director, producer, writer, and I like to think of myself as a visionary island boy. I founded Conchboy Films which I consider a boutique production company. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of producing projects for both Bahamian and international brands around the world.
Creativity has always been a part of me, but I officially started my production company after directing and producing my first professional music video in 2009. At the time, I had just graduated from York University in Toronto. A friend of mine, a music artist who was gaining a lot of buzz in the city, approached me to make a music video. I offered to cover all the expenses myself, knowing that if I could prove myself with this project, it would demonstrate my capabilities to the world. The video was a success, it even aired on MuchMusic, Toronto’s major music video station, and generated a significant buzz in the city.
One of the unique elements of that music video was its single continuous take, which has since become a signature style of my work. The video also ended with a conch shell in the street, a visual motif that I’ve incorporated into many of my subsequent projects.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my passion for film. When I meet with a client for the first time, they can immediately tell how invested I am in bringing their vision to life. Whether it’s a music video, commercial, documentary, or film, I ensure that the final product authentically represents their brand. My clients know that they’re getting a high-quality, finished product that speaks to their goals. I solve my clients’ problems by fully understanding their objectives, then crafting compelling visual stories that communicate their message effectively.
I’m most proud of the incredible opportunities I’ve had through Conchboy Films. From directing and producing a music video for the Grammy Award-winning Bahamian group Baha Men, commissioned by Sony Music, to directing and co-producing two episodes for the “Johnson “series on Bounce Network and Hulu, these experiences have been some of the highlights of my career.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my work is that my commitment to storytelling and my passion for film drive everything I do. I aim to create work that not only stands out but also resonates with audiences, whether it’s a global campaign or a local story.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to bring the stories of The Bahamas and the Caribbean to the forefront of global cinema. While people travel to our islands and experience the beauty of the region, I often feel that the deeper, more meaningful stories of our culture are overlooked. I believe that cinema is the most powerful vehicle to share these stories with the world. Through film, documentaries, music videos, and even commercials, we can introduce our way of life, history, and unique perspectives to audiences far beyond our shores.
The power of cinema is incredible it has the ability to connect people from all over the world. A film can transport someone to a different culture and allow them to experience something they might never encounter in person. Stories are universal, and they resonate with people regardless of where they’re from. By showcasing the richness of Caribbean culture, I hope to inspire empathy, understanding, and appreciation on a global scale.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the ability to inspire others. Over the years, I’ve had many young creatives reach out to me, sharing how my work has inspired them. Knowing that my creative journey has had a positive impact on others is incredibly fulfilling. It also helps contribute to building the creative industry in my country and furthering the growth of the creative economy. Many of these individuals are now people I mentor, and it’s been truly gratifying to see them grow and pursue their own creative paths. Being able to pay it forward and see the ripple effect of inspiration and mentorship is what makes this journey so rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavadostubbs.com
- Instagram: @lavadostubbs @conchboyfilms
- Facebook: Lavado Stubbs and Conchboy Films
- Twitter: @lavadostubbs and @conchboyfilms
Image Credits
Braxton Neilly
Darren Beckles