Caribbean Dreams is a photography and film project that vividly captures the journey of Haitian immigrants in America, descendants of the first independent Black nation in the West. This series has been selected by Times Square Arts as the next featured work for the 'Midnight Moment' exhibition, where it will be displayed across 150 screens in Times Square for one month. Funding from the imagination Fund would enable me to create 15 additional images and a short film. Each image and film still chronicles the stages of existence for Haitian immigrants living in NYC, tracing the path from the virtuous newcomer to the assimilated Black American, culminating in a spiritually awakened self.Caribbean Dreams is a continuation of the concepts and visuals from my previous projects, Haiti to Hood and Ti Maché. In this new body of work, I will assemble sets that simulate the interior spaces of Haitian homes from my hometown, Little Haiti in Miami. These sets will incorporate decorative and functional objects, such as custom wallpaper and flooring, alongside cultural ephemera typically found in Haitian homes. Many of these elements will be printed on paper, creating a nuanced interplay between the real and the imagined—a duality inherent in the immigrant experience. Once completed, these sets will become stages where community members reenact pivotal moments that have shaped their lives.Expanding my work to include more images and a film is essential to fully realize the project in time for the Times Square Arts exhibition in December 2024. This project also marks my first foray into filmmaking, expanding my artistic practice. The exhibition is a pivotal moment, offering immense visibility—not only to New York City’s large Haitian-American population, my target audience and community, but also to millions of global visitors.

<h3>Week 1: Pre-production</h3>Goal: Develop the creative strategy for the photoshoot and film day.<ul><li>Action item: Finalize mood boards and creative decks for the photoshoot; outline visual treatments.</li><li>Action item: Lock in shoot dates and confirm all participants, including crew and models.</li><li>Action item: Confirm dates for the Times Square digital exhibition.</li><li>Action item: Scout for a studio location to execute the photoshoot.</li></ul><h3>Week 2: Set Design &amp; Preparation</h3>Goal: Build out all set design details in the studio, preparing for the photoshoot. We will design four distinct sets.<ul><li>Action item: Collaborate with Materials for the Arts (MFTA) to source props and materials.</li><li>Action item: Transport all materials, backdrops, and props into the studio.</li><li>Action item: Design and paint the backdrops in the studio.</li></ul><h3>Week 3: Production</h3>Goal: Execute the photoshoot and film production, creating 15 scenes over a 10-hour shoot day. Each scene will tell a unique story through both photography and film.<ul><li>Action item: Conduct light tests and finalize set builds.</li><li>Action item: Prepare wardrobe and styling.</li><li>Action item: Create a detailed call sheet for the shoot day.</li><li>Action item: Shoot day—call time at 8 AM.</li></ul><h3>Week 4: Post-production</h3>Goal: Edit the short film and images, and format them for the Times Square screens. Host a private screening event at the "Red Steps" in Times Square. Here’s a link to examples of Previous exhibitions that have been displayed in&nbsp; Time Square.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.timessquarenyc.org/tsq-arts-projects/our-islands-11deg1658-4-n-123deg4507-0-e" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="" target="_blank">https://www.timessquarenyc.org/tsq-arts-projects/our-islands-11deg1658-4-n-123deg4507-0-e</a><ul><li>Action item: Select and edit photos.</li><li>Action item: Cut and edit the 5-minute short film.</li><li>Action item: Format images and video files for the Times Square screens.</li><li>Action item: Host a film debut screening in Times Square for 300 invited guests.</li></ul>

Plan & Timeline

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Project Name: Caribbean Dreams&nbsp;project description&nbsp;Caribbean Dreams is a photography and Film project that vividly captures the journey of Haitian immigrants in America, descendants of the first independent Black nation in the West. Upon completion, this series will be showcased across 150 screens in Times Square, NYC.&nbsp;Creative TeamPhotographer &amp; Director :Daveed Baptiste @DaveedBaptisteCinematographer/ Director of photography : Jordan Blake <a href="//Jordanblake.co" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="" target="_blank">Jordanblake.co</a>Editors/ Retoucher: one hundred Berlin Photo Agency&nbsp;Lead Stylist : Margo Hannah @margohannah_Lighting Technician: Emmanuel Porquin @Emmanuel_Porquin&nbsp;Production Assistant: Sandra Mabelle&nbsp;Stylist Assistant: MEDGINE SÉNÉCHARLES&nbsp; @firstbigtreePhotographer Assistant:SPENCER STOVELL @spyonspeezy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1st camera Assistant: Christopher Hart @hartBreakTotal requested amount: $10,000Link to your round 1 application<a href="https://www.playbook.com/s/daveed-baptiste-imagination-factory/caribbean-dreams" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="" target="_blank">https://www.playbook.com/s/daveed-baptiste-imagination-factory/caribbean-dreams</a>

Project Details 

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Caribbean Dreams

Haiti To Hood Photo Project

Project Propsal

This board outlines the actionable plan and timeline of my project over the course of the 30 days #imagineWithPlaybook cohort.

Step 2: Plan & Timeline

Step 2:Plan & Timeline

Ti Maché Editorial

This board outlines all the important details of my project – everything from the concept and vision to the budget breakdown. You’ll also find sketches and mockups that show how the idea will take shape.

Caribbean Dreams

Caribbean Dreams

Project Propsal

Step 1: Details & Budget

Step 2:Plan & Timeline

Ti Maché Editorial

Haiti To Hood Photo Project

Caribbean Dreams

Project Propsal

Step 1: Details & Budget

Step 2:Plan & Timeline

Ti Maché Editorial

Haiti To Hood Photo Project