Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre’ Reid.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before venturing into video and music production, I was first known in the party scene in 2013 under the name Royal Family Entertainment. As a party and promotions group, it started with just a couple of friends coming together to do something we all enjoyed. We built a fan base in Portmore, Spanish Town, and Kingston. During this period, we formed lasting alliances with promoters, artists, disc jockeys, and other industry professionals, many of whom we remain in close contact with today.
In May 2019, I transitioned from events and promotions into video editing and officially registered Dark Star Productions as a sole proprietorship. Between 2019 and 2022, I focused heavily on research and development, ensuring that the business was properly structured and ready for production. Building on this foundation, Dark Star Productions Limited was officially incorporated as an LLC in May 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2020, the pandemic hit and affected many businesses in Jamaica. Some businesses closed, others reduced staff hours, and with the spike in cases, we couldn’t be outside as much.
At that time, my business was still young, so I decided to reroute and focus more on building the brand, networking online to strengthen our presence. While doing so, I gained a following in the USA, England, Canada, and Uganda.
Right after the pandemic, when things were slowly getting back to normal, the Government, along with several financial institutions and business development organizations, partnered to help rebuild the country. They hosted many business webinars, workshops, programs, and pitch competitions to support entrepreneurs entering the business space.
Around that time, I came up with the idea for a podcast called “Pon Di Grung.”
This podcast celebrates the vibrant heartbeat of Jamaican culture through lively interviews, nightlife experiences, and the rich world of music and entertainment. From reggae and dancehall to the latest trends shaping the island’s creative scene, each episode highlights the voices of artists, DJs, promoters, and cultural influencers who keep Jamaica’s energy alive. Listeners get an inside look at the parties, sound systems, and stories that define Jamaican nightlife, while exploring how the island’s culture continues to inspire and influence the world.
I remember sending out proposal after proposal, some being rejected, some being ignored, but I kept working and networking. I even took part in pitch competitions and made it into the Top 4 and Top 5 finalists.
The project, however, has faced its challenges. From raising funds to finding the right people to move production forward, things have been a bit rocky. Recently, I partnered with an old friend from my promotion days, Javon Downer (Likkle Peppa Records), who has come on board as Associate Producer to help relaunch the podcast project. We also have two new ambitious and enthusiastic hosts: Fantajah Walker, an up-and-coming artist and talented singer/entrepreneur, and Stacey Salmon.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our Products and services include:
* Video Editing Services
* Videography Services
* Script Writing Services
* Creative Direction/Conceptualization
* Video Production Personnel
* Video Production Management
Originally, I was known more for doing video edits (party promotional videos) among promoters in the party scene during my time as Royal Family.
As DSP, we started building traction when we were about to launch our first project (PDG), the podcast. During this time, through promotion and networking, I managed to attract some global attention from the USA, Canada, England, and Uganda.
I’m also working on my second project, the “GVO Riddim”, which is a 5-track production set to be released in October. This is my first time venturing into music, and it features five talented upcoming artists: Ashure, Jaydak, Jay McCarthy, J-Wayne, and Star Prynce.
I consider myself a very determined and hard working person, with the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. Giving up is never an option for me. I always strive to stay focused and motivated on the task.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is seeing Dark Star Productions Ltd grow into a household name both locally and internationally through hard work, creativity, and dedication. Our vision includes establishing a fully equipped production studio for rentals and large-scale film projects, while also contributing to the growth of Jamaica’s entertainment industry.
Beyond business, success also means creating opportunities, providing jobs, supporting stable households, and helping others find their place in the industry. We aim to collaborate with both local and international creatives on meaningful projects, with the ultimate goal of showcasing more Jamaican film productions in theatres worldwide and on major streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsp_prod1?igsh=YTZjM2U1bmFpMzll
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dark-star-productions-limited-877991208?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/darkstarprod_1?s=09
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarkStarProductionsLimited1_
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@dsp_prod1
