Flow National Basketball League Action

Two-time defending Champions Tivoli Wizards defeated Gardens Legend one of two opening matches of the Flow sponsored National Basketball League 2012 (FNBL) on Saturday April 21. The matches also saw new comers Spanish Town Spartans defeating Eastern Pistons in their first FNBL challenge played at the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech).

Reggae Film Festival Flows to local TV screens

For the first time in the history of the Reggae Film Festival,  entries from the 24 Hour Film Competition will be seen on local TV screens immediately after the they are received at the close of the competition. Flow has partnered with the Reggae Film Festival and will broadcast the short film entries on Flow TV (Flow Channel 100) starting Wednesday April 18 and ongoing during the week of the festival.

 “The 24 Hour Film Competition is an important part of the Reggae Film Festival as it is the vehicle through which young Jamaican filmmakers are able to showcase their skills. It is important for these films to have an audience, so we are delighted that Flow decided to partner with us and enable all Jamaicans to enjoy and appreciate the talent and creativity that abounds in our local film industry,” said Barbara Blake Hanna, chairperson of the Reggae Film Festival.

 Filmmakers began the process of creating their 5 minute films on Monday morning, and their entries were submitted for judging 24 hours later. The competition which is open to amateur and professional filmmakers invites submissions of films around a selected theme which must be incorporated into the final product. Films which may be produced using on film, video or using a cell phone camera are reviewed by a panel Judges using the criteria of story, directing, editing and cinematography, production values and acting. The best 10 will be selected for awards to be announced Sunday, the closing night of the festival.

 In another historic development of the partnership with Flow, selected films from the Festival will also be available for viewing on Flow OnDemand.  This means that for the first time Jamaicans will be able to view the films at their convenience rather than on a defined schedule in a movie theatre or as part of scheduled television programming.  However, as most locally produced films do not make it to local movie screens, the availability on Flow OnDemand means that the filmmakers will be able to find a wider audience to view their works.

“Our partnership with the Reggae Film Festival gives Flow another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the development of a dynamic film industry in Jamaica and to give filmmakers the opportunity to leverage our broadband technology in the pursuit of their craft,” said Michael Look Tong, Director of Media Services at Flow, highlighting that Flow has heeded the call from Jamaican producers for additional opportunities to showcase local productions.  “Flow is always looking for platforms to improve and diversify the content shown on Flow TV and our partnership with the Reggae Film Festival enables us to showcase the skill and creativity of Jamaican filmmakers.”

Tanya Taylor Jamaica vice president - local industry development and facilitation at Film Producers Association (JFPA) is pleased that Flow has seen the industry’s value and continues to support growth where possible. “I applaud Flow for facilitating the development of local filmmakers by allowing them a distribution channel to showcase their work to a broader audience. Since its entry into the market Flow has used their channels to foster the growth of the Jamaican filmmaker.  This includes, making airtime readily available and affordable across their cable network through Ondemand, community channels and now Flow channel 100,” she explained.

The mix of talent in this year’s staging of the event is diverse, a feat of which Ms. Taylor is proud. “The entrants of this year's RBC 24 hour filmmaking competition include seasoned writers who have never done a short film and even students who have never created a story. The opportunity to have their work shown to the wider Jamaican audience is almost a prize in itself,” she said.  

 FlowTV is almost solely dedicated to local content, airing a diverse range of programming created by local producers. Already airing on Flow TV is the award winning film, Christopher Byfield’s Red, Amber Green which will be screened at the Reggae Film Festival on Friday.  Flow OnDemand includes among its content programmes such as the popular Cabbie Chronicles, and a number of Jamaican plays.

Tivoli faces Majesty Gardens in Highly Anticipated Flow NBL Tip-off

Two-time defending Champions Tivoli Wizards and rivals Majesty Gardens Legend will face off in one of two opening matches of the Flow sponsored National Basketball League 2012 (FNBL) on Saturday April 21. The matches which will also see new comers Eastern Pistons and the Spanish Town Spartans go toe to toe in their first FNBL challenge, will be played at the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech). 

Fourteen teams which make up the Southern Conference are eagerly anticipating their chance to dominate the exciting 2012 season. Ahead of the 2012 season the League has seen renewed vigor from returning teams as well as the newcomers who are anxious to make their mark on the FNBL.

Wayne Bartley Manager of the Wizards says his team is not taking any chances. “We see all teams as competitors and we are in this competition to win and claim the top trophy. I am confident that the team is well prepared as we used the pre-season games to improve and enhance our play, he explained.

The Legends have not had the best preparation leading up to the new season, however head coach Ludlow Barker is banking on the experience of the team to carry them through once again. “We still have class players the likes of Boldon Todd in our title bid this year and we know the community will be coming out to support these guys, they are the bright spot in these inner city communities and they give the people hope, so that motivation from the community will serve us well this year.”

Denise Williams, Flow's Director of Government and Corporate Affairs, promises support in enhancing the game experience by increasing the level of fan engagement and participation. "We want to grow with the sport and that means assisting JABA to enhance all areas of the game. We will be engaging fans through social media and encouraging game day activities that fans will enjoy,” she explained.

Williams added that the company’s support will also employ the use of the Flow network. “With Flow TV and our high-speed internet services, we are in a position to help increase the appetite for basketball in Jamaica. Fans can also stay informed about match scores and other league updates by following Flow’s social media channels which will be abuzz with Facebook and Twitter promotions and games."

New comers Eastern Pistons, is prepared to take the fight to their more fancied opponents. Nyron Hurd, Coach of the Pistons notes, “We have worked hard over the past couple of months and are elated to be in the elite league in Jamaica. I thank Flow for their sponsorship and the opportunity to expose a number of our talented youngsters in the various communities.”

Twenty nine of the islands top basketball clubs go in search of the coveted trophy and all island supremacy as the 2012 Flow sponsored National Basketball League tips-off at the UTECH Courts on Saturday April 21, 2012. Admission $300 stands, $500 VIP with courtside and students with ID pay $100.

More Teams, Bigger reach for the Flow Basketball Competition

Kingston Jamaica;  The 2012 season of the Flow National basketball League is off to an explosive start as last year top rivals Tivoli Wizards and Majesty Gardens face-off in the opening match at the UTECH auditorium on Saturday, April 21. 

Denise Williams (front right) director, corporate and government affairs, Flow and Ajani Williams (left), president of the National Basketball Association (JaBA) display the cheque for $9 million dollars presented by Flow to JaBA at the launch of the 2012 Flow National Basketball League on Wednesday, April 11 at the UTECH auditorium. Joining them are Marland Nattie (third left) general secretary, JaBA and representatives of the five newly added teams to the league.

The two join 28 other teams, five more than last season, for the coveted title of the national basketball league champions.

New to the competition is the Western Basketball Association Champions Lucea Flames who are gunning to dethrone National champions Tivoli Gardens Wizards who defeated Majesty Gardens Legends 2-1 in the best of three final in July last year.

Sporting enthusiasts are also set to have a riveting season with increased opportunities to keep up with the match scores and updates.  Social media will be abuzz with Facebook and Twitter promotions and updates, games, competitions and activities at the matches for the fans.

President of the Jamaica Basketball Association Ajani Williams welcomes Flow’s continued support of the sport of basketball in Jamaica, and reiterated that the synergy will continue to foster good things.

“With basketball still growing at a very fast pace in Jamaica, with players in the NBA, interest very high and a ratio of 47,000 football local fans to 36,000 NBA local fans which is only 1.3 to 1 ratio, Jamaica Basketball Association is thrilled that Flow, providing fast internet services and high quality cable programming would help satisfy and unlock the local demand for basketball in Jamaica and the growing appetite for local quality content.”

Williams added that this year’s competition will look to outdo the 2009 and 2011 seasons and give local fans, sports lovers and the entire family the chance to watch the developing game either at home on TV or at the venues, University of Technology and the University of the West Indies.

Denise Williams, director corporate and government affairs, anticipates a highly competitive season with even greater value for both participants and fans. “We are committed to working with JABA to improve and promote this growing sport as Jamaica establishes itself in line with other international leagues. We are happy to help promote the sport across the island and create more avenues for exposure through our technology whether it is through Flow TV or on the internet.”

Broadband service provider Flow returns as title sponsor of the NBL for the second of a three year sponsorship agreement valued at $27 million.

The latest news has come at a time when Jamaica’s basketball is gaining international recognition. A number of players who have participated in the league have earned scholarships to US colleges and gone on to play in the hugely successful and popular National Basketball Association (NBA) in the USA.

Flow NBL Mandeville Pythons player Neveij Walters, formerly of Belair Academy, is one of the many players that have earned overseas scholarships through their schools and scouting camps. He attends the College of Eastern Utah where he is now graduating with an Associate’s Degree.

Mrs. Williams reiterated Flow’s belief in the power of sports to transform lives and noted the Company’s continued support of community based and national sports programmes including the National Basketball League, Flow/ESPN football clinics, Extreme Spin Table Tennis and the National Knock Out Football Championship, the Flow Champions Cup.

Puss In Boots Now Available OnDemand

Kingston Jamaica; The Academy Award nominated animated movie Puss in Boots is now showing on Flow OnDemand.  Fans of this popular movie are now able to enjoy this movie, among many others, whenever they want, via Jamaica’s only OnDemand platform which is available from the broadband service provider.

The movie stars Antonio Banderas as the voice for the title role of Puss in Boots and Salma Hayak voicing the part of Kitty Softpaws. The film features a number of popular storybook characters and tells  the story of the adventures of the funny Spanish cat in high heeled musketeer boots long before he met Shrek. The clever and witty, notorious fighter and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero as he joins street smart Kitty Softpaws and mastermind Humpty Dumpty in a plot to save his town.

Popular disc jock DJ Nicco welcomed the news of the addition of Puss in Boots to the Flow OnDemand line-up . “With my busy schedule Flow OnDemand makes it easy to watch and enjoy my favourite movies whenever I want,” he said. “Flow OnDemand is an excellent application. It is convenient and affordable.”

 “We are pleased that we are able to continue delivering value for our customers through our OnDemand service by ensuring that they have access to a library of the latest and most popular programming,” said Michael Look-Tong, Director for Media Services at Flow. “With Flow OnDemand our customers enjoy the ultimate convenience when it comes to watching movies as they can watch whenever they want, plus control their viewing experience by using the pause, rewind and fast forward features.”

Flow launched its OnDemand platform in 2011 and today, the library is comprised of a vast selection of programming.  Content includes original local programming, genres of movies such as Drama, Comedy, Action, and Family;  various television series, music and concerts.  Consumers have also discovered that Flow OnDemand also offers a wide selection of free children’s programming.

Flow Takes Strong Stance Against Theft

 Kingston, Jamaica; In a civil case taken by Flow against Mandeville based Mars Cable Vision Ltd, the Supreme Court recently ruled that Mars must pay Flow US$25,000 plus interest and damages for using telecommunications equipment stolen from Flow. 

“Theft and sabotage have had a significant negative impact on our bottom line and we will not stand idly by and allow it to continue unchecked. Flow will employ all legal measures necessary to protect our investment,” said Michele English, president and coo of Flow. According to English, theft is also proving to be a major constraint to its island-wide deployment of service as Flow has to be pumping millions to manage the effects of crime against the company.  

In addition, theft and sabotage are having a negative impact on the quality of customer service, as theft of equipment invariably results in an interruption of service.   “When an individual or group chooses to steal our resources, this reckless action not only affects our ability to deliver service to our customers, but also the income of our employees and contractors, and the welfare of their families. This is simply not acceptable and will not be tolerated,” she said.

Despite the negative impact of crime on the Company, Michele reiterated Flow’s commitment to continue to build on its US$350m investment in Jamaica and in fact will invest another US$30Million in capital this year.  She however calls on the appropriate authorities to address this matter with great urgency as the impact of crime is a major deterrent to local and foreign investors. At the recent Jamaica Investment Forum in Montego Bay, Flow’s infrastructure was highlighted as a major contributor to providing the technology platform that makes Jamaica a prime target for foreign investment.  “Jamaica can only benefit if we make the business climate much more conducive to investors.  We have to be more aggressive in stemming the impact of crime, for the business community.

In the meantime English reiterated the company’s strong position against crime and criminal action against Flow saying, ”We will continue to protect the investment in our infrastructure at all costs so that Jamaicans can enjoy the benefits of the advanced telecommunications services which drive national development and transform and enhance the way we all work, play and learn.”