Filming for ‘The Granny JJ Adventures’ slated for 2025

A CREOLE comedy dramatising the efforts of a grandmother to solve vexing crimes in her community will soon commence filming here in Guyana.
Based on an award-winning book series—‘The Granny JJ Adventures’, the story follows a determined elderly woman as she navigates both community crimes and her own past fears.
The character, inspired by real-life superhero mom, Juliet Garrett, promises to be instantly recognisable to local viewers.

Glenda Cartwright, the show’s co-writer and former Soesdyke, Region four resident, shares that her mother was the inspiration for the character.
“Juliet Garrett, my mother, raised ten children; she was tough, smart, and could figure me out in a flash; we want Guyanese to be able to point to the screen, buss a ‘laff,’ and say ‘Dat just like me Granny so-and-so!” she said.
Her husband Joshua, also a co-script writer, is equally committed to authenticity.

Working with the National Theatre Guild, he states, “We aim to make this show into a series that becomes a cultural milestone like Tides of Susanburg, a show that people will drop what they are doing to watch it.”
He further added, “To make that happen we’ve had help from Margaret Lawrence and her team at the Theatre Guild to hire home-grown Guyanese actors; we’ll be filming on location in Georgetown, and we’ll use local film crew personnel where possible.”

Joshua also highlights the quality of the international team.
“Our director, Orin Beaton, is of Guyanese descent and is more than ready to direct in his family’s cultural home after 38 years of working with top directors and actors; Colin Codner is responsible for sound; he won a BAFTA for the SKY TV series ‘House of the Dragon’ and was part of the Oscar winning sound-team for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator.

“[Melissa Roberts] ‘Vanilla’ is our Senior Line Producer, and her experience and presence on the ground is invaluable for ensuring that local filming will go smoothy. Supporting them are a team of top industry professionals to give this production the quality attention it deserves,” he added.

The Granny JJ books have already made waves internationally, reaching the finals of the Reader’s Favorite competition. The Ministry of Education has purchased the books in bulk for schools, and corporate support has emerged from companies like Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc., which have sponsored private purchases for educational establishments.

As the production team gears up for filming, Glenda urges all Guyanese to support this production. “Guyana’s future cultural development depends on us showing the world the talent that we have in our people. We’re asking you to give financially to ensure this production is made. One day you’re going to be able to point to this and proudly say ‘I helped make that for Guyana.” She said.

For those who want to contribute, reach out or just engage with the team, you can find more information via their Facebook page.
With its winning combination of local heart and international production values, “The Granny JJ Adventures” seems poised to captivate Guyanese everywhere, one mystery at a time.
(Restructured press release from Throwbox Innovation Studio)