THE Studio Homegrown Productions has celebrated its 20 years of media production services in Solomon Islands.
The group, initially named ‘Pink Moskito Net Production’ was started by Karl Vaekesa and some of his Form 6 classmates at the Betikama Adventist College in 2004.
Mr Vaekesa said the name ‘Pink Moskito Net Production’ was made in reference to the mosquito nets they used when they were students at Betikama.
He said towards the end of 2004, they renamed their media production services ‘Homegrown Production.’
“This name means we learn our audio and video production skills at home,” Mr Vaekesa said.
Mr Vaekesa, who is of mixed Western-Choiseul Province parentage, said they started the production with a small JVC mini DV tape bought by his father.
“Using the camera tape, we started shooting music videos and recording audios and in 2006. I managed to produce my first official album called the Spirit of Funafou and a music gospel video album.
“With all the hurdles of running this home-based media production, I registered the business and renamed it Studio Homegrown Production. The current location of this studio is Naha 3 in East Honiara,” Mr Vaekesa said.
Mr Vaekesa said his production company has extensive experience with event production and various forms of media to enhance marketing, promotion, academics, instructions, trainings and entertainment.
“We can help develop our client’s concept and suggest creative solutions that will deliver their message to their target audience whether it be through recording, archiving of an event, a complex multimedia production or just a brief video clip.
“We will work with our clients as partners to help them achieve their goals,” he said.
Now a reputable media production in Solomon Islands, Studio Homegrown Production has expanded speciality to include commercials (radio/TV), music videos, music and track recording, instructional videos, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, special day events and voiceovers.
Studio Homegrown Production has also explored and footed its feet on digital media like Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Vaekesa said they have an amazing rate of followers on YouTube.
“Now we have 80,000 followers on Facebook and 40,000 subscribers on YouTube.”
Anyone who wants to view the media work of Mr Vaekesa can search Studio Homegrown Production via Facebook and YouTube.
The Studio Homegrown Production is dedicated to storytelling and promoting homegrown music, cultures, stories and lifestyle of Solomon Islanders.
Talking about the way forward and future ambition for Studio Homegrown Production, Mr Vaekesa said he does not want to brag about their future plans, but some of these plans are already in the pipeline.
The celebration of the media production includes the selling of its 20th Anniversary t-shirts at its studio in Naha 3.
Most clients, fans and other people in Honiara have purchased the t-shirts to celebrate the achievements of the studio and support its operation.
Anyone interested in purchasing a t-shirt can contact Mr Vaekesa on mobile 7622861.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
