BUDDING film-maker David Johnson recently released his debut project, Just Action, a 24-minute exposé on the Jamaican film industry.

Released on June 3, the mini feature is available on the video-sharing medium, Vimeo.

It looks at the challenges Jamaican film-makers face trying to get projects off the ground.

Johnson interviewed several industry insiders including Chris Browne, Brian St Juste and Rick Elgood.

He told the Jamaica Observer that he and his team, which includes Kevin Jackson and Robin Chin, conceived Just Action as part of a final-year project at the University of Technology (UTech).

“It’s a survivor mentality. Every film-maker has to find their niche and stay there as they struggle to make it work,” he said. “It’s not all glamour and glory.”

Just Action was shot over a five-month period beginning in December 2013.

A past student of Ardenne High, Johnson said film-making was initially a hobby. He enrolled at UTech as an engineer student in 2009 but switched to film the following year.

“During those years, I learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t,” he quipped.

Johnson believes there is hope on the horizon for Jamaican film-makers. He praised the recent announcement by Anthony Hylton, minister of industry, investment and commerce, to construct a film studio in St Thomas.

“I think the development in St Thomas is a good thing. I hope it will result in fruitful projects that will pave the way for more international investment in Jamaican film,” he said.