CinNex Inc., a name synonymous with multimedia innovation in Guyana, stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and foresight. At the helm of this dynamic company is John Duncan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), whose journey from a technical assistant to Chief Executive Officer and co-owner offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the multimedia industry in Guyana.
Duncan’s entry into the world of business was driven by both opportunity and ambition. Reflecting on the origins of CinNex, he shared, “I was the manager in the technical department of a prominent local public relations company [and] we saw the need to extract that department and establish a full-blown production company to better serve our clients.” This decision was fueled by the rapid expansion of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, which Duncan foresaw as a significant catalyst for growth. “It was always my dream to be a business owner,” he admitted, adding, “having something solid to provide for my family was also important in inspiring me to take this path.”
Like many startups, CinNex faced its share of challenges in the early years. “The early years of CinNex and the management team during that time would often have varying ideas of what is best,” Duncan recalled. This internal friction led to his temporary departure from the company. However, a major turning point came during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses, including CinNex, to downscale. “It may have been divine intervention, but the opportunity once again came to me,” Duncan said. In October 2020, he became the CEO, and under his leadership, CinNex has since grown exponentially.
Some of the company’s notable milestones include providing services to Dutch shipbuilder SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil Guyana and producing video content that gained global attention. “Becoming certified to provide services offshore” and taking their expertise internationally, such as at the SEOGS 2024 conference in Suriname, stand as significant achievements. Another major milestone was Duncan’s opportunity to visit the Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading vessel.
With Guyana’s oil and gas sector burgeoning, CinNex has strategically positioned itself to capitalize on the opportunities within this industry. Duncan explained, “We have invested in new equipment and training to operate those equipment as required.” The company’s service offerings have expanded far beyond videography and photography to include public address system services, teleprompting, live streaming, event planning, and website design. Their adaptability and commitment to innovation have enabled CinNex to meet the diverse needs of a rapidly changing market.
Operating in a rapidly evolving digital landscape comes with its own set of challenges. Duncan noted the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and online platforms on the industry, which has led to a reduction in traditional multimedia work. “By keeping up with international standards, constantly improving equipment used, we are everyday striving to make what we do irreplaceable,” he emphasized. Another significant challenge is the issue of fair compensation. Duncan highlighted, “We produce content that is comparable to what is done internationally. The cost for equipment is not based on where you are from, we pay the same cost as someone in the U.S. plus taxes and importation costs, so why not be compensated the same.”
CinNex is committed to supporting and promoting local content. The company boasts a 100% Guyanese team and frequently collaborates with local third-party suppliers. “We utilize local talent that have been in the industry longer than us and provide high-quality work to learn from them directly,” Duncan shared.
Understanding and meeting client needs is central to CinNex’s success. Duncan believes in a flexible approach, stating, “The attitude of saying ‘Yes, we can do that’ is necessary.” He also underscored the importance of maintaining good personal relationships with clients, being approachable, and delivering products on time. “We take clients’ critique and suggestions and use those to improve the services we provide,” he added.
While technological advancements have introduced new tools and capabilities, Duncan believes that the true strength of CinNex lies in its human resources. “You can have the best camera, but if the human behind it can’t make use of the features, then it just becomes a wasted piece of technology,” he asserted.
As CinNex looks to the future, Duncan envisions significant growth and expansion. “In 5-10 years, I see CinNex being a full-fledged production company,” he said. Plans include building out a fully equipped studio, expanding into areas like printing and branding, and providing services to neighboring Suriname as it embarks on its own oil and gas journey. “The potential to provide services to our neighboring Suriname…is right there in front of us,” he noted.
For those looking to enter the digital or multimedia industries, Duncan offered candid advice. “Entrepreneurship has not been an easy journey for me,” he admitted. The key to success, he believes, lies in having a solid support system, hiring competent professionals, and ensuring financial stability before launching a business. “Be prepared for failure and rejection,” he cautioned, “but having something that inspires you to keep going…goes a long way.” For Duncan, that inspiration is his daughter, who motivates him to persevere in the face of challenges.
