The Communication
Society’s Annual Event “Level” reaches its sixth level of Success! The Level
Explode Speakers Atom Araullo, Direk Peque Gallaga and Direk Lore Reyes have
been a great example to stand before us to inspire us. There are many things
I’ve learned and realized while I was sitting there and hear those words from
these men.
“Hindi
mo alam kung saan ka mapapadpad… But as long as mag-persevere kayo, matututunan
mo na yon on the job.”
Atom Araullo, the first speaker said. Atom Araullo is a BS Applied Physics
graduate at UP and not a full blown Journalist and it was a bit challenge for
me as a Communication Student to pursue something and practice what I’ve got.
He discussed about the effects
and developments of Communication. And as per him, there were 3, and these are:
(1) One-way communication – which means having a news anchor disseminating
information, (2) Feedback Mechanism – where the audiences can be entertained
via poll or through participating in the program and (3) 3-Way Communication –
through Social Media. He also defined “Citizen Journalism” then, including its
Advantages and Disadvantages which was said to be the fastest, but a not-so
reliable and a less private way. During the forum, he was asked about
“Integrity and speed” of disseminating information to the public. And then, he
answered, “Speed is important but Accuracy is MORE important.” Well, Social
media is just a tool. We may use our freedom of expression and information
considering this one word which is RESPONSIBILITY. Use Social Media to possess
Change. Also, being journalist, we must be always open to criticisms.
“Don’t be afraid or be
discouraged on what lies ahead of you, but you truly be aware of what lies
behind you…the world of hits, awards and birth of new stars.” Director Peque
Gallaga said.
I was moved in every line he has
to say. Selling yourself is necessary in order to succeed. We make movies to
reach out and touch hearts. We need science in order to manage a film. He shared
10 master tips and these things made up my mind:
1.
Have
something to say. If we have nothing to say then we must be an audience at the
first place. We must tell something people don’t know yet. We must inspire
them, transform them and remind them. We must find a new way, an interesting
way.
2.
There
is a reason why cinema is is presented on a big screen, because movies must be
absorbed, detail per detail of a community experience. When we make a movie, we
don’ make it for only one, for a friend, for someone, etc. but we make movies
to reach out, to fill their hopes and dreams. Also, we have to know our
audience.
3.
“You
make movies not to teach but to transform”
-
Usually,
we always wanted to have it involve nation building and were going to spool
feed everything, but he said “Art should not have an agenda, when you transform
a person, you have change the nation automatically”
4.
Entertainment
is not a sin; it is not a sellout.
5.
Do
not only stick to what works.
6.
Experiments are boring
7.
Be
Scientific.
8.
Be
Professional. “Be on time, Do your Homework”
9.
Be
Honest.
10. Go back to 1. Then, it is our duty to
make our world bigger. We have a duty to GROW.
In line with this was Director
Lore Reyes saying that “All generalizations are false” and so he discussed on
how to produce a film, also, the difference between the Mainstream and Indie
Films. He defined “Poverty porn” as exploitation of condition of the poor which
creates sympathy; provide anger but some Film makers trying to make that kind
for this selfish reason, because poverty porn is really in demand in
International Film festivals. Director Lore said that as a producer, don’t
overpay, feed your men, make sure it’s good and don’t waste time because “Time
is money”.
I have learned a lot and this is
all worth it. One thing I remembered during the event, “Good Education is not
to teach you the facts but teaching you where to find the answers.”
