Monday, March 10, 2014

Level Explode!



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.”

No comments:

Post a Comment