UVNS Digital Filmmaking Program launched

CEBU, Philippines - There is an ever-growing demand for visual artists and designers, but the gap to fill in is so large, thus the University of the Visayas New School of Art and Design launched the five-month Digital Filmmaking Program to provide a better platform.

Award-winning local filmmaker Jiji Borlasa shared how tedious it was to multitask because of the lack of skilled people that her production can work with. “There is a lack of storytellers, lack of video editors, lack of cinematographers. In my case, while I’m the executive producer I have to help move, carry and operate equipment. Di sad ni pwede nga matiguwang mi kami ra gihapon, there has to be a new group to do the job,” she expressed during the launch at the UVNS Art Gallery last May 16.

“There is no industry yet in Cebu for production designers, that’s why we are offering the course to help form a community,” Kaloy Uypuanco, production designer, informed.

The intensive program will issue certificates - not diploma, this was stressed. Certification will be validated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as the program is under the technical-vocational courses category.

“The program will be about polishing skills and assembling a portfolio. UVNS provides a legit home where students can build a creative community. Learning becomes more fun because they pursue courses they are most passionate about. Students who are bored with the traditional classroom settings belong here where they can be more immersed in a creative learning environment,” says school director Genesis Raña.

“But this is not to discourage them from going to traditional schools ha? This is just to give them an option that what they can learn in four years they can do it in five months. Besides, what the creative industry needs is not a piece of diploma, but the skills,” Uypuanco added.

“We only teach students what they need to learn. We do away with minor subjects, with thesis, and even grades. Their works will be critiqued by industry professionals,” Raña also said.

The move is also geared at establishing a strong support system among filmmakers and designers here. “There is no community yet but if we are to start one, this sure would be very strong because our local spirit is more collaborative, unlike Manila which is competitive,” according to UVNS course director John Henry Delfino.

Program costs P40,000. The lowdown though is not on how to meet the cost but more on the receptiveness of parents or guardians.

“Since this is a radical school, it is hard to sell to parents. I mean maybe a change in paradigm would happen but not immediately. Which parent would send a child to a school that doesn’t issue a diploma? However we are optimistic that with the way their children would excel in the real world, they would be able to pay us their attention and give the respect to their children’s creative choices,” Uypuanco further said.

Other mentors would be award-winning director Ruel Dahis Antipuesto (of “Eskrimadors” fame) who, through his company “Propeller”, would be able to provide a range of equipment; and Ken Onozawa, brand strategist.

Call 511.1163 and look for Micah Almazan. (FREEMAN)