US Embassy supports filmmakers in Laos : Lao Voices

Posted by LV on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Creative and stunning videos by Lao filmmakers wowed guests at the closing ceremony of a workshop on public service announcements called Making Messages at Mercure Hotel in Vientiane last Sunday.

The week long workshop was organised and sponsored by the US Embassy, in collaboration with Luang Prabang Film Festival.

Led by American filmmaker Bill Megalos, the workshop was devoted to teaching the skills necessary in making issue-based media campaigns. The course focused on making clear and effective messages on the theme of nutrition.

It entailed studying past campaigns in Laos and similar campaigns from the rest of the world. Participants were taught to develop a media plan that incorporates the overall messages of the government agencies and participating NGOs, while being very specific to the issues at hand and taking the intended audience into account.

The workshop taught participants about developing a clear story as well as the technical skills necessary to convey the message effectively.

Areas covered included production, camera work, directing and motivating subjects, interviewing techniques, sound recording, teamwork, lighting and editing. Students worked in small teams, swapping roles so every student got a chance to learn every aspect of the process.

US Ambassador to Laos, Karen B Stewart said, ?I just want you to know how impressed I am with everything that you?ve been able to accomplish as I?m totally amazed that in nine days and you were able to make these 10 amazing films.?

?As you know, I can remember when a time not very long ago when it was very difficult and time consuming to make a film, even a very short one. We?d have all kinds of expensive and special equipment, but all that has changed today. Any of us here with a camera and a laptop can create a video that can be viewed by millions around the world, so that makes it a very exciting time.?

?So that?s what this workshop was all about; combining the practical with the conceptual to give you skills that have sticking power. The topic that you?ve chosen to work on is an extremely important one ? nutrition.?

?It?s to get people to change their eating habits. Maybe one film will influence a woman to breast feed exclusively or eat healthier while she is pregnant, and those are actions are which can save a child?s life. So I hope that you feel very proud of what you?ve done.?

Public service announcements are short films designed to raise public awareness on an issue, changing attitudes and potentially stimulating action.

This course was open to Lao media professionals from the private sector as well as NGOs and governmental bodies.

Organisations represented included government offices such as the Department of Cinema and the National School of Fine Arts; independent production companies including Lao Art Media and Chillax Productions (whose staff also served as assistants to the workshop); and non-profit associations such as Normai and international organisations like the Wildlife Conservation Society, UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Source: Vientiane Times

Source: http://laovoices.com/us-embassy-supports-filmmakers-in-laos/

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