2019-2020 Media Arts Activities in a Nutshell

Guest Lecture: Media Ethics and Legal Practices

Date: 10-Dec-2019

Guest: Mr Saran Raj and Mr Jeevarathinam, Lawyers

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pc5pykBn1addNuCCA

Mr Saran and Mr Jeeva spoke about the nuances of constitution of India, types of writs, and enlightened the students on the responsibility of press to uphold the constitution.

Guest Lecture by Ms Malini Jeevarathinam, Film Maker

Topic: Alternative film-making

Date: 06-Dec-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2SzjzJ2LaghqEpc79

Ms Malini has directed the film, “Ladies and Gentlewomen.” She spoke on how she got her alternative ideas into the film and how the response has been. This interactive session encouraged students to be thoughtful of the marginalized in the society.

Guest Lecture by Mr Karthik, Vikatan Web Media

Topic: Content Production for Internet

Date: 5-Dec-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZWwFXuzBSu5CVtPL7

Mr Karthik shared his experience of working with Vikatan online media. He asked the students of their field of interest and motivated them towards achieving their future goals. Students queries regarding form and content of the Social Media and other forms of New Media were addressed.

Guest Lecture by Mr Logesh, Chief Editor, Thaai Panai Pathippakam (Publishers)

Topic: Writing for Media

Date: 20-Nov-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KYtZxjM6ed5k4EZ76

Mr Logesh explained the process of conceiving an idea, getting the idea into words, and writing skills. He spoke not only on books, but also documentary film as he had made an hour-long documentary on Koodankulam issue. The documentary was screened and a discussion followed.

Guest Lecture by Mr Ilayaraja, Script Writer, Thanthi TV

Topic: Writing for TV Programmes

Date: 27-09-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/v7g8qGoyEKzuzMZT9

With an experience in writing for TV programmes for more than five years, Mr Ilayaraja, shared the nuances of scriptwriting. He screened some of the programmes that he had written script for:- lifestyle of North Chennai, a short feature on the life of late Dr M Karunanidhi, crime reports etc. Students observed the need for speed in television production.

Acting Workshop by Mr Arunmozhi

Topic: Theatre Acting Skills

Date: 26-Aug-2019 to 30-Aug-2019 & 11-Sept -2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pBWqkE73tvpWEMT5A

This intensive week-long workshop brought about an ideological change in some of the students toward the acting profession and other fields related to acting. Experts from various genres of acting including folk, street, and theater performers met the students to give them practical training. Coordinated by Mr Arunmozhi, students were given a chance to come up with a concept and perform on-stage before the veteran actor, Mr Nazar.

Guest Lecture by Ms Sri Vidhya, Radio Jockey

Topic: Oratory Skills

Date: 24-Jul-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Kp2afgG8FJWJ72RS8

With her vibrant caliber, Ms Sri Vidhya, taught the students about the voice, tonal modulation, intonation, etc. She expressed the importance of relationship between mind, heart, soul, body language, and the positive attitude required to be a best communicator. Her sharing of experience and making the students learn by doing practical exercises made it a useful input session.

Guest Lecture by Mr Saravana Rajendran, Film Director

Topic: Debut Filmmaking

Date: 11-Jul-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/diLdkLmqnqt9npT36

Mr Saravana disclosed the challenges of a debut filmmaker. The interactive session was an open talk about how trials can be made into triumphs. The art of pitching a story to the producer to realizing the script on to silver screens were deliberated in detail. The students were reassured of the world of chances and choices around them.

Guest lecture by Mr Devendran, News Presenter and Producer, New7 Tamil

Topic: Nose for News

Date: 4-Jul-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SV7NgEkg37aMPS2i8

Mr Devendran imparted a portion of his knowledge to the students about gathering and disseminating news. He clarified students’ doubts regarding interviewing celebrities, ad lib presentation, SWOT of a news presenter and producer, etc. He elucidated the conflict of interest between the management and the individual and the compromises to be made.

Guest lecture by Ms Mercy, News Presenter, Kalaignar News and Mr Varun, Music Composer

Topic: In the Newsroom

Date: 18-Jul-2019

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/oojdLBRYQCxtfNiZ8

As an experienced news presenter, Ms Mercy voiced the technicalities and formalities in the newsroom that would be required of a presenter and producer. She lectured about the workflow and ethics to be followed.

Mr Varun described the process in the Audio Control Room (ACR), digital formats of sound, the consoles, and their uses. He also clarified the students doubts regarding the background music used in news.

Industry Expert Interaction: RJ ‘Blade’ Shankar – Suryan FM

Introduced by well-known English Journalist, Zakka Jacob, into the field of RJ, ‘Blade’ Shankar has completed 15 years in the career on 15-Mar-2017. He summarized his 15-year-long learning experience briefly with the first year Masters in Media Arts students of Loyola College in Chennai on 16-Mar-2017.

Photo Courtesy: IndiaTimes.Com

“I don’t rely on pen, board-chalk-talk. I do not have Powerpoint presentations. Words are my strength. My experience sharing will be of use to you,” he started his sharing.

Qualities of RJ:

Shankar highlighted four qualities that would help an RJ in their vocation:

         -          Individuality – difference in thinking

         -          Spontaneity

         -          Observing

         -          Punctuality

He explained the qualities of RJ from his own experience: “I started this journey when I was 21 years old. I started with ‘oor sutthalaam vaanga’ (ஊர் சுத்தலாம் வாங்க) show in the noon time. Dina was doing Blade No.1 show at that time. When he quit, I had to take up that slot. I gave a slight twist to the comedy show. I dominate the callers first and later allow them to dominate. This base lead me to receive 9 IRF (Indian Radio Forum) awards during my career. Difference in thinking along with my individuality gave me an upbeat tempo in the career.”

“RJ will have to be spontaneous. To achieve spontaneity, observance is important. Once you start observing your neighbourhood, you’ll be able to contribute to the society with spontaneity. Brainstorming with friends and family is an important technique to enhance the flow of our thought process.”

“Although I have not been punctual during my school and college days, becoming an RJ taught me the importance of punctuality. There was a time when my car broke down and I informed my show producer that I will not be able to make it on time. Even then, I decided to take a risk to try and reach the studio by auto and made it on time. It gives me a sense of satisfaction today when I think of it. Punctuality pays.”

Keeping the Audience:

"Human psychology is that we like others to talk with us. We will be less interested in other two people talking. It is a challenge for RJ to connect with the audience. When it comes to the Radio Jockey, voice is not important for RJ job. The information I have and my style of presentation matters."

"RJ must be able to swiftly change his mind. He would have faced a racing motorist scolding him on the road just before entering the studio or he might have had a feud at home or in the workplace. When he goes before mic, he has to be a different person altogether. On the contrary, he should not lose his individuality. Know your plus and minus as the Tamil song goes, ‘unnai arindhaal nee ulagatthil poraadalaam’ (உன்னை அறிந்தால் நீ உலகத்தில் போராடலாம்). Those who would like to enter media must set a specific goal and stay focused on it."

Dubbing Experience:

“I have been a dubbing artist since 2004. It is a vast field. I had spoken voices in cartoons and TV documentaries. I had an opportunity to give voice for the brother character in the movie, ‘kadhai solla poroam,’ (கதை சொல்லப் போறோம்). I don’t believe in calling a movie, ‘commercial movie’. Anything that is selling becomes a ‘commercial’”, he made a passing comment. “To add bass and depth to the voice, I have to get closer to the mic. Going away from the mic gives a sharper voice.”

Dayparting in Radio:

“Energetic and peppy numbers are played during the day. Peaceful and solemn songs are played during the nights. Similarly, RJs come in different types: Morning RJ: He has to be loud and energetic in the morning. Night RJ: He has to be pleasant and quiet.”

Uniqueness of Radio:

 “Radio is an entertainment medium. It plays a major role in people’s lives. People usually watch TV as a group, but Radio is usually listened to in lone situations. It creates a one-to-one experience. Listening to a situational song on a radio is different from listening the same from an MP3 player. It creates a sense of belonging to a community of similar minds.”

Departments in Radio:

Shankar explained to the students about various departments in a radio station: Program, Client Solution, Creative Department, Music Scheduler etc.

     ·        Music Scheduler: Schedules the songs and takes control over show timings. He decides which song is trendy or outdated.

     ·        Client Solution: Receives ideas from clients and do a package. A silk showroom may request for a show idea from Client Solution for Women’s Day. FM stations do their own advertisements. There are very few ad-agencies for FM stations. Client Solution also create ideas for on-ground activities. They may suggest a live program from a shopping mall.

      ·        Promo Producer: Creates promotional audios for radio programmes.

      ·        Program Producer: He makes it convenient for the RJ to host the show. He has to make sure that the show runs smoothly without any hindrances. If it is a special day, say for example, World Water Day, Program Producer has to alert the RJ about such special days and suggest ideas how to go about it.

     ·        Sound Engineer: Nuendo, Sony Vegas are the software knowledge that will be needed for a Sound Engineer.

Shankar concluded by explaining the ‘butterfly effect’ in reference to chaos theory, the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere, “I believe in ‘butterfly effect’: if a butterfly flutters in China, it would create an earthquake in Chicago. So, the qualities I mentioned above go a long way in building up a media professional, or any professional for that matter.”

Short Film Award Ceremony

About the Event:

Prof.E.Suresh Paul, HoD, Dept. of Media Arts, Visual Communication, & Multimedia and Animation:

Many events happen around the world to acknowledge the mainstream media ventures, but a few recognize the importance of alternative entertainment in changing the world. Dept. of Media Arts, Loyola College has been conducting the Short Film competitions in association with Parivu Magazine for the past five years. The competition is conducted for the College and University students in Tamil Nadu.

Short Film Competition 2017:

The Dept. of Media Arts announced the competition this year in January. The response was immediate and overwhelming. More than 40 short films came in to compete from throughout the state.

Jury:

Audience are the apt judges. The film-making students of the Media Department along with the professors evaluated the films based on the concept, presentation, and technical nuances.

Award Function:

The 5th Year Short Film Award Function was conducted on March 15, 2017 (Wed) in Preview Theatre, Loyola College, Chennai. Eminent film-maker, Director Gautham Vasudev Menon graced the occasion and announced the results.

Release of New Short Film:

'H₂SO₄', a new short film by Mr.Prashanth Prabhu, a second year postgraduate student in the Dept. of Media Arts, was released by Director Gautham Vasudev Menon.

                Concept of the Film: The cruelty of acid attack.

Chief Guest Address: Mr.Gautham Vasudev Menon

Amidst his busy shooting schedule of 'Dhuruva Natchathiram', his present mainstream venture with Actor Vikram, Director Gautham Vasudev Menon took a short break to come to Loyola to share his thoughts with the budding film makers. "You have to concentrate on the script. It's a challenging atmosphere out there. Many of my friends who started the film-making journey with me are now into other business. Concentration and Perseverance are the key values that will help in making a successful film-maker." he said.

Jury Feedback:

Prof.S.Lawrence Jeyakumar, Asst. Professor, Loyola College / Head of Jury

Students of today need a matchstick, where they can get their light and let their light shine. This is one such event where the upcoming short film makers come into the limelight. The films were from different genres: romance, thriller, comedy, horror, etc. What delighted us is that the societal concern, well-being of fellow humans, inclusivity of all ethnics reflected in almost all the short films.

Prize Winners:

                First Place: The first place was secured by Aadhithya Pranav, Anna University student who had made the short film, 'Tharuvi' (தருவி). Concept: An old lady and an youngster, who are orphaned victims of the societal disrespect start a new journey. Cash Award: Rs.10,000/-

                Second Place: 'Madharaasi' (மதராஸி), a film by PSG College Student, Prabakar from Coimbatore, attracted the jury for its concept of celebrating fraternity. Cash Award: Rs.5,000/-

                Third Place: Inspired by the acclaimed movie, Joker, 'Komaali' (கோமாளி), a film by Subramaniya Bharathi, SRM University, Chennai, based on the farmers suicide issue moved the organizers to give away the third place. Cash Award: Rs.3,000/-

                Special Prizes: A cash award of Rs.1000/- each was given for Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and Best Editor.

Director Gautham Vasudev Menon, Actor John Vijay, and Actor 'Dhaadi' Balaji announced and gave away the prizes.

- Report by Samson Durai (samediarts@gmail.com)