MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Film, media, and entertainment industry leaders weigh in on a panel discussion tacking how technology and digital innovations transformed the landscape of brand films and the advertising industry at DIGIMAX: IMMAP Digicon 2023, on October 18 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resort, Pasay City.
Moderated by IBH Media’s CEO Dan Robbins, present in the panel were Nick Santiago, Founder of Arcade Film Factory; Sid Maderazo, Founder of directors’ collective Sidekick, and Marlon Rivera, Chairman and Board of Trustees at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
The topics discussed in the panel included the involvement of AI in the creative process, creating content and films with smartphones, what streaming and media companies look for, long-form and short-form content, and effective storytelling techniques, among others.
A strong discussion started out regarding the use of AI in making creative outputs, to which Nick asserted, “AI is a tool to help our vision, our stories to be told better. It cannot replace human beings or human work.”
Sid added, “Either avoid it or be at the forefront.”
Matthew Luhn’s keynote talk then became the focus of the panel, to which Dan asked what makes stories or ideas attractive to streaming services and mainstream media. Nick emphasized that these companies look to the story’s originality. Despite the challenges of creating original content nowadays, he added that authenticity greatly adds to your content’s value. ”You have to put your craft into making your story great […] It takes more than a good idea, it takes good execution.”
“The story is the most persistent in any form,” Marlon expressed. “Brands should participate in the larger narratives for the story to work; Hanapin niyo yung mga kuwento na pinag-uusapan ng mga tao at sabayan niyo sila.” (Find the stories that people talk about and join them in telling those stories.)
The panel also highlighted the importance of putting Filipino stories into one’s content spotlight. “What they’re looking for is stories native to us in the Philippines,” Marlon explained, sharing that these companies and today’s viewers want stories that let them look into the cultures and lives of the everyday Filipino, and those stories that are heartwarming and fun.
To conclude the panel discussion, the speakers shared one thing they’re looking forward to in their industry as a whole.
“I hope you become the champion of the stories you tell,” said Marlon.
“The excitement lies in sharing what I know. We get to create with young filmmakers now,” Sid shared.
“I hope the next time we meet, we take the stuff we’re listening to and apply it. Let’s be bold and unleash your stuff into the world,” said Nick.
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of DIGIMAX: IMMAP Digicon 2023.
