A total of seventeen participants from different parts of the country recently completed a short but intensive Video Production training course at CFA.  The workshop, held on February 18-22, 2008, is part of the Diocesan Media Directors’ Training Series offered by CFA with the support of Aid to the Church in Need, Germany.

Participants included lay media workers of the Archdiocese of Manila and various dioceses in the Visayas, religious workers from Ethnos Asia, Thailand and social development advocates and educators from Cebu, Batangas and Vigan.  Four priests from Mindanao and Northern Luzon who are Directors of their diocesan media offices also took the opportunity to improve their media skills. The participants totally immersed themselves in the tools and techniques of video production for use in values education.

CFA’s Executive Director, Ms. Teresita Hermano, in her welcome remarks on Day 1, highlighted the power of video to convey socially relevant messages especially in these critical times. She recalled how documentaries like CFA’s “11 Days in August”, an account of the Ninoy Aquino assassination and funeral, helped stir public consciousness in the 1980’s. Also, in his message during the last day of the workshop, CFA President Fr. Fil Pelingon underscored the idea that videos, especially when they tackle human life and issues, are staple evangelistic tools. Thus, the challenge to employ the camera and pen to effect social transformation remains, especially in the Church.

Electronic Media Department's Production Supervisor, Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC, served as main trainer during the five-day hands-on workshop. Participants were provided a comprehensive handout on the topics prepared by Fr. Cuyos.  Learning areas included Pre-Production Basics, Production Process Techniques, Production Team Roles and Functions and Post-Production Essentials. Mr. Noel T. de Leon, CFA’s Director for the Electronic Media, Training and Catechetical Cluster gave the introduction to Scriptwriting at the start of the training.

The group was divided into production teams for their video outputs. Day Four of the workshop was specifically scheduled for an on-location shoot, after which the participants edited their work.  The three projects produced by the group were an MTV, a feature on Intramuros and the poverty that lies within its walls, and a Lenten appeal for alms-giving.   

After the presentation and critique of the final productions, Fr. Caloy Villanueva of Ilagan, Isabela quipped, “Video production is a form of multimedia with much relevance, especially when it comes to communicating to the youth.”  Participants also appreciated the value of their newly acquired skill, which may be used for evangelization, documentation and advocacy.