10 Years of Objectifs: Film, film, and more film!
As part of the Objectifs’ 10-year anniversary celebrations, we’ll be doing a series of articles and interviews with students and instructors on various topics close to our hearts and what we stand for.
This week we’re featuring films, something that has caught the attention of many recently, with Anthony Chen being the first Singaporean filmmaker to bag the Caméra d’Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and going on to win numerous awards after that, with his debut feature film Ilo Ilo.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Vivien Koh is a Digital Filmmaking alumnus who did the workshop back in 2011.
Digital Filmmaking class of Q311 with instructor Gek Li San and Pok Yue Weng
Objectifs: What got you interested in filmmaking?
Vivien: Mmm, I think it was Jan Svankmajer’s Alice. I quickly became very interested in the way he combined stop-motion and live-action sequences and wanted to try it for myself. Previously, I had the chance to learn basics of stop-motion, so I just wondered how the live-action bits were filmed!
Objectifs: Tell us more about your experience taking the workshop at Objectifs.
My experience at Objectifs was very enjoyable and fulfilling. I learnt a lot from Ric, Pok & Li San (the instructors). They were genuine, and really cared to know what kind of films we liked and wanted to make, and were also very patient with my zero-knowledge of film.
Objectifs: Tell us about the short film that you made during the workshop.
Vivien: It was about a girl who broke the conch shell her deceased father gave to her as a present. I was very happy when I made it because the story was important to me at the time, and I had fun shooting it!
Objectifs: Are you working on any projects right now? Can you tell us more about it?
Vivien: Yes, I am! It is a 5-min film called “Superlegend”. It is about a security guard, Ela, whose job is at risk after someone escapes the mental hospital where she works. As she recounts the story to her boss, she reveals to him a secret that she has kept for years.
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FILMMAKING TIPS
Inspired by Anthony Chen’s win at Cannes and want to try making your own film? Objectifs filmmaking instructor Lionel Chok has some tips for you.
- Personal experiences make the best first film.
- Keep it simple! Really.
- No director can succeed without a team. (A round of beers, anyone?)
The Digital Filmmaking workshop with Lionel Chok (who has more than 13 years of experience in the media industry under his belt) is an introduction to the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking for first-time filmmakers. A staple in the centre, Objectifs has run this workshop every quarter since 2003, that means we’ve seen more than 400 new filmmakers graduate from the course! Each class is limited to 12 participants, so do sign up early if you are interested in learning how to make your first short film!
HD Digital Filmmaking
Learn how to plan, direct, shoot and edit a short film with filmmaker Lionel Chok. Participants will work in teams to complete individual short films using a prosumer HD video camera and Final Cut Pro editing software.
When: 2 Oct to 20 Nov, every Mon, 7pm – 10pm
Fees: $825*
Scriptwriting
Designed for the beginning screenwriter with little or no film or television experience, build a solid foundation in screenwriting through a blend of lectures and writing with filmmaker-writer Lillian Wang. Participants will work on completing a short film script.
When: 8 Oct to 18 Nov, every Tue, 730pm – 10pm
Fees: $360*
*Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can apply to the Media Development Authority’s Talent Assistance Scheme for media freelancers. The grant quantum covers up to 90% of the course fee. Click here for more information.
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SCREENINGS
SGFilm Pop Up Cinema at Singapore Night Festival
Fresh from the overwhelming response to our SGFILM Pop-Up Cinema at the Night Festival, we have another fantastic (and free!) film event coming up. From 6 to 9 November, catch “We Not Naughty”, “Dance, Dance, Dragon”, “My Dog Dou Dou” and “That Girl in Pinafore” at the Objectifs rooftop garden. Seats are limited, so pre-register early as registration is essential!
WATCH LOCAL rooftop screenings
When: 6 to 9 November 2013, 8pm nightly
Open to public, free admission
IMPORTANT: Seats are limited. Members of the public MUST register at info@objectifs.com.sg. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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SGFILM Channel
For more inspiration, check out SGFILM Channel on YouTube to watch tons of great local short films, all for free and in the comfort of your own room (or home theatre if you have one!).