Filmmaking and creative writing are both considered one of the most innovative, dignified, creative, and exciting fields and mediums of communication in the world today. Because of their universal artistic appeal, educational benefits for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), as well as potential commercial value, a group of Filipino professionals and amateur film makers, producers, and creative writers known as Pinoy Sining Group (Filipinos for Arts and Cultures) in Riyadh has launched a three-month intensive training/workshop entitled “Filmmaking Techniques and Creative Writing Workshops 2011”. The workshop began on May 20 and will run until July 8. It is currently being held in a private educational institution in Riyadh. Among the relevant topics discussed were: “Creative Writing Techniques”, “Discovering the Writer in You”, “Writing Articles”, “English Brush-up”, “Spelling and Punctuation”, “Journalism Techniques”, “Getting the Most from Interviews” and “Short Story Writing”. These first group of topics were held between May 20 and June 10 while “Filmmaking Studies and Camera Techniques: (Film grammar, Production Management)”, “The A to Z of Film Productions”, “Nitty-Gritty of Filmmaking and Film Editing” have been slotted for June 17 and 24 and July 1 and 8. Certificates of course completion will be awarded for every workshop attended and completed. “The main thrust of of this project is not only to promote our very own Philippine traditional cultural values, literature and tourism in the Kingdom, but also to discover and enhance the inner talent and level of creativity of Filipino expatriates in their advancement and pursuit of their dreams in this field,” remarked Rodel Menda, Pinoy Sining Group 2011 President and Chairman. He added that a special medical and dental mission was also held for PS members and the Filipino community in Riyadh simultaneously. Among prominent Filipino speakers at the workshop are Edgar Ralph Felipe, Vice President for Education and Training (creative director and stage actor); Alladin Guinar, Vice-President for Public Relations (educator, talent manager and video editor); and J. Nava Cruz (freelance journalist and documentarist). Professional and amateur filmmakers and creative writers who wish to seek appointments and find out more about the next schedule of seminars and workshops can contact the following Pinoy Sining Officers: President Rodel Menda (0509170186); VP Dra. Alicia Magallanes (0509531675); VP Aden Guinar (0568341361) or visit the official Pinoy Sining website: www.pinoysining.com
