Ms. Jen Calimon, together with her aspiring students in Broadcast Principles and Practices (BPP) organized a seminar entitled “Visual Storytelling: Documentary” that was held at the Adamson Media Center last November 24, 2018.
The said program was spearheaded by Mr. Wilbert H. Osiones, whose life has been spent as a cameraman for almost two decades. Osiones was an alumnus of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1998. He ventured his career as a prod-trainee cameraman in ABS-CBN within the same year until 1999. With his expertise, Osiones decided to continue his endeavor in the realms of GMA 7 on December 1999. He started in Arnold Clavio’s “Emergency” and also to “Out!”, a magazine show tackling the lives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community until 2004. Later that year until 2010, Osiones became a cameraman of “Kay Susan Tayo!”, then on the same year up to present, he became a video journalist in GMA News.
Photo courtesy of Hero Roxas
Osiones started his talk by simply explaining the importance of learning the functionality of the camera itself. For starters, they must know how to inspect the specifications of the camera before purchasing the equipment. He added that it’s unnecessary to buy high-end equipment, so it’s better to invest on the basic ones. Of course, he also reminded everyone to maximize their gears.
Photo courtesy of Hero Roxas
In creating compelling stories, Osiones told his listeners to muster their skills in playing different angles and adjusting color settings or temperatures. He explained that the symmetry and chosen angles can be used a lot of times. “Huwag kang aalis sa pwesto mo hangga’t hindi mo nakukunan lahat,” he tipped. (Don’t ever leave your place if you haven’t captured anything.) Doing so, these steps will help them establish stories that are worth-telling. He also emphasized the significance of brainstorming and knowing the in-depth stories behind every subject they can produce.
“Spot the action,” as Osiones challenged everyone to be observant of what is happening around. To establish stories in documentaries, one must be able to find interesting and relevant topics even if they’re out of the normal dailies in the environment. Every single detail of these captured moments is important because it creates stories that can be seen not only by the cameraman but also his target audience.
As Osiones wrapped up his talk, he encouraged these young apprentices to watch more films as it will help them be more familiarized with different techniques in shooting a film. Not only that, it will also make them feel curious towards their surroundings – leading them to create compelling stories.
Photo courtesy of Hero Roxas