|
Support to private media enterprises
i) Annual media event
The South Asian Foundation, New Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations held “The South Asian Film Festival” in Goa from 17-20 September, 2010. The festival was organized with participation of eminent film personalities from India and neighboring countries. In addition, Bhutanese movies jointly selected by the Department and the Motion Picture Association of Bhutan were screened at the festival, for which the Department sponsored the participation of 2 members of the Bhutanese film industry.
The Department also supported the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies‟ Zepa Chunyi drama adaptation performed from 11-13 November, 2010 as part of its Annual Media Events.
ii) Technical support for private media
While the Bhutanese media industry has made remarkable progress over the last few years, it is still at an early stage of development and needs continued support and understanding.
With the ultimate objective of creating a citizenry capable of making informed decisions about issues that affect their lives, the Royal Government has pursued a policy of encouraging and supporting the development of a free and responsible media. In order to create the necessary environment for a free press to operate, the Royal Government has been facilitating the establishment of new media agencies, assisting the media agencies to achieve financial independence, and providing the necessary legislative framework.
iii) Intermediate Radio Production Workshop, Singapore
As a follow-up to the 4-day training programme for radio presenters on Basic presentation skills and neutral accent conducted in June 2010, the Department of Information and Media (in consultation with the Stakeholders & the Trainer) organized the 2nd round of training on:
- Scripting (radio format)
- Production & packaging/presentation
- Hosting live call-in shows
With the main objective of taking them to a higher level of professionalism, the same participants (who attended the 1st round) were sent to Singapore Media Academy (SMA) for a period of 5 days.
The SMA not only trained these 10 participants but also attached them to some of the relevant stations providing opportunity to gain hands-on learning experience and skills.
iv) Print Media Internship
Based on the priorities presented by the members during the Stakeholders‟ meeting on 2nd August 2010, the Department organized one month internship in reporting and marketing, based on individual organization‟s requirements.
However, only three Marketing officials (Kuensel, Bhutan Today & The Journalist) have undergone the internship as of now. Other media houses are yet to confirm their participation.
v) Production and Art Design Workshop
The Department of Information organized a programme on Production Design & Art Direction from April 18 to 20, 2011 for 26 participants from the film, production and audio-visual industry. The course was conducted by Ms. Barbara Adler, Lecturer; Department of Production Design for Film, TV and Computer Games, Center for Visual Communication, Denmark‟s Design School.
vi) Workshop on Photo-journalism
Workshop on photo-journalism was organized from 6 - 16 May 2011 covering essential photography skills and techniques by Ms. Mary F. Calvert. The trainer, besides being a 2010 finalist of „The Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography‟, is an experienced freelance photojournalist who worked for the Washington Times as well as on numerous other award winning photo projects. A significant part of the workshop was allocated to practical project, to enable the participants to put their new-found skills into practice straight away. The workshop was attended by the photographers from newspapers, magazines, government organizations and freelance photographers.
vii) Workshop on Scriptwriting
The Department in collaboration with Ms. Eva Ziemsen, Professor and Program Coordinator of the Film & Television Production Program at Humber College in Toronto, Canada, organized a seven days workshop on “Scriptwriting,” from May 18 - 26, 2011. This workshop was intended for professional and freelance scriptwriters, film makers, amateurs and any other individuals who are interested in becoming future scriptwriters.
World Press Freedom Day
The Department of Information and Media organized a photo competition and exhibition on the theme “PICTURE POWER- Every Picture Tells A Story” to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.
As part of the observation of the day, the Department also organized a talk on the “Responsibility of Media in a GNH Society” which is relevant to the Bhutanese needs and focused on a topic that would help the Bhutanese Media understand their role in the Bhutanese society. Sir Mark Tully, a knighted British Broadcaster and writer and a recipient of Padma Shri Award from the President of India for his work in writing and reporting on India for the world audience for over 25 years, was the key-note speaker.
|
