By Mr Jesuraja Joseph for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Academy, Nerul, organized an Ad-Filmmaking Workshop in collaboration with the Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), Paris, on 18 and 19 August 2023. The primary objective of this workshop was to acquaint students with the filmmaking equipment, software tools, and techniques utilized in the creation of high-quality ad films.

The workshop was inaugurated by Fr Barnabe D’Souza, who expressed gratitude towards the management and professors of DBIMA for their generosity and cooperation. He said, “This event is the highlight of the global reach of the Don Bosco network and the value of international collaboration.” The workshop was facilitated by experienced professors from DBIMA, renowned for their proficiency in various aspects of ad filmmaking: scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and post-production.

Fr John Paul, the CEO of DBIMA, provided an overview of the journey from conceptualisation to the final product in ad-filmmaking. Mr Payam Azadi delved into the fundamentals of scriptwriting, covering aspects such as narrative structure, dialogue composition, and effectively conveying emotions through words. Mr Nathan Taïeb elucidated the step-by-step process of film direction. The intricacies of cinematography and editing were explored by Ms Cécile Quiroz, while Ms Elizaveta Luzina provided insights into post-production techniques. Each professor patiently addressed the participants' queries, ensuring clarity before they were divided into three groups.

The participants were assigned the task of creating 30-second ad-films centred around the themes of sports, fashion, and food. Working under the guidance of their respective professors, the teams convened in different halls to commence their projects. After scripting sessions and a lunch break, the groups embarked on the shooting phase, benefiting from the availability of professional-grade cameras. Each team efficiently managed their schedules and successfully concluded the shooting by end of the day.

The following day commenced with a gathering at the AV Hall, where editing instructions were imparted to the students, covering essential editing techniques. Consequently, all groups accomplished the entire filmmaking process, including editing, sound mixing, and dubbing. The culmination of the workshop was the screening of the ad films in the AV Hall, evaluated by a jury of four members. Notably, the food-themed ad-film emerged as the winner.

Addressing the participants, Fr Akhil Abraham remarked that this seminar has transformed the impossible into reality: participants spanning ages 13 to 55, with varying technical backgrounds, collaboratively created ads from concept to execution. 

The participants were presented with certificates by the professors, marking the successful completion of the workshop. This event not only deepened their understanding of ad-filmmaking but also enriched their practical skills through immersive learning.