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December 04:
Still and moving pictures.

Lots more Webbies pix are up at the HP photo gallery.

*Thanks for the heads up, Carl.

***
Speaking of pictures, just found out via Fuel Factor that lomos are available right here in Manila at the Photography Art Center.

Lomo? Wha--? [Go]

Been thinking of getting one since I saw them cute toycams at the ICP shop in New York two years ago. I got turned off lang when I realized that accessories and service centers supporting lomography in Manila could be scarce. Besides, I swore to bid processing centers goodbye since my dad already got me a digicam. Still, it's worth checking out now that they're within reach.

***
Also found this Peyups article, "Films in the Guise of a Homage", via Jessel.

IMHO, the problem with the local movie industry is that while there are young, talented writers and directors with fresh ideas, there are still the old-school producers to contend with. The sad fact is that they run the industry and usually have the last say.

We experienced this first-hand, believe me. (You can stop reading now, or...)

Arn was hired to do the storyboards/production design for a movie project that's since folded due to financial constraints. The very-nice-but-clueless elderly producer and her daughter kept insisting that they wanted something like {insert name of Hollywood blockbuster here}. Coming from a world where originality is valued, Arn and I cringed everytime they would refer to (foreign) movie after movie as visual pegs. Buti sana if the movies they liked were worthy of being imitated, hindi pa nga eh.

Their casting process was even worse. Actors were considered not because of their acting prowess, not because they were suited for the role, but because they were "hot" at the time.

Her: "Let's get Judy Ann and Piolo. Malakas sa masa."
Daughter: "Si Kristine and Jericho na lang, sikat sila ngayon."
Her: "Tama, tawagan mo nga si {talent manager}."

Yeah, and the roles required a "native" look about them, not to mention good singing voices, which the abovementioned four do not possess.