The Philippines represent at Europe’s premiere training ground for producers
What exactly is the role of a producer? This question has often crossed my mind ever since I ventured into this role, embarking on a journey to support filmmakers in bringing their projects to fruition.
While commonly it’s assumed that a producer’s primary responsibility is to secure financing for the project, my experience in working on specific film projects has led me to understand that the role encompasses much more than just financial aspects.
It’s not solely about the money, especially if you are onboard a project from its early development. You’ll find yourself acting like a mom, nudging your director to finish his script or to stop messing with the characters, or to be more open to shooting in another country because it has better incentives.
I realized there’s so much more to producing than meets the eye.
So when I came across a call for an application for Eave Producers Workshop, I knew I had to apply.
It’s probably clear by now that I’m quite the nerd. I have a passion for learning new things. Unlike others who might find it challenging to start over, I view it as embarking on a new adventure. I relish the opportunity to learn and build from my current position.
Recently, someone commented on how remarkable it was for me to return to attending workshops despite my extensive experience from a six-year tenure as the head of our national film agency. But for me, that’s precisely why I am here.
Leveraging my experience as a film funder and commissioner, where I’ve supported filmmakers through policy creation and program development to further their careers, I’m keen to explore how I can effectively navigate my own path this time.
The EAVE Producers Workshop is recognized as a premier training ground in Europe, celebrated for cultivating some of the world’s most distinguished film producers. These individuals often go on to present their projects at the globe’s most prestigious film festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
The prestige associated with being part of EAVE is significant, a testament to its highly competitive selection process. Only those with a track record of international success are considered so you can imagine my joy when I found out that I was selected in the program.
This workshop presents a comprehensive training journey guided by top-notch industry professionals, including EAVE CEO Kristina Trapp and EAVE Head of Studies Lise LenseMoller of Magic Hour Films (DK).
Spanning across three residential workshops set in Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden, it offers an annual curriculum enhanced by online sessions, follow-ups, and, notably, the exhilarating three-week on-site intensive sessions. These sessions are meticulously designed to foster the development of fiction, documentary, and TV series projects across three countries.
Beyond the primary curriculum, the workshop affords participants a unique chance to breathe life into 28 selected documentary, feature film, and series projects. It also emphasizes career development, company structure refinement, and the honing of entrepreneurial skills throughout the year.
And true enough, as I spend my first days in EAVE here in Luxembourg — where we will spend one week of onsite and intense training from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — I can’t help but blurt to myself; the legend is true.
This experience does feel like participating in the Miss Universe of film producing with 56 participants from 36 countries all over the world. It’s an honor to represent not just myself but also Southeast Asia on this global stage as the lone participant from the region.
In the last two days, I have already gained knowledge from the world’s top film professionals and mentors, who have generously shared their experience in script development, script analysis, and pitching.
Our plenary sessions allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of film financing, distribution, and marketing, equipping us with the tools we need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.
However, the most rewarding aspect of the workshop for me was the connections made and friendships established with fellow producers. Collaborating with filmmakers from across the globe has proven to be incredibly enriching. We’re not merely exchanging ideas but forging bridges between continents, united by our shared passion for cinema.
As my immersion in the workshop sessions deepened, I stumbled upon a revelation that struck a chord, shedding light on the persistent question in my mind: What is a producer’s role?
It was articulated in a statement that resonated powerfully with me: “The role of the producer lies in creating coherence among the director’s vision, the narrative, and all other elements in a way that not only aligns with the film but elevates it to its highest potential.”
Coherence. It’s remarkable how this single term can organize a whirlwind of thoughts into clarity.
As I embark on the next chapter of my journey at the EAVE Producers Workshop, I am filled with anticipation for the laughter ahead, an eagerness to learn, and the promise of unforgettable moments.
More importantly, I step into this new phase with a deeper understanding of my role — to bring coherence to the act of creation. Here’s to crafting stories that resonate, to making films that not only narrate tales but also touch hearts, and to finding clarity amidst the chaos of creativity.