DEEPAL BAGS MAIDEN AWARD AT SIGNIS
SEASONED EDITOR DEEPAL SUJEEWA GUNARATNE WHO HAS SERVED AS TELEVISION EDITOR FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS, BAGGED HIS MAIDEN AWARD AS THE BEST TELE DRAMA EDITOR AT THE SIGNIS AWARDS CEREMONY RECENTLY.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF AN EDITOR?
The editor is the livewire in any creation. He should get the support of all stakeholders including the director especially. The edi- tor has a major role to play in the final product. Even in the absence of the director, the editor has to take proactive action in the interest of the creation. I hope to earn international recognition in editing.
THIS IS YOUR FIRST AWARD?
Yes, and I am delighted about it. I got the award for editing the ‘Sandagiri Pawwa’ tele drama which was telecast on Swarnavahini. It was directed by Saman Kumara Liyanage.
I had been nominated at several award ceremonies prior to this but this was the first time I bagged an award. It means a lot to me.
HOW DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN?
I acted during my schooldays and in 1985 I participated in Rupavahini tele dramas like Lokke Mama, Kanda Landa and Ambalame Pina. I also took part as a dubbing artiste and a hand puppet performer. I also acted in Neinage Suduwa.
I followed a video Diploma programme at NISCO and later worked under Dr. D. B. Nihalsingha.
WHEN DID YOU START EDITING?
I joined the EAP network in 1997 when Swarnavahini had not started. Later I joined Swarnavahini and I was involved in editing for the past 16 years.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF AN EDITOR?
The editor is the livewire in any creation. He should get the support of all stakeholders including the director especially. The editor has a major role to play in the final product.
Even in the absence of the director, the editor has to take proactive action in the interest of the creation. I hope to earn international recognition in editing.
YOUR FAMILY ?
My wife is Sagarika. My son is Indika Biman and daughter Nadeela Hasinika. I am grateful to the Maharagama Youth Services Council, the late Sisira Kumara, all my teachers, Ratnakumara Kariyawasam, Saman Kumara Liyanage and all who had worked with me.