RCTV keen on airing amateur film projects

Cebu community channel, Real Cebu Television (RCTV) is opening its doors to amateur filmmakers, to help push the underdeveloped film industry in Cebu.

Along with RCTV's format diversification, which now includes full programming segments, the station has likewise announced that it is willing to accept even students' works in filmmaking, or documentary presentations of Mass Communications students, to be aired for free through RCTV.

"We are also open to other production outfits, as well as inviting filmmakers who does not have a venue yet, for them to develop their craft," said RCTV president and chief executive officer Micheal Solon in a press conference recently.

He said RCTV is ready to help the filmmaking industry in Cebu take off through providing a channel for the filmmakers to showcase their works.

"Being the first local cable channel in Cebu, RCTV pioneers the latest industry of the city. We have widened the opportunities and possibilities for Cebuanos who want to pursue a career in mass communication, broadcasting, and radio/television arts," Solon said.

The establishment of International Film Academy by Bigfoot in Cebu has encouraged local filmmaking enthusiasts to pursue a filmmaking career with the availability of professional film school in Cebu.

Solon said RCTV is offering their station as a venue for the industry to grow, and air their works and be viewed to Cebuano market, however, contributions must comply with the station's format and quality.

This Pages-owned RCTV is moving to becoming a real Cebuano community channel that will provide localized information, lifestyle, and entertainment programs.

We are making a new positioning as a community channel. Billboard advertising in television is already a thing in the past, we'd like to innovate and capture the effective way for advertising now, which is to hit two birds at a time, providing sensible informative and entertaining programs showcasing advertisers' products and services," said Solon.

In this move, Solon said the station is hoping that the good Cebuano filmmakers will be able to make a contribution to RCTV's new endeavor.

"As we fortify RCTV with new ideas and concepts, we are deliberately opening doors for even more innovative advertising alternatives. This will provide a new outlet for conventional as well as not-so-conventional products and services for advertising," Solon added.

The potential of the local film making industry in Cebu has not fully take off, as it is overpowered by the films made in Manila, and local viewers has not fully established appreciation towards Cebuano-made films.