Dreaming of ‘Hollywood in Asia’

All that he wanted was to become a priest. But he didn’t become one, instead, he studied Cinema at the New York University (NYU). Eventually, he taught Film at the NYU but was booted out from the school because he was spending more time shooting the film Mean Streets.

Martin Scorsese is considered a demi-god of Cinema. Some call him the "vicar." But whatever name he is called, he is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His works may not always be box-office hits, but almost always, they are praised by even the harshest critics.

Just look at some of his films – Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Taxi Driver, New York New York, Raging Bull, The Color of Money, The Last Temptation of Christ, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, Age of Innocence, Casino, Kundun, Gangs of New York, Aviator – all these are beautifully woven masterpieces of a genius.

As a director, Scorsese is "revered." Once at the Cannes Film Festival years back, director Roberto Benigni on seeing Scorsese, threw himself prostrate and kissed Scorsese’s shoes.

Cinema, according to Scorsese, is about what’s in the frame and what’s out. It does sound simple but it isn’t. It is this concept of simplicity that makes filmmaking so complex.

"Cinema is not just technology. It’s not impersonal. The ‘author’ is not an abstract corporation. It didn’t just drop from the sky. It isn’t off an assembly line, like you make a car. Film is not factory made, it’s a human creation," Scorsese declared when he accepted the John Huston Award for Artists Rights in February 1996. Scorsese is one of the most-outspoken filmmakers, openly talking about artists’ rights and has run afoul with some Hollywood bigwigs.

There is only one Scorsese as there is only one Kurosawa, Kubrick, Coppola, Milos Forman (of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), Spielberg, or Lucas. But young filmmakers can take the cue from the masters of generations past and present by studying their work with all the love and passion they can muster.

Young film artists who aspire to become filmmakers may not go abroad anymore to study film. In Cebu, a film school has been set up by Bigfoot Entertainment called The International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT). The school offers courses that combine theory and application under the direction of Hollywood filmmakers serving as faculty mentors. It has a hands-on approach to making films and videos using the latest equipment and technology. Courses are designed for aspiring filmmakers as well as professionals looking forward to advancing their skills.

The IAFT has internship programs that allow selected students to work on feature films and TV productions with Bigfoot Entertainment. It is an interactive learning institution with a curriculum that nurtures the next generation of filmmakers in the tradition of Hollywood and other film capitals of the world.

"We do not presume we are the best film school," says Michael Gleissner, chairman of Bigfoot Entertainment. "Our programs are similar to the top schools in the US but for a third of the cost." IAFT also boasts of state-of- the-art equipment, brand new facilities and sound stages. Michael considered the school site’s proximity to the Mactan International Airport and top resorts like the Cebu Hilton Resort and Spa.

Bigfoot Entertainment is the parent company of Bigfoot Productions, Bigfoot Productions Services, Bigfoot Partners and the International Academy of Film and Television.

Michael is a visionary who has made a fortune in the dotcom business. He is also an artist and is debuting as a film director with Irreversi (starring Mei Melanchon and Ian Bohen), of which he is also the writer and producer. With Bigfoot Entertainment, Michael was executive producer of The Curiosity of Chance (with Tad Hilgenbrink); East Broadway (with Margaret Cho); Shanghai Kiss (with Kelly Hu); 3 Needles (with Lucy Liu); The Dogwalker and Nautical Angels, a TV documentary. Bigfoot Entertainment has also acquired master franchise of Fashion TV in the Philippines and Singapore.

Bigfoot Entertainment is located at Saac 11 Road, Brgy. Mactan, Lapulapu City, Cebu or log on to www.bigfootentertainmentcom

So, why did you get into filmmaking? I asked Michael. "Because I love to tell stories," he quipped.