Ricky Lee defends screenwriting workshop picks; adds Batch 32 and more sessions

Of over 2,600 applicants, 200 of them are deemed “qualified.”

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee on Thursday, Dec. 9, addressed criticisms over his upcoming free screenwriting workshops—announcing expanded slots and additional iterations while emphasizing that the selection process was fair and inclusive.

In what he called his first and last statement about the issue, Lee said his team had already anticipated a large number of applicants even before the registration for Batch 30 and 31 began from Nov. 8 to 30. 

He coordinated with the Film Academy of the Philippines and “some friends coordinating the workshop” in a bid to accommodate more participants.

“Nilinaw namin sa selection committee ang guidelines sa pamimili,” he said. “Na pantay-pantay ang karapatan ng lahat, whether celebrity, datihan, o baguhan, na matanggap. Basta qualified, gustong makapagsulat, at angkop sa gagawing mix ng bawat batch.”

Lee noted that another part of the criteria was the applicant’s creativity in their written responses. (Applicants were required to write a short letter explaining why they want to join the workshop, as well as creatively introduce themselves using a happy or sad phase in their life.)

“Binuksan sa lahat ang application upang, bukod sa mga taga-industriya at mga kakilala na, ay makapagpasok ng mga baguhang nagsisimula pa lang mangarap,” he said.

Rookies and veterans altogether

Lee also pointed out that like Batch 15 and others, he combined participants with different levels of experience, such as those working in the film industry and otherwise, screenwriters or not, as well as artists and cinematographers.

“Usually sa workshops ko ay malaki ang naitutulong ng mga datihan sa mga baguhan,” he said. “Lahat ito, in the belief na mas inclusive ang ganitong sistema. Dahil sa karanasan ko ay hindi maganda ang homogenous o pare-parehong baguhan o pare-pareho ng pinanggalingan ang mga nasa batch.”

Lee noted that the selection process was lengthy and thorough. Of over 2,600 applicants, they chose about 200 “qualified” applicants.

“Maraming natanggap na taga-pelikula at marami ang hindi natanggap,” he said. “Marami ang kaibigan at anak ng kaibigan ang hindi rin natanggap. Sa huli, ang pinairal ay kung qualified ba, at angkop sa mix.”

“Sa naging final results, halos kalahati pa rin ng bawat batch ay mga baguhan,” he added.

Batch 32, day-long workshop, online session

Lee said that before announcing the results for Batch 30 and 31 last Dec. 7, they had already planned calls for Batch 32, whose participants will come from the 200 qualified applicants.

“Mas marami dito ang baguhan,” he said.

To reach those who still wouldn’t be accommodated, Lee announced conducting a day-long session in a large venue like a movie theater.

“[L]ahat ng nag-apply ay puwedeng dumalo,” he said, adding that they’ll also hold an online workshop for those outside Metro Manila.

Free workshops for four decades

The announcement of successful applicants for Batch 31 and 32 was met with criticisms, especially since some big names were part of the lineup.

They include actors Cristine Reyes, JC Santos, and Kylie Padilla; broadcast journalist Kara David; acclaimed author Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta; Filipino Screenwriters Guild founding member Noreen Capili; and composer Vincent de Jesus for Batch 31.

Batch 32, meanwhile, has actors Chai Fonacier, Rica Peralejo, Romnick Sarmienta, and Karylle.

Lee pointed out that he’s been doing his free workshops for four decades, and has proven that his “mixing” of film industry rookies and veterans has been successful.

“Sana ay nagtiwala ang lahat na alam ko ang ginagawa ko at na masusi ko itong laging pinag-aaralan bawat hakbang nito,” he said.

He told those who weren’t selected—and those who were disappointed with the results—that he understands how they feel.

“Alam ko kung paano makaramdam ng rejection dahil na-reject na rin ako nang maraming beses,” he said. “Kaya alam ko ang nararamdaman ng mga hindi natanggap. Kaya sinikap pa naming hanggat makakaya ay gumawa ng paraan para mag-accommodate ng as many as possible.”

Lee noted that since starting his free, personal workshops in 1982, most participants were newbies.

“Bilang pasasalamat ko na rin sa industriyang naging mabait sa akin all these years,” he said, “gusto kong namang mag-payback sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa mga active filmmakers na nag-apply at matagal ko na rin namang gustong makasama sa workshop.”

“Kaya marami sila sa dalawang batch na ito. Marami pa rin nga sa kanila ang hindi rin nakapasok dahil hindi angkop sa mix,” he added.

In any case, Lee assured the public that he’s open to dialog.

“Sa kabila ng lahat ng mga pangyayaring ito, gusto kong sabihing nakikinig ako, at natututo sa mga diskursong nagaganap,” he said, adding that his drive and enthusiasm to support young bloods hasn’t faded.

Though he’d rather spend time helping aspiring screenwriters, Lee noted that if necessary, he will engage in dialog.

“[I]n the end, iisa lang naman ang hangarin nating lahat,” he said, “ang makatulong sa iba at ang mapabuti ang ating industriya.”

Industry achievements

Ricky Lee has penned more than 180 screenplays, including the acclaimed films “Himala,” “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Karnal,” “José Rizal,” and “Anak.” 

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the Philippines’ most celebrated directors, including National Artists Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Ishmael Bernal.

Aside from screenwriting, Lee is also a prolific author. His works include the scriptwriting guide “Trip to Quiapo,” essay collection “Kulang na Silya at Iba pang Kuwentong Buhay,” and novels such as “Para kay B,” “Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata,” “Kalahating Bahaghari,” “Kabilang sa mga Nawawala,” and “Pinilakang Tabing.”

Lee has received over 70 awards from various organizations, including the Cinemanila International Film Festival, Gawad Urian, and the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for Television. He is also a recipient of prestigious honors such as the University of the Philippines Gawad Plaridel, Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines, Gawad Dangal ni Balagtas, and the Apolinario Mabini Achievement Award.

He was named National Artist in 2022.

 

 

Sana ay nagtiwala ang lahat na alam ko ang ginagawa ko.

Ricky Lee

 

 

READ: