Trouble brews ahead for Ricky Lee and his upcoming scriptwriting workshop.
The National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts released an official statement on December 9 addressing online complaints surrounding the selection for his free workshop, a long-established program that Lee founded in 1982.
In his statement, Lee emphasized that he, the workshop’s selection committee, and the Film Academy of the Philippines, which supports this year’s program, focused on trying to accommodate as many applicants as possible. Although more than 200 applicants were deemed qualified, only 36 writers each were accepted into Batches 30 and 31 of the workshop.
“Nilinaw namin sa selection committee ang guidelines sa pamimili,” wrote Lee. “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 further explained that previous iterations of his workshop, such as its 15th batch, also saw a mix of experienced industry leaders and newcomers join the program.
“Usually sa workshops ko ay malaki ang naitutulong ng mga datihan sa mga baguhan,” wrote Lee. “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 also stressed that discussions have already begun about creating Batch 32, as well as the possibility of holding a whole-day session in a large venue, such as a cinema, where all applicants would be allowed to attend.
Who Deserves A Spot?
Lee’s statement comes in direct response to the ongoing discourse about the applicants accepted into the acclaimed writer’s upcoming workshop, many of whom seem to already be well-established figures in the local entertainment and media industry.
Although Lee’s statement affirms that several industry newcomers were welcomed into the program, multiple netizens have pointed out that these newcomers appear to be outnumbered by more seasoned participants. Actors Kylie Padilla, JC Santos, Jerom Canlas, Chai Fonacier, Phi Palmos, and more have all been announced as members of Batches 30 and 31 of the workshop. Documentary journalist and TV host Kara David has also been accepted into Batch 30.
Some within the industry defended Lee and the roster. Director Dwein Baltazar, a former workshop attendee and a member of this year’s selection committee, emphasized that Lee’s decades of experience running the program mean that his decisions should not be taken lightly.
“Ang dami nang nakinabang na filmmakers at non-filmmakers dito,” wrote Baltazar in a Facebook post. “Gamay na niya ang mixing of names, kasama yan sa magic ni [Lee]. Kaya may nababagong buhay dahil sa mga taong pinipili niyang pagtangpo-tagpuin sa library niya.”
Others, however, have argued that Lee’s choice to include multiple established figures in his workshops makes it difficult for newcomers to enter the industry.
“Sana maalala rin ng mga defender kung gaano kahirap pumaasok sa industriya kapag baguhan ka,” wrote Adam David, co-founder of the small press Better Living Through Xeroxography, in an Instagram post. “Malaking bahagi ng pagpasok sa professional level ng TV at film prod ay networking, kung sino ang kilala mo at kung saan mo sila nakilala. Mga may-kaya at mga anak-mayaman lang talaga ang nakakapag-umpisa nang DIY sa TV at film prod, at kahit ganun madalas nepo sila sa ibang media industry kaya may networking na rin na involved.”
