Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom), the media arm of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, conducted a training workshop on documentary scriptwriting and financial management for the staff of Casa de Produção Audiovisual (CPA), the Jesuit film production studio in Timor-Leste.
Executive Director Fr Emmanuel Alfonso SJ said that an integral part of JesCom Philippines’ responsibility as Secretariat for Social Communications of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) is to assist its affiliate organisations in the conference.
The five-day workshop, held from August 12 to 16 at Ateneo de Manila University, took CPA’s new producers, graphic illustrators and treasurer, headed by Scholastic Rui Nunes Muakandala SJ, through the ropes of documentary scriptwriting, financial management, Quickbooks and Adobe Premier operations.
JesCom Finance and Administrative Manager Jennifer Chua said that a step-by-step approach proved beneficial in helping the East Timorese staff improve their working knowledge of accounting and finance, especially the use of relevant software.
“I gave them an overview of financial management, its importance, understanding accounts, financial planning, financial monitoring and internal controls. I was able to share with them some of the best practices that they can apply to their organisation,” said Chua.
“It was important to show them one by one all the features and functions of Quickbooks and how they are applicable to their day-to-day operations,” she added.
Meanwhile, JesCom Creative Director Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin’s objective was to teach the participants scriptwriting techniques for documentaries, which the CPA staff could immediately put to use in writing and producing their own films during their Manila visit, and upon returning home.
“The staff were all very receptive. I could tell that they really wanted to learn and expand their knowledge in scriptwriting and production,” said Mangilog-Saltarin.
The opportunity to help in the development and growth of its partner organisations in the JesCom network in Asia Pacific reflects JesCom Philippines’ leadership and commitment to its ministry of media evangelisation.
“For the past few years JesCom Philippines has been at the forefront of training JCAP members,” shared Mangilog-Saltarin. “I think sharing our knowledge and best practices to other countries is indicative of how JesCom, as a Jesuit institution, is fulfilling its mandate and vision.”
By Anthony Perez, JesCom Philippines