Aspiring student writers from different universities gathered for a transformative scriptwriting workshop facilitated by popular veteran scriptwriter Suzette Doctolero held at the University of San Agustin last 10 May 2024.
Titled “Stories Unraveled: A Teleserye Writing Workshop”, the workshop, which was hosted by the USA AB Communication Program, provided students from the University of Antique, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University, USA Senior High School, San Jose Catholic School and USA AB Communication with a rare opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in the field of television scriptwriting.
Doctolero, a popular and award-winning veteran scriptwriter from GMA network, offered participants valuable insights into the art and craft of teleserye writing. Through a series of engaging sessions, attendees were guided through the process of creating compelling narratives for television dramas.
Specifically, Doctolero discussed the importance of crafting a concise and captivating logline or premise that encapsulates the essence of their story and provided feedback for loglines created during the workshop. She shared the fundamental elements of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, and thematic resonance. Furthermore, attendees gained practical tips and strategies for pitching their story ideas effectively, from capturing the attention of producers to conveying the unique selling points of their scripts.
In addition to the technical aspects of scriptwriting, the veteran scriptwriter shared personal experiences and insights gained from a long, illustrious career in the television industry. She reflected on her journey as a professional scriptwriter, offering valuable lessons learned, including navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Expressing a desire to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of storytellers, the veteran scriptwriter emphasized the significance of lifelong learning and continued growth, particularly in light of the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
“Everyone has a story,” said the veteran scriptwriter, but she emphasized that “Writing about a story is not about rules or technique, it is about a story well told.” She further challenged participants to learn more, broaden their horizons more and to keep writing.
The “Stories Unraveled” workshop concluded with participants feeling inspired and equipped with newfound knowledge and skills to pursue their creative aspirations in teleserye writing. By providing a platform for mentorship and learning, the workshop exemplified the university’s commitment to fostering talent and nurturing creativity in the region.
“Today, we unravel the joy and difficulty of writing, through the lens of someone who has personal account on the art,” Assistant Professor Gordon Guillergan, AB Comm faculty and media practitioner, said, in his welcome remarks, exhorting participants to learn from an esteemed writer in the media industry.
Dr. Geff Sagala, another AB Communication faculty, highlighted the “importance of our own story”. “Never underestimate the power of our stories,” he continued, encouraging the participants to write their own stories and to find their purpose.
Suzette Doctolero’s teleserye workshop was made possible through the efforts of the AB Communication program and Communication Officer Tricia Aguirre, another AB Comm faculty and media practitioner. The AB Communication Program is under the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education. The activity is part of the program’s three-day “Comm Days” event to celebrate media and communication.
For more information or media inquiries about the AB Communication program, please contact the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education of the University of San Agustin.
