Sunday, April 17, 2011

A New Voice



It’s been a while since I’ve written a post. There are many reasons for my absence, the most prominent being that I once again felt like I had lost my way for a moment. So many changes and events have collided, making the past month or so nothing short of one of the most dramatic in my life. Now I know what you’re thinking, but no, I’m sorry, I didn’t win the lottery, so stop with your cheeky smiles. But seriously, one car accident, a banking catastrophe and a ‘shoved in the deep end’ situation later, and I think I’m back on track. I’ve also managed to land and start a new job amidst all the aforementioned drama, and that’s what I’d really like to talk to you about. 

I’ve been utilising various social media platforms to elevate my online profile for a while now, and I owe a lot to the internet. In effect, it’s no surprise that my new gig finds me organising social and online content strategy, and within the film industry no less. Just because I’ve always been frank about my life, my expectations and desires with this blog’s audience, I say this; I feel blessed. The position this new role has put me in I believe can finally bridge the gap between where I was and where I intend to be, i.e. working an exciting, yet unfulfilling journalistic role and educating/consulting re the Arab world, through social/online content (preferably in the UK, if you’re listening Amnesty/BBC/anyone else, ever). 
This isn’t going to be a long post, but I just wanted to kick things off once again, yet with a new tone of conversation. My role will be to market to a majorly Arab audience. The material is widely international, with the main language of communication being English, of course. The ‘product’? Film. The goal? To act as advocates and the mouthpiece of local and regional filmmakers whilst engaging with an international audience. My strategy? To break down the barriers, the cliches, the stereotypes and the communication issues amassed over decades of media bias between this region and the world at large. Or, at the very least, I’m going to try.
What do you think? How does speaking and engaging one specific geographical/ethnic demographic differ from that of the other? How would YOU go about gaining an untrusting audience’s attention? Better yet, what about broaching an untapped social audience? Will film, as a language which is regarded equal to music in universality, be able to bring together an audience united in its passion for the big screen? 


3 comments:

  1. "My strategy? To break down the barriers, the cliches, the stereotypes and the communication issues amassed over decades of media bias between this region and the world at large."

    Tick, +1, RT, Like.

    Whatever the cool kids are saying these days, that's what I'm saying to that.

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  2. Thank you for your constant support Maz; I know you 'get' my stance :)

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  3. Ben Pendrey (Penders1)June 5, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    I would suggest choosing films that work with archetypal characters and scenarios, to introduce the Middle-East to the wider world. It's a direct line to the human experience, just from a different cultural context.

    If these universal characteristics are strong enough, the story should transcend cultural boundaries. I'm guessing you're aware of the Joseph Campbell universal myth concept, The Hero's Journey and all that?

    Perhaps go with that and pitch to distributors outside the ME to sell the film on the universal strengths of the story, not necessarily the region it came from. Hopefully, audiences will be attracted to the common values and conflicts they recognise in their own lives, rather than turning away from a film believing that because it comes from a markedly different culture, it will hold no relevance for them.

    What do you think, Fox? :)

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