The two-day seminar on 'Convergence Technology and its impact on media' concluded at St.Xavier's College, Mapusa yesterday. Several mediapersons and contemporary academics presented their views of the media's rapidly changing role. The Chief Guest for the day was Ireland based film-director, Dr.SavioSequeira. In the first session, a discussion on digital media and film-making moderated by Mr.Jonathan Josenhans, Dr.Sequeira presented a paper on The Impact of Digital Technology on Commercial and Independant Film Making. In his presentation, he compared the classic 35 mm film and the more modern digital film, stressing that ultimately what matters the most is what the audience perceives. He also outlined the technical differences between the two widely used film media.
He also analogized the transition of film media to the Vinyl-to-CD transition. Dr.Sequeira stressed that it is imperative that digital technology is employed as a means rather than the end. Mr.Samvarta, lecturer, MIC Manipal presented a paper on technology vs content, stressing that the language of cinema suggests how a film is perceived. Another MIC lecturer, Mr.Raviraj, presented a paper on gaming and virtual reality, concluding that it's becoming increasingly harder to differentiate between what is real and virtual. Following the discussion was an animation session, conducted by Mr.NachiketWagh and Mr.Guru Vaidya, both of the Aditya Group, Mumbai. While Mr.Wagh gave a presentation of 3D-animation, he also briefed students on the Indian scenario and outsourcing trends. Mr.Vaidya conducted a live Maya demonstration which was well received by students. A session on New Vistas in Broadcast technology was also held. The discussion was moderated by Ms.Clarinda Dias, lecturer, Dhempe's. KUNA Special Correspondent, Mr.Dipanjan Roy gave a brief overview of television. Ms.Sudha M.Philip, lecturer from WCC, Chennai gave a talk on the 'Breaking News effect in TV'. Voice of America's South Asia Bureau Chief, Mr.Steve Herman spoke to budding journalists on what it is to be a reporter today. He maintained that technology has changed media completely, thus blurring the lines between the different media. He also warned students that in today's world of break-neck competition, careers can be made or broken in a matter of seconds. Taking a different perspective, Mr.Herman also said that the internet was a godsend in nations without free speech, where you could inform the world of inside happenings. Gloria Khamkar, lecturer, Pune University, spoke about community radio. She asserted that alternative media is imperative in a world where not everyone has a right to express themselves. The last speaker for the day was Radio Indigo chief, Mr.Jeffrey Manual, who briefly traced the history of radio, providing a humorous insight into its changing stature. In response to a question, he also spoke about the avenues in the radio industry. Ms.Elaine Andrade briefed the audience on the St.Xavier's community radio, and its plans for the future. The seminar ended with the valedictory function in which Prof.Newman, Principal, St.Xavier's College, shared the dais with organizers, Ms.Amita Fjeld and Ms.Vailarose Fernandes. Prof.Newmanformally thanked the dignitaries, and provided a word of encouragement to the budding journalists present. Nikhil Pereira compered and Ms.ConchitaProence proposed the vote of thanks. Truth Liberates Nigel Britto
