THE Nut Graph held its third Found in Conversation forum on 8 Aug 2010, titled Creativity and Innovation in Show Biz. Panelists Ahmad Izham Omar, Azmyl Yunor and Joanna Bessey, together with moderator Shanon Shah, reflected on mainstream vs indie artistes, censorship, and what artistes need to do to sustain themselves economically.
Moderator, singer-songwriter and former TNG columns and comments editor Shanon Shah asks 8TV executive director Ahmad Izham Omar: What are the challenges of being independent or mainstream in showbiz? And what does it mean to be independent or mainstream, anyway?
Singer-songwriter Azmyl Yunor on censorship of black metal artists and more: “Artists are easy targets for censorship. Lots of young kids in the audience – not strong culturally, politically or economically.”
Shanon to actor-director Joanna Bessey: What leads to censorship of theatre productions or films? Does it take just one person to complain for a production to be censored? Is it that arbitrary?
Shanon asks Ahmad Izham: Would social networking sites and YouTube threaten traditional networks that need TV audiences and CD sales? Izham to Shanon: “Oh, that’s just so 2005.”
Ahmad Izham on how the Malaysian show business industry keeps building protective walls when it feels threatened, instead of building wings so that everyone can fly.
Audience member Terry Netto asks panelists: If there was one line of attack to generate creativity and innovation in showbiz, what would that be? Ahmad Izham says primary schools; Azmyl says education; and Bessey says it would be to have control over her own work.
The Nut Graph editor Jacqueline Ann Surin asks panelists what creative ways can be used to sustain themselves economically while protecting their craft.
Found in Conversation is a series of conversations hosted by The Nut Graph with our media partner PopRadeeo and venue sponsor Leonardo’s Dining Room and Wine Loft. It aims to link personalities, ideas and people, and to provide opportunities for the public to engage with notable personalities and industry experts.
The next forum, to be held in late September at the same venue and time, will be on creativity and innovation in eco-friendly living.
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