Change agents have history on their side

Quuite often in the arts and entertainment fields, proposed changes for the better are pooh-poohed as “impossible” to achieve, so reformists are advised to stop trying to improve the way things are, and how they operate.

Long experience has shown, however, that these timorous caveats are simply alibis to preserve the status quo, so reformists should take heart and forge on with the changes they have in mind for everyone’s betterment – because they have recent history on their side.

Take the way local movies have been made through the years: In the ’70s, many productions were rushed to meet a playdate that had already been set months before. Thus, some movies were slap-dash and kneejerk productions shot in only a few days, because they had to meet that inflexible playdate.

These days, however, some mainstream producers have greater leeway in scheduling the release of their movies, so productions are generally more painstaking and can no longer resort to the “puwede na yan” mentality and alibi.

Problems

Take “In the Name of Love,” which took many months to make as its creative team had to fix all sorts of problems, not just involving shooting schedule conflicts due to stars’ non-availability, and thus was able to come up with an outstanding film.

Another major change that nobody expected was the decline in popularity of the local action movie. Only a little more than a decade ago, our action superstars lorded it over the movie industry, asking for – and getting – the highest talent fees, with additional perks thrown in – like the star acting as the production’s line producer, who could decide on his co-stars and entire production team. He was spoiled, because action movies often ended up as the film year’s blockbusters and top grossers at the box office.

And yet, look at the situation now: The local action movie is practically dead and buried, with most macho leads already in retirement or trying to get by as TV comedians or character actors. What went wrong? Many action stars got too bratty and spoiled and asked for exorbitant talent fees – plus additional millions in extra perks.

So, when their movies started losing money, producers refused to pay for their excesses, and the Filipino action film, once so strong and resplendently dominant, bowed down to the even bigger and more high-tech action-fantasy-adventure blockbusters from Hollywood.

While we understand why the local action movie was stymied and slain in only a little over a decade, we still hope that a good Filipino action film will be made soon, perhaps as early as next year. Because, while it was at its peak and at its best, the Filipino action movie was great at exciting, inspiring and instilling good values in its viewers. Yes, with care and inspired handling, the Filipino action film can be revived—but, no more excessive demands and bratty attitude from its new superstars, please.

Finally, on TV, a major change has been the successful “cleaning up” of some noontime shows that used to shock and demean viewers with their siga hosts’ vulgar, sexist remarks and rude and inconsiderate treatment of guests and contestants, all in the sleazy name of “entertainment.”

After some hosts were (repeatedly) fined or suspended, they eventually got the message and are now much more careful (well, most of them, anyway) about what they say on TV.

So, the word’s out: Change for the better can be achieved, sometimes much more quickly than fervently hoped. Just stick to your guns and let the welfare of the majority of viewers be your guide – and the strength of your convictions will see you through!