04 Jun 2020|Noida | Amity University, Noida
A character-based approach to story/screenplay development
![]()
A webinar on ‘A character-based approach to story/screenplay development’ was conducted by Mr. Sriram Chellapilla - Author and Faculty (Screenwriting) - Ramoji Academy of Film and Television (Hyderabad). The webinar explored conceptual tools to help character-based story development and put them in broad perspective and delve into discovering the heart of the story that is the character. Talking about the elements of a story described as a character who goes through a conflict of some kind; there is a plot where the character goes through various events related to the conflict that gets resolved either positively or negatively; there is change in character (arcs) as a result of the events in a story and this change is closely related to the theme of the story. He elaborated the elements of the story on the basis of the Dibakar Bannerjee film ‘Shanghai’. He stressed that it is important for the writer to develop and achieve character arc as a process of story/ screenplay development and evolves together with the plot through the story.
However, he further averred that the validity of the plot vs. character debate itself is suspect because in cinemas we only want to watch interesting characters involved in interesting events. Resolving the character-plot issue for writers, Mr. Chellapilla stated that a good solution is to break up the interplay of characters and plot into the function of three concepts including characterization; revelation of true character and character arc.
A lecture by Dr. Ajit Pathak, National President, Public Relations Society of India was delivered on ‘Public Relations through Effective Communication’. While addressing the virtual audience, Dr Ajit said that image plays pivotal role in building your perception and trust. The management of positive image is Public Relations that is a sustained, planned and deliberate communication, based on truth to project right image of the organization. “It is a decision making management practice tasked with building relationships and interests between organizations and their publics based on the delivery of information through trusted and ethical communication methods. It is two way communication. An idol PR is one who is effective writer, communicator, truthful, media expert, knowledgeable and social scientist,” said Dr. Pathak.
He also averred how PR accomplishes fostering the goodwill of public around and determining the organization posture in dealing with its publics. Public relations is different from advertising which is paid while PR is honest communication. Corporate communication provides support to achieve business mission and is public relations focused to support a business organization.
“Today's Business challenges are corona threat, global competition- big players making inroads, customers paradise, attraction for international brands, demand for quality, cost consideration, environmental pressure, creating favorable image etc.,” shared Dr. Pathak.
A lecture by Mr Jean Louis Cadart, Director Customs Brokerage & Trade Services, BD Asia was delivered on ‘Impact of COVID 19 on the logistics sector’. Mr Cadart advised students to invest time in developing their network, practice the small talk and ask for advice. “81% of buyers are more likely to engage with a strong, professional brand. 50% of buyers are less likely to engage if they aren't the right person to contact about a new product. Invest in your social currency and build and maintain a strong reputation. Some challenges due to Covid 19 are security of the workers (drivers, warehouse, operations); security during work from home; unpredictability of the situation; limited space (Air, ocean and rail); Price volatility (supply and demand); single sourcing; bypassing distribution centers and inventory and cash,” said Mr. Cadart. He suggested that action that can be taken against the challenges includes use of charter planes, premium options, mix of transportation modes and try new best practices and learn the e- commerce game quickly. He also suggested students interested in the segment to choose their partner wisely (except audit, trainings & certification).
A webinar on ‘Employment, Skills and Workforce Strategy for the Future’ was conducted by Mr. Nitin Kheterpal, Life Coach and India’s Only Networking Coach for Students. He shared that people were focusing on purchasing only essential items and post covid crowded places will be avoided. Work from home will become the new normal among other trends, shared Mr. Kheterpal. He also averred that there was a greater emphasis on hygiene than ever before because of covid and business normalcy will happen in the future. “Time spent on social media has also gone up with people being locked in their homes,” shared Mr. Kheterpal. He shared that sectors including travel, aviation, tourism, hospitality, retail segment, automobiles, entertainment and real estate should be avoided for the next 1.5 years in terms of looking for a job as they have been severely affected and impacted by Covid-19 outbreak and are facing huge cash crunch and lack of buyers and consumers.
Talking about the sectors to focus on, Mr. Kheterpal stated that the agriculture sector is likely to remain unaffected in the times to come. Apart from that e-commerce with heightened focus on delivering essentials; producers of sanitizers, masks and other pharmacy related products and Ed-tech space will provide more career development opportunities.