Fix Crappy Philippine TV part 1: Lighting

I started helping out a subbing group for the show “Rounin” by ABS-CBN and realize the standard of Philippine television is very, very low (Note: I also saw “Lupin” by GMA). Yet, they dare call it “world class,” they should watch more television shows from around the world.

Philippine TV directors have low standard themselves and thus it is reflected by the show, by the shows actors, photography, sets, stunts, visual effects, and post production. Ultimately it is reflected by the studio to the public. This is unacceptable. The new generation of Filipino film makers are hard at work in making their names heard around the world, showcasing their talents and yet this is the standard Philippine TV.  Laughable and sad at best.

First of all let’s talk about the lighting of the set. It seems like the Philippines is trying to set their lighting as if it’s an American set.  Watch any Philippine TV, program compare it to other shows around the world. The problem here lies that most countries i.e. China, USA, Korea, Japan where we import TV shows from are relatively north of us. And the Philippines is nearer to the equator. How you light a scene will differ substantially. Another thing is that the tone of skin of Philippine actors is different, this also affects the lighting of the scene.

This also makes me wonder if they even adjust their NTSC reference television on their sets. Possibly they also shoot their stuff in video too, instead of film.

If you know anyone who works of Philippine TV, Rounin please let them read this and I would like to know their input.

The only positive thing I can say about "Rouin" right now are the music, intro in the 1st episode (thanks to the motion designers) and the website