'New' Start

I've been planning to do a documentary for over a year now, on Dalits in Tamil films. Until last May I just wanted to "finish the paper, present it, and get on with the production." I'm putting it in quotes because I've said it so many times since early 2008 or so. I did present the paper back in May 2009, but nothing has moved forward since then. Hopefully I'll get it done before the end of this year. It's been at the back of my mind so much that I don't need this blogpost to remind me. But at least now I have a written 'announcement' that will help me keep track of things.

Meanwhile, however, I'm planning to do a video series/podcast to snap out of the dry 'creative spell' I've been going through. The working title is 'How the World Works'. I know it sounds rather presumptuous. Nevertheless, as the title suggests, I'll probably talk about/interview people on the forces that are central to the 'human civilization' as it exists today -- historicism, means of production, consumption, art, identity, statehood, human rights etc. Needless to say, a lot of the discussions are likely to border on the perfunctory if not downright stupid. But it's probably a risk worth taking. Worst case...hmmm, I can think of many, but why mention 'em? The best case, on the other hand, is saving humanity from its utterly destructive path; rescuing our most cherished institutions from moral decay; enlightening the masses; and world peace is a possible outcome too (isn't my every action aimed at that?).

I have already sketched out some topics, their corresponding narrative structure, and some people who I'm going to interview (mostly over the phone, I think). So if anyone wants to contribute -- by doing the research for a topic, finding 'experts', or simply be on the other end of a brief conversation -- you're more than welcome. The format I have in mind is fairly rudimentary. One/two talking heads in front of a green screen (which will then be replaced by an 'appropriate' background), accompanied by slides/graphics/movie clips that are common in any televised ppt presentation (watch CSPAN, you'll know). It will be in colloquial Tamil. I don't, however, intend to thrust Tamil 'purity' in these videos. I'm doing it in Tamil because of two reasons: 1. there are much better videos/lecture series in English 2. there aren't many in Tamil (my observation in this podcast still remains largely applicable).

I have to thank CBC Radio and Radio Netherlands for reviving my interest in vid/podcasting. Hopefully I'll get things rolling in a week or two.

21 comments:

Rama Lekshman said...

All the best.

வெ.காளிமுத்து said...

after long time its good start,

happy pongal and happy tamil new year
V.KALIMUTHU

Sugmad Eshwar said...

All the best Suresh... looking forward to hear from u.

Anonymous said...

ALRIGHT MAN! AWESOME. can't wait

Sudhir said...

Hey, long time. If you're thinking someone from Chennai, you know, 'experts', I could probably help. Do let me know if there's anybody you have in mind.
Also, just asking you so I can get some clarity. Why'd these 'experts' want to talk to you though?

Suresh ET said...

Rama, Kalimuthu, Sugmad -- Thanks.

Hi Sudhir,

Thanks. I'm sure I could use your help. I'll let you know whenever I have someone in mind (who's probably within your reach).

As to why they would talk to me: well, I'm hoping they'd be interested in engaging with people from various corners, just like I am. Even people like Chomsky replies the 'average person's email and if his schedule permits, meet's them in person. So if I could present a clear enough agenda/set of questions, they're likely to respond. People who are too 'big' for this kind of thing may not oblige, and that's ok.

Gokul R said...

So .. Almost the whole of sunday today has been spent on listening to almost 10 of your previous podcasts ... I Identified with you very much on the "girl as a class-leader" thing ... wow !! That's really true and it has been the starting-point, indeed !!! And, regarding privacy and solitude, I belong to your side and me too staying alone in Bangalore ... Liked a lots of Political views, though couldn't agree with quite all of them ...

What do you do ? Actually ... I mean the profile states "Arts" ... What is it in specific ? ... Can I have your email ?

Anonymous said...

2 weeks

Suresh ET said...

Gokul -- Arts, as in sociology. Not the 'arts'. I should probably change that. My email: englishtamil @ gmail dot com

Anon -- I know, but to be safe, I said "I'll try." The delay is due to 'technical problems'. Maybe I'll start with a simple podcast or something.

Unknown said...

thats a good news. All the very best. Hope u hear u soon. I am in singapore now, let me know how i could help u.

chandana easwaramurthy said...

Nice to see you write after a long time.I would be willing to help,if only you would give me some direction on what is the bottom line and the top line.I agree you have mentioned it,however a more specific topic would give a better direction.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm... How the World works" ain't it a massive and complex topic to deal with? Its bit tricky as well to maintain the flow and logics... what you say...TWEETY

Anonymous said...

1 month

agnostic misanthrope said...

hello suresh,
came across your podcasts quite recently. enjoyed them immensely.probably liked them because i share your point of view on many matters. i may not have enjoyed them if i was a fan of gautham menon's movies(snicker,snicker). what makes your podcasts unique is the fact that they are in tamil and also that you are the only one rambling on. if there was another person in the podcast like those podcasts from ,the good atheist for example i would have felt that i was standing in a room with two people and that i was invisible. you must have probably made up your mind, and i don't want to barge in on your creative process, but try to keep it a monologue.

take care dude.

Anonymous said...

Hi Suresh,

I bumped into your site through a google search. I started with your podcast on MGR, Hogenakal etc. and I was completely impressed. After 3+ hours in your site listening to your other podcasts and reading articles, i cannot wait to hear/read your upcoming posts.

continue your good work. all the best.

Anonymous said...

no blogging no cooking!!...hey i have a request... please post one video on how to cut vegetables.. you are so damn good in doing so...humble request

Anonymous said...

.... in a month or two

InWantOfBeingMe said...

yes Suresh, how about some roast's ? of Vinnaithandi Varuvaya ? Ayirathil Oruvan etc...

My dad has become a big fan of you and after some 8 months he suddenly asked if you have put up any podcasts of any new movies :)

So looking forward to some new roasts !

Gokul R said...

Suresh,

This blog is prowling in "inactivity".
I keep checking if I have got some new posts, out here ... Break the "silence" and come up with a post ...

Mayuran said...

Here is a another subject I'd like to hear your progressive view on.
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=31416

Mayuran

Anonymous said...

2+ months

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