'Reel Time' firsts in Philippine documentary production

Documentaries in the Philippines have come a long way and they keep on evolving.

  Reel Time, GMA News TV's number 1 station produced program, is raising the bar when it comes to creating quality local documentaries.   There are two things that always challenge documentary producers: storytelling and presentation.  Reel Time has found a way to use these two important elements to make its documentariescompelling  viewing, even without the presence of hosts and voice overs.   Reel Time collaborated with photojournalists to create the first photo-documentary in Philippine television: Burdado. Using almost 15,000 photos, Burdado  showed the stories and struggles of Filipinos in  tribal and prison communities through the tattoos  they chose to immortalize on their skin. Producing the first mockumentary in the country, Reel Time's Gusto Kong Sumikat exposed the brutal truth about celebrity wannabees. Gusto Kong Sumikat followed the character of Tala Halina who joined auditions, workshops and makeover sessions to fulfill  her dream of becoming a celebrity. Tala Halina represents numerous Filipinos who think that stardom is the only way out of poverty. The program is also one of the first TV shows in the country to offer documentaries in high definition or HD format. Video formats in high definition make the images clearer, sharper and more vibrant. This upgrade in technology enhances the viewing experience of the audience.   Reel Time takes local documentary filmmaking to a whole new level, having been shortlisted in the New York Festivals and other international competitions. Don't fail to watch other groundbreaking documentaries of Reel Time every Sunday night, at 8:45 pm on the country's number 1 news channel--GMA News TV Channel 11.