Tala 2012

The participants become one group of allies, friends, and partners.

Behind the scenes they are now planning to work together, tell their stories, and help each other.We had a magnificent party on the last night of the workshops, dancing and singing together, walking the streets of Tel Aviv in a unique WHITE NIGHT in which we stayed together until midnight ushering our final day of the MC. It was an amazing night together, ALL of us. On the last day we enjoyed some Comedy and Documentary and  concluded our plans to continue working together. From the outside looking in, from the inside dancing away - we could sense the significance of this collaboration which ensures and empowers our cultrual and creative future.

Bernstein presented us his co-production with arte TV and detailed its various access point and films. His presentatopm on New Media was an eye- opener as he exposed the TALA MC group to the various projects and possibilities, among them the 18daysinEgypt.com project.  "You will have to consider content for the  new media platforms, "he said while concluding, "or you will all be out of jobs in ten years, my friends!" he said.

Yahalom presented his television series as the expression of his voice which he found as a result of some confusing and hurtful events in his life.  He was interested in writing about 30 years old people who live in Israel and feel there may be a price for living here.  His advice to the group of participants was to pitch ideas with true passion and belief in oneself.

Noa Rotman urged the group to find their voice courageously within themselves.  Noa, the grandchild of Israel's assassinated Prime Minister Yitchak Rabin, needed, she said, to merge her private voice with her public image.  She had to create oblivious to public comments.

David Knoller found his voice only recently, in the last few years, after many years in the Industry. He is still mining hidden parts in himself to know himself better.

The three of them listened to the group pitching and presenting their creative work, and gave them their input as to how to develop and promote their work, and how to make the world listen to what they want to say.

Knoller's first session focused on his various experiences on his way to his profession, "Jack of All Trades, Master of None", may actually become an asset as one makes his way to becoming a producer.  He unfolded his eye-opening journey in the film, theatre and television industry. From getting coffee to vetting, until getting the chance one works for along the years.

David suggested three tips for the preparing yourself for that right moment of opportunity as a producer:  first trust your instincts, learn to suggest and comment with humility, and lastly help your vocabulary by writing scripts yourself if only to know what the writer experiences as he creates and structures the material.

In the second session, Knoller addressed mainly the physical and creative aspects of his work. In addition to stories behind the scenes, the group got a better idea of the difficulties and complexity of the decisions taken on set in the television industry, and the budget components of the series. Knoller related the casting issues, working with the actors and getting friendly as well as solving personal problems.

Danny Sussman, Co-chair of the 14th Annual MC and a talent manager, presented his passionate outlook on the opportunities for true connections of the 2012 Group which has he indicated "will never be together in any other form or group as today!" His call to "seize the moment" and work together was most effective as he said to the group over the first Shabat Dinner, "When opportunity knocks, be ready to go through the door!". Sussman asked for examples of moments of inspiration, such as people you love, books you read, thoughts in your head. The group participated with personal moments when Sussman said "I deal everyday with abilities, skills, vulnerabilities of the people I work with, whatever you sell, at the end you have to sell yourself!"

 Sussan was applauded when he instructed the participants to "speak with the voice God gave you!" (and be heard!), and to introduce one's name whenever possible.

 "As for me" he said in conclusion," I am inspired by the group of people who sit around this table", these people who chose to work in the entertainment world, who seek to make a difference in the entertainment world, have a vision, an opinion, love, passion, and inspiration. They need to understand that they belong to "something that's bigger than themselves" Sussman said, "and go forth with their noble choice."