I think the production part of the class has been the most interesting topic for me. The globalization and consumption of telenovelas certainly made me reconsider my initial judgment of them, but the production aspect has changed my point of view even more. It shows all of the hard work and planning that goes into creating each chapter, and I am able to appreciate the creative aspects more fully now that I understand the tremendous pressure the writers, actors, and producers endure to meet industry demands. It's amazing how everything comes together in this environment.
I love Dr. A’s videos from observing production – it almost feels like we’re there with the crew.
I also thought it was interesting that the professor we mentioned in class denounced telenovelas. I get the same anti-novela vibe from my aunt and cousins, and my high school Spanish teacher also. Before this class I assumed their opinions were right – that every telenovela was a low quality, high drama form of entertainment for passive viewers. I am so glad to see that change in myself. Although some industry-driven novelas do still fit that category in my mind, I can recognize the exceptions and look forward to seeing the progression in quality as the genre expands.
I’ve started making a list of telenovelas I want to watch. I’m graduating in December and will just be working next spring – I know exactly what I’ll be doing in my free time! I feel like I mention this in every post, but I absolutely love this class. It isn’t exactly what I expected, in a good way, and it’s an opportunity that most people don’t even realize exists!
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First off, I completely agree! Telenovelas are definitely something I didn't see myself learning about in my college career but I'm so happy I did!
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to hear these different viewpoints from different Latin Americans. From the professor from that class to your family, it is obvious that many people do not enjoy telenovelas. Maybe these people feel they are "above the drama" or...something! I can't think of a reason to not be entertained. But of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
In regards to the industry-driven telenovelas, I do notice a difference between Padron's telenovelas and other ones I've seen flipping through channels. This only makes me beleive that there may be a telenovela out there for everyone. When I first entered this class, I had a very strong opinion on telenovelas because I saw the bad acting and silly drama on TV. I have learned that there is so much more to it. Telenovelas can send out really great messages and really effect their audience. I hope that the telenovela keeps getting bigger and better and can better appeal to a wider audience that will appreciate it!
The "invaluable insight" that we have gained from this class doesn't compare to any other class I have taken in college. I don't think it would be possible, nor nearly as entertaining, if we didn't have a teacher like Dr. A who has all the "insider info" from every stage of the telenovela production process. I found myself sitting in class in absolute awe of the photos, message boards, and video footage that was all taken first-hand by her. It's amazing that she has personal relationships with these celebrities! It's just so cool! There's not much more to say than that, but I would never have imagined that I would be so knowledgeable on telenovelas! I have to agree with you, Beth, when you said that you were a bit skeptical about telenovelas when the class first began. I thought they were just bad acting with sleezy characters, like I view most of the soap operas in the US. However, after all we have learned, I know there is a whole world behind a single episode of a novela. That is why I have chosen to write my final paper on the similarities and differences between telenovelas and soap operas. Who knows, maybe I will discover that there is more behind a soap opera as well?!
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