May 262014
 

The HKDI/LWL Graduates of OpenVideo are quickly making a name for themselves online and around the city

The popular film-making group OpenVideo is made up of Francis Tam, Forza Wong, Billy Keung, Woodeast Lui and Taurus Yeung, all graduates of the Film and Television Program here at HKDI/LWL. Since graduating in 2013, the former classmates have been hard at work establishing themselves as among the most exciting new voices in Hong Kong film-making.

With only four videos so far (a fifth is coming soon), OpenVideo have attracted hundreds of thousands of YouTube views. Furthermore, their channel has a base of loyal subscribers larger than most young graduates would think possible. Yet, they’ve achieved this success without compromising their creative integrity.

Waily and Janice finding out the secrets of OpenVideo’s success

 

OpenVideo’s short films, especially “Minibus” and “Come on James”, offer an honest look at the challenges facing young people in Hong Kong. They describe a world where pressure from outside forces, especially the pressure to be (or appear) successful, can damage and disfigure relationships. In “Minibus”, a young couple turn on each other as a result of the girl’s demanding and unwelcoming mother, who pounces on the young man’s lack of direction and means.

a scene from “Minibus”, where a friendly dinner becomes a painful interview

In the excellent short film “Come on James”, a couple — the girl a HKU student, the boy from IVE — try to navigate each others’ insecurities in a society that attaches such great importance to where you went to school. What is so remarkable about this piece is the filmmakers’ seeming maturity. They are confident enough to let things go unsaid, expertly using silence to create tension or communicate pain. They even end the film on an ambivalent note; we are not sure, in the final scenes, whether the main characters have really changed.

“Come On James” shows how societal pressures can strain and break a relationship

 

In the interview below, current BA students Janice and Waily conduct an entertaining and wide-ranging discussion with all five members of OpenVideo. The guys speak frankly about their struggles and successes, as well as how their time at HKDI/LWL prepared them for the “real world”.

They talk about their process for coming up with material. Most of their films are based on stories that have become well known on forums such as HK Golden. They reinterpret these stories and combine them into dramatic, melancholy vignettes which illustrate the deeper dilemmas of modern society on a smaller, more personal scale.

 

Finally, the members of OpenVideo share some advice for students who are looking follow in their footsteps, or for simply anyone just starting out with a dream but unsure how to move forward. As Francis says, it is of key importance that you just take action. Once you begin to take action, other ideas and opportunities will arise.  While you may have an ultimate goal in mind, you can never get there unless you start small and just “get the ball rolling”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With that in mind, OpenVideo continue to look forward to bigger and better things. They have their eyes on international competitions and, eventually, even a feature film. Nonetheless, they understand it will take a lot of work and patience. In the meantime, they are just enjoying the journey.

 

Listen to the full interview with OpenVideo below. Many thanks to all involved, especially Janice and Waily for all their hard work.

 

 

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Mar 312014
 

《明日之星》之皮草大師

 

第三期嘉賓:曾佳梁,畢業於HKDI時裝及形象設計學系,現就讀才晉高等教育學院。他對皮草設計情有獨鍾,他的設計作品創意獨特,屢獲大獎。

 

從DILWL到才晉高等教育學院,佳梁覺得雖然課業更加繁重,但是他對時裝設計的理解和掌握也更加深刻。

 

2013年佳梁最大的收貨,莫過於他在皮草大賽的成績。

他以左右不同袖形及不同形狀大小的漸變黑色水貂和青紫蘭組合而成的誇張設計,活現「抽象派拼貼畫」的主題,獲得「香港皮草設計比賽2013」全皮草組季軍,更晉身國際賽八強。

 

 

最近,佳梁每天都穿梭于製衣工廠和學校之間,爲了衝刺下一個時尚大獎而努力。加油!佳梁同學,你的時尚夢想正在不遠處向你招手。

 

主持人:楊祺珊  YEUNG Ki Shan 61360/3B FID
蔡妙婷  CAI Miaoting 61360/3B FID

 

 

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Mar 062014
 

 One Fashion Design student talks about the challenges of dealing with a war at home while studying abroad 

Veronika describes her classmates as very aware and supportive

Veronika Svyatko is currently studying Fashion Business at HKDI/LWL. Veronika is from Kiev, Ukraine, a city that has been the flashpoint for the dominant news story of 2014.

Sides clashed violently in Kiev in February

As has been shown on countless newspapers, magazines and screens since protests first began in late 2013, Kiev has been the central battleground between opposing political factions within Ukraine. As clashes between Government forces and “Euromaidan” protesters became more violent in early 2014, the crisis began to grow. What had begun as a stand-off mainly between Pro-Russian and Pro-European Union sides within Ukraine quickly developed into a site of global contention, forcing nations around the world to choose sides in a highly unpredictable and constantly evolving situation, where the stakes are potentially higher than they have been since the Cold War.

Former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych (right), shown here with Vladimir Putin, fled the country in February

Veronika, who has also studied in China and around Hong Kong, was kind enough to sit down with us and share her feelings about the turmoil back home, as well as the unique challenges of completing college on the other side of the world while parents and grandparents try to deal with life in such contested areas. Veronika’s immediate family is based in Kiev, while her grandparents are in the countryside of Crimea, a historically strategic peninsula which has just this week seen a huge influx of Russian troops, and is currently in a the midst of a tense deadlock.

 

The focus of the conflict has moved to Crimea, in the south

For those less familiar with the events in Ukraine, Veronika lays out a very detailed account in the middle section of this interview. For a quick primer, readers can also consult this timeline, published in The Independent just this week.

Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Europe

Some other interesting resources can be found here:

Vice made a short documentary from inside the Independence Square protests, Ukraine Burning, which gives a sense of the intense violence that gripped Kiev in February.

For the latest updates on the situation, you can follow the hashtag #UkraineConflict on twitter. As well, Reddit’s Live Thread is being constantly updated with articles from around the world.

 

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this interview is Veronika’s description of the support she has received from her classmates here at HKDI/LWL. In her words, they ask how she is doing every day. While the situation in Ukraine remains uncertain, and depends on powerful international forces, the concern shown by the school community here is a reminder that at the individual level, people tend to seek peace and show compassion. For that, the friends and classmates of Veronika should be proud.

For her part, Veronika  displays in this interview courage and maturity beyond her years. As the events in Ukraine affect her day-to-day life, and of course give cause for worry, Veronika is not looking for pity. It goes without saying that the words “It’s hard to stay calm” are the words of a composed, focused and thoughtful person. As she says at the end of this interview, all she is hoping for is a quick and civil resolution, and for peace on all sides.

 

The interview, recorded on March 5th, 2014, is below.

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Oct 232013
 

 

Lampros' latest adventure finds him sharing his experience at HKDI/LWL

Lampros Faslis (www.lamprosfaslis.com) has already had a lot of success in a variety of fields of art and design. He has experience in architecture, interior design, hair and make-up styling, art direction and more. He has directed advertisement campaigns, fashion films and editorials for many high-profile clients.

 

One of Lampros' more whimsical creations

He has collaborated with the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Nick Knight and Maria Piana. Furthermore, his work has appeared in some of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the world, including Vogue Italia, Elle, I-D, Volt and many other publications.

In this episode of Radio 708, Lampros sat down with three of our MIT students to talk about his journey in the world of fashion, challenges he has faced, and advice for aspiring artists, designers and otherwise creative types. He talks frankly about his experience so far in Hong Kong. He also recounts his early career and education in London, and the excitement of that city, but also his roots in Greece and his latest endeavours.

Our three MIT students, DJ, Florenzia and Ching,  conducted perhaps the most compelling and thorough interview we have ever featured on the Radio 708, conversing in depth with Lampros on a wide range of topics.

Many, many thanks to the student DJs for their hard work in preparing and for their professional and engaging interviewing abilities. Of course, we would also extend our sincere thanks to Lampros for allowing us to take advantage of his knowledge. Everyone present at the interview took inspiration from his uniquely creative  approach to life and work.

Since this interview is a little longer than usual, here is an approximate rundown of the topics covered, in order:

  • Introduction and current work at HKDI and elsewhere
  • Development as an artist and growing up in Greece
  • The differences between HK and Western style, focusing on HKDI students
  • The challenges of teaching in Hong Kong, and the successes of HKDI students
  • Thoughts on the creative process
  • Finding inspiration in Hong Kong and HKDI students
  • The importance of collaboration and “Communities of Practice”
  • The idea that students in Hong Kong may have less creative freedom and tend to work “in a vacuum”
  • What Lampros does for fun
  • Advice for young people who want to start a career in Design
  • One very important make-up tip

This was a very enjoyable episode to create, and everyone at Radio 708 would like to thank Lampros for being such a gracious and interesting interviewee. Best of luck in the future, Lampros!

The student DJs are:

Chan Chun Kit, DJ IT 114201 MIT
Cheuk Sherley Florenzia IT 114201 MIT
Yu Ka Ching IT114201 MIT

Please listen below:

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
May 022013
 

 

“Genuine poetry can communicate before it’s understood.” So said T.S. Eliot, the great Modernist poet, hinting towards how a line of poetry where “every word is at home” can become an immediate, sensual experience. However, Eliot, as one who inlaid his verses with dense allusions from obscure manuscripts and ancient texts, would no doubt also advise the student to continue on to a more complete understanding, knowing that great poetry, perhaps more than any other medium, will accommodate the readers that return, allowing them to dig deeper, and supplying rich new gifts with each consecutive encounter.

 

Jenny, from the Visual Communication and Branding program, has taken up this challenge in the latest installment of Radio 708. While not busy completing coursework, Jenny reads poetry. English poetry. As a student who is learning English as a second language, this can present a significant challenge, but it is one that she enjoys. Many lovers of poetry are drawn by its mysterious nature, wherein beautiful language contains multiple layers of meaning waiting to be discovered. Jenny, in the wonderful interview below, agrees. She tells PC Cherylanne and myself about how that heightened sense of mystery can be so intriguing.

 

W.B. Yeats: Nobel Prize winner and Ireland's most famous poet

She also does an excellent job of explaining a classic poem of William Butler Yeats. “No Second Troy” — which you can read below — is a conflicted lovesong to Yeats’ inspiration, Maud Gonne. It is short, but full of references to Helen of Troy and the Trojan War as well as turn-of-the-century Ireland, so we were lucky to have such a helpful guide to “unpack” the poem for us.

Maud Gonne: Powerful woman and Yeats' muse

 

We invite you to take a few minutes to listen to our conversation, and read along below.

No Second Troy, by W.B. Yeats

WHY should I blame her that she filled my days
With misery, or that she would of late
Have taught to ignorant men most violent ways,
Or hurled the little streets upon the great,
Had they but courage equal to desire?
What could have made her peaceful with a mind
That nobleness made simple as a fire,
With beauty like a tightened bow, a kind
That is not natural in an age like this,
Being high and solitary and most stern?
Why, what could she have done being what she is?
Was there another Troy for her to burn?

 

For anyone interested in learning more about Yeats, Yale University has put its entire Introduction to Modern Poetry course online. You can watch lectures on Yeats here, here, and here. (Or maybe just buy Jenny a coffee!)

 

Yim Hoi Ki, Jenny DE1141061B CDM

 

listen below.

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Mar 132013
 

明日之星》欄目是DILWL的學生用普通話採訪學校里有特殊才藝的同學。

第二期嘉賓: 洪興龍

曾參與的大型比賽和活動:

 

2011年香港魔術節全能魔術師大賽 冠軍

2010年全港青少年魔法師大賽     冠軍

2011年代表香港參加「中國雜技家協會金菊獎第五次金國魔術比賽」並獲得優秀節目獎

曾參加TVB 魔法擂台節目的參賽者

王昭儀 (CDM)

陳鐘鴻 (CDM)

洪興龍 (FID)

 

listen below!

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Feb 032013
 

 

Lin Lok Lok

Lin Lok Lok, the band who blew us away last year, came back to Radio 708 recently, better than ever. While last year they treated us to a sensitive rendition of a Coldplay favorite, this year they have come with an original song, titled “Kalea”, played by the full band.

They also talk about their post-graduation plans. All the members have enjoyed their time studying at HKDI/IVE(LWL), but they are also very excited to take their first steps as graduates. Hear them discuss their future plans, which range from traveling the world, to making it big in Hollywood, to eating lots of ice cream (???). To each their own!

And, of course, listen to their amazing song below. It is a bouncy, ska-inspired juggernaut with a couple of fiery guitar solos, catchy (English) lyrics and a foot-tapping, syncopated rhythm section.

As ever, Lin Lok Lok are:

Wong Cho Hang 61336/2A CDM
Chan Hiu Wai 61336/2A CDM
Wong Yuk Cheung 61336/2A CDM
Wong Ho Fung 61336/2A CDM
Suen Siu Man 61336/2A CDM
Fung Yui Chung 61336/2A CDM
Lin Ka Lok 61336/2A CDM
Tse Ka Wai 61336/2A CDM

 

Listen below!

 

The lyrics of “Kalea”, written by Samuel Fung, are:

Kalea

Song and lyric by: Samuel Fung

V1
The night I sat there with you
Like a friend we were just chatting
Generally I shouldn’t fall in that

Now you cross my mind each day
It’s like a wave of poison
Killing me your whisper in my ear
Per.c 1
Please shining star don’t go
leaving those pains and me
The days we’re dreaming of
Never never ever I won’t let go
C1.
Here’s the situation
The ways of letting go or not
But no matter what you choose
I can’t walk away

The fate is never turns red
It’ll bring us back as usual
As it certainly is
Kalea stay with me ever more
V2.
The night was getting late so
I let her wear my old coat
The first time she lay on my arm

I still remember your face
Slept in my shoulder quietly
Slowly whispered the three words in my heart
Pre.c2
Please shining star don’t go
leaving those pains and me
The days we’re dreaming of
Never never ever I won’t let go
C2.
Here’s the situation
The ways of letting go or not
But no matter what you choose
I can’t walk away

The fate it never turns red
It’ll bring us back as usual
As it certainly is
Kalea stay with me ever more
B.
Walking along
Shaking alone baby
I was a fool I can’t see that
the tears down your face
“Goodbye” that’s how you’ve spoken
Sorry my dear
Sorry my dear I know
You have been holding so long
Now let me come back
“hey bai” let me love you
C3
Here’s the situation
The ways of letting go or not
But no matter what you choose
I can’t walk away

The fate is never turns red
It’ll bring us back as usual
As it certainly is
Kalea stay with me and never let go
C4
The situation
The ways of letting go or not
But no matter what you choose
I can’t walk away

The fate it never turns red
It’ll bring us back as usual
As it certainly is
Kalea stay with me ever more

Many thanks again to Lin Lok Lok! Keep on rocking!

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Jan 222013
 

明日之星 1

《明日之星》欄目是DILWL的學生用普通話採訪學校里有特殊才藝的同學。

第一期嘉賓:區振南同學,DILWL銷售及市場學三年級的學生。從初中時期開始愛上武俠小說的他,夢想能成為一個武俠小說作家。他曾經在中學裡獲得中文徵文比賽冠亞軍兩個獎項。近年更開始寫古詩,五言七言都有,至今已達一百多首。

 

王昭儀 (CDM)

陳鐘鴻 (CDM)

區振南 (BA)

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Dec 042012
 

"Living Lounge" are making some noise on campus

In the second half of our Open Day 2012 coverage (part one can be found here), we continue to explore the many interesting projects, pursuits and promotions staged by students of HKDI/IVE(LWL). Saturday saw even more members of the public strolling around campus, and students from every department came together to make sure all our guests had a memorable day.

VAC students showing off their "wearable art"

In this episode we speak to some students making “wearable art”, others who are finding inspiration for functional furniture in found objects, fashion students making the world more beautiful one face at a time, and (of course) some who are following their musical muse.

Bobo overseeing the beautification of FID students

Living Lounge, whose Facebook page is here, blew away a small crowd with a catchy and very tight original composition. Later, Lydia Pau, who was featured in an earlier Radio 708 post, gave an intimate and uncommonly soulful performance of the classic ballad “Desperado“.

Lydia with a stunning rendition of The Eagles' "Desperado"

 

Caterpillar welcomed guests under the escalator

Caterpillar, also former Radio 708 contributors, played originals and covers to guests as they entered the campus, their sunny songs echoing all through the main boulevard.

PID students in front of their "organic furniture" models

Visitors making use of PID creations

 

All in all, Open Day 2012 was a huge success, providing more interesting sights and sounds than we could capture, despite our best efforts. It is a tribute to the hard work of all the students (and staff!) that contribute to making HKDI/IVE(LWL) such a vibrant and fun campus. We’re counting down the days until next year! It was, in addition,  also a reminder that we should all take advantage of the fact that so many interesting people in so many fields are working so closely together here, and always be discovering and rediscovering our own campus.

Listen below!

Many thanks to all the students involved. They are:

Fung Ming Tung PID
Lee Pui Yee PID
Tong Ka Man PID
Lam Wai Lok, Lok CDM
Leung Ka Wai, Sai Sai CDM
Cheng Yuk Yam, Bro CDM
So Wai Chun, Steven CDM
Lam Kiu Ting, Bobo FID
Cheng Wing Hei VAC/DFS
Chan Chi Yin VAC/DFS
Leung Yiu Wa VAC/DFS
Pau Chung Yan, Lydia CDM

 

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
Nov 262012
 

Behind the scenes before the PID fashion show

Open Day 2012 was a huge success here at HKDI/IVE(LWL), bringing in hundreds of family members, curious members of the public, prospective students and neighborhood residents. The two-day event allowed our uniquely eclectic and creative students to show off the fruits of their hard work. Strolling around campus on Friday and Saturday, you could be transported into deep space via MIT students, hear all types of great music (CDM students and others), learn three languages in a single day in the Language Centre’s CILL, and get a glimpse of the coming trends in eye-wear, jewellery and clothing (thanks to EMT, PID and FID students). Around every corner was a new surprise or a friendly and enthusiastic group of students. Part two can be found here.

 

EMT students Vicky, Nicole and Connie helping people keep their lenses clean

So, with that in mind, Radio 708 sought to discover as much as possible by poking into every corner time would allow, and getting the students involved to explain their various projects.

 

Sammy and other BA students raise money for a good cause

This, our first part in a two-part series, aims to let listeners relive the excitement of Open Day 2012. We hope you enjoy this record of the event and some of the students who made it so successful. Listen below!

 

MIT students outside their Planetarium

 

Ryan and Anthony educating people about Visual Merchandising

There was live music in English and Putonghua in the Centre for Independent Language Learning

Yellow and M.T. help the Chatteris PCs run language games in the C.I.L.L. (B708)

PCs Cherylanne, Matthew and Tony organized activities on Friday and Saturday

More music in the C.I.L.L. (B708)

School groups were a common sight on campus over the weekend

Students representing the new Visual Arts and Culture program

Ivan shows visitors the latest trends in eye-wear design

 

A Block: the block of rock

The students involved in the interviews below are:

Mak Lok Heng MIT
Lau Bou Yin MIT
Chau Tsz Chun, Anthony FID
Cheung Sing Wai, Ryan FID
Wong Mai Ting PID
Ho King Fung EMT
Leung Ka Pik DFS
Chuang Hiu Nam, Rebecca DFS
Cheung Sum Ming BA
Cheung Chun Sing, Ivan PID

 

Stay tuned for the second part of our Open Day coverage!

 

©  Radio 708, 2015
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