Accompanying Hayko to Eurovision: Hrach Keshishian is on the second row left (behind Hayko)
Carlos Jose Bourdjian interviews Hrach Keshishian
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Azad-Hye special
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Usually when we watch a video clip, most of the attention goes to the artist and his/her appearance in the clip. If you are curious you will look for the music composer and the lyric?s author, which usually is displayed under the song title at the beginning and the end of the same clip. But very few will be interested to know about the director behind the clip, who made all this possible.
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There is a man whose name is more familiar than his image. If you watch the ?Top 10? program in the Armenian Public TV, you will certainly notice that 6 out of 10 video clips are directed by him. Besides directing, he has administrative duties in the TV channel.
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He was lately accompanying Hayko in his visit to Syria to promote the film ?Mi Vakhetsir? (Don?t be afraid), which is also his production.
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Let us focus this week on an important character, director and producer Hrach Keshishian in an Azad-Hye exclusive interview.
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The name Hrach Keshishian was not known to Diaspora Armenians until few years ago when the Armenian Public TV began to broadcast musical programs for three hours daily through the newly launched National Music Channel (which later became a separate channel called ?Nor Alik? – New Channel). What is Hrach Keshishian?s exact role as the executive director in this channel?
First of all thanks for this nice introduction you?ve made. I am the main producer of the Armenian Public Channel, which means I have several programs in which I am responsible from A to Z. Besides. I am involved in the launching of any new program, as this has to be under my supervision or at least I have to be there at the starting point, then the crew will continue running it. This is true for live broadcasting or for programs recorded for future display.
First of all thanks for this nice introduction you?ve made. I am the main producer of the Armenian Public Channel, which means I have several programs in which I am responsible from A to Z. Besides. I am involved in the launching of any new program, as this has to be under my supervision or at least I have to be there at the starting point, then the crew will continue running it. This is true for live broadcasting or for programs recorded for future display.
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Your name is associated with video clips. You have made very unique video clips in a way that now people can recognize your work immediately and can easily differentiate your work from others.? What are the conditions that Hrach Keshishian looks for in accepting to direct a video clip? Does the quality of the song matter to you or is it just a financial calculation and you are ready to offer your work to anyone with money in hand?
There are names that I work with them frequently. I do not face problems with those names, because I know exactly what they request and they trust in my taste. Of course there will be some changes about certain details which can make the clip better. So the process goes on smoothly. But when it is a new and unknown artist, I guess the quality of the song is an important factor, because when it is a good song then everything else goes well. Sometimes low quality songs with great video clips can make a boom hits at the charts, something which I dislike. But there are times when I am obliged to work on average quality songs.
There are names that I work with them frequently. I do not face problems with those names, because I know exactly what they request and they trust in my taste. Of course there will be some changes about certain details which can make the clip better. So the process goes on smoothly. But when it is a new and unknown artist, I guess the quality of the song is an important factor, because when it is a good song then everything else goes well. Sometimes low quality songs with great video clips can make a boom hits at the charts, something which I dislike. But there are times when I am obliged to work on average quality songs.
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Today it is very common the idea of co-operation among artists during the making of video clips. This is something that we see not only in the music world but also in the movies. Sometimes I get professional help from Hayko for his ideas about video clips, Shushan Bedrossian for her vocal experience and stylish taste. I like to work with these two names because the result of our work is very productive. We do this especially with youngsters to help them appear in the right and appropriate way. Such co-operations are done free of charge, because it?s not my goal to overburden the artist with extra charges.
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With Christine Pepelyan: best video clip for year 2005 |
The more expensive is not always the better clip. For example the clip of ?Mayrig? (mother) by Christine Pepelian does not appear to be too expensive. Nevertheless, it was chosen as the best clip of the year 2005, because the theme was very close to everybody?s heart: Mothers who leave their children in orphanages and the consequences. While on the other hand, one of your latest clips ?Erpek ches imana? (You never know) by Hasmig Garabedian which cost a lot of money (due to its advanced animation techniques), was approved by the audience and nominated for best clip of 2006, but couldn?t get the award. Please tell us a bit about the difficulties you faced during the making of this clip.
Hasmig?s clip took a lot of time till it was done. She was very patient with us, and she didn?t bother us with phone calls asking when it will be finished, because she knew from the beginning that this will be a new and unique experience of its kind. The scenario was easily written but difficult to materialize. People who worked in both graphic and animation designs suffered most, because they did not possess the experience needed for such an achievement. For them this was something new and they kept trying several times until we were satisfied with this very interesting and unique outcome. It is not important that the clip didn?t win a prize, the most important is we tried and succeeded in our intentions. Hasmig has an interesting character. I always try to experiment new things in shaping up her clips. This is why I prefer to work with her. There are always new adventures in store. Besides she always likes her video clips to be unique but simple as herself.
Hasmig?s clip took a lot of time till it was done. She was very patient with us, and she didn?t bother us with phone calls asking when it will be finished, because she knew from the beginning that this will be a new and unique experience of its kind. The scenario was easily written but difficult to materialize. People who worked in both graphic and animation designs suffered most, because they did not possess the experience needed for such an achievement. For them this was something new and they kept trying several times until we were satisfied with this very interesting and unique outcome. It is not important that the clip didn?t win a prize, the most important is we tried and succeeded in our intentions. Hasmig has an interesting character. I always try to experiment new things in shaping up her clips. This is why I prefer to work with her. There are always new adventures in store. Besides she always likes her video clips to be unique but simple as herself.
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In addition to video clips you direct special events too like concerts for different stars. Lately these kinds of concerts have become very common in Yerevan. In your opinion is it easy to maintain the professional level of such concerts when they are performed abroad?
I have directed two concerts for Hayko and another one for Shushan Bedrossian called ?Ser yev Shushanner? (Love and Lilies). There are a lot to coordinate and organize in such concerts, and both Hayko and Shushan are very flexible persons because they respect and accept my ideas. And as I said before it is very easy for us to work with each other. The professional level of same concerts in other countries depends on how professional people are over there. For example we never faced a problem in organizing concerts in the USA, because they have the capability to work as professionals and to afford the expenses as well, but in other countries we may face some issues like sound quality, lighting systems, etc. Regarding Hayko?s concert in Syria, I have to say that we didn?t have any problem, because people did their best to provide what we asked for beforehand and I really appreciate their work.
I have directed two concerts for Hayko and another one for Shushan Bedrossian called ?Ser yev Shushanner? (Love and Lilies). There are a lot to coordinate and organize in such concerts, and both Hayko and Shushan are very flexible persons because they respect and accept my ideas. And as I said before it is very easy for us to work with each other. The professional level of same concerts in other countries depends on how professional people are over there. For example we never faced a problem in organizing concerts in the USA, because they have the capability to work as professionals and to afford the expenses as well, but in other countries we may face some issues like sound quality, lighting systems, etc. Regarding Hayko?s concert in Syria, I have to say that we didn?t have any problem, because people did their best to provide what we asked for beforehand and I really appreciate their work.
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I have organized and directed the opening ceremony of the ?Voske Dziran? (Golden Apricot) Film Festival in year 2005 and all National Music Awards in Yerevan as well.
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Speaking about National Music Awards. The last one in December 2006 was not successful compared to the previous ones. Personally I was impressed with the good organization, the perfect quality of live performances and the variety on nominations the show included in 2005. Why this big differences between both years?
You are absolutely right. People were amazed with the 2005 show and disappointed with the last one. I can pronounce no special reasons here. I guess generally there was lack of professionalism. Not everyone did their job perfectly during that evening. We are thinking of many novelties and surprises for this year?s show, and I promise it will be more pleasant than the previous one.
You are absolutely right. People were amazed with the 2005 show and disappointed with the last one. I can pronounce no special reasons here. I guess generally there was lack of professionalism. Not everyone did their job perfectly during that evening. We are thinking of many novelties and surprises for this year?s show, and I promise it will be more pleasant than the previous one.
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And why such an event would last for more than three hours? I mean why does everybody have to perform at that night?
Usually such evenings last long. It is a great event for every nominated and non-nominated artist, because it is a sort of conclusion of their working experience during the whole year in one special night, and we cannot limit it in an hour and a half show. Both Grammy and Oscar Awards last between five to six hours. People in Yerevan are used to go to concerts for a maximum of two hours. I?ve heard lots of complaints regarding this issue. So we are trying somehow to make it shorter.
Usually such evenings last long. It is a great event for every nominated and non-nominated artist, because it is a sort of conclusion of their working experience during the whole year in one special night, and we cannot limit it in an hour and a half show. Both Grammy and Oscar Awards last between five to six hours. People in Yerevan are used to go to concerts for a maximum of two hours. I?ve heard lots of complaints regarding this issue. So we are trying somehow to make it shorter.
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'Mi Vakhetsir' (Don?t be afraid) movie poster |
You are working with Hayko for a long time and lately you are his producer. What makes Hayko very special than other artists?
Hayko is a very well educated musician and an ideal person to deal with. This is not a compliment, but he keeps amazing me with the way he works, especially when writing a new music. He is both very perfectionist and objective as well. So when he has something in his mind or a target he always manages to run after and reach for it at the end. He always wants the best for his music. This way of thinking makes co-operation between us very smooth and easy, that?s why I like working with him.
Hayko is a very well educated musician and an ideal person to deal with. This is not a compliment, but he keeps amazing me with the way he works, especially when writing a new music. He is both very perfectionist and objective as well. So when he has something in his mind or a target he always manages to run after and reach for it at the end. He always wants the best for his music. This way of thinking makes co-operation between us very smooth and easy, that?s why I like working with him.
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Armenia is participating in the Eurovision song contest since 2006. What other details does Hrach Keshishian involve in this project besides directing the video clip?
This is a very complicated project, and since it is presented and organized by the Armenian Public TV then I have to do my job as a producer. On the other hand it is very interesting because you get in touch with forty four different television broadcast companies like BBC, ZDF, France 1 and others, who have big experience in this field.?We are trying to take advantage of them and as a result we changed the way we work at the television building and made with the European standards. For example during the past years, the process of organizing and recording of any show was done very slowly and it took a lot of time to finish the project. But now, after some administrative changes and co-operation experience with such big companies, it became very easy, quick and most of all with high quality. In a word, I can say that Eurovision is a great experiment from which I learned and still learning a lot.
This is a very complicated project, and since it is presented and organized by the Armenian Public TV then I have to do my job as a producer. On the other hand it is very interesting because you get in touch with forty four different television broadcast companies like BBC, ZDF, France 1 and others, who have big experience in this field.?We are trying to take advantage of them and as a result we changed the way we work at the television building and made with the European standards. For example during the past years, the process of organizing and recording of any show was done very slowly and it took a lot of time to finish the project. But now, after some administrative changes and co-operation experience with such big companies, it became very easy, quick and most of all with high quality. In a word, I can say that Eurovision is a great experiment from which I learned and still learning a lot.
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Before ?Mi Vakhetsir? (Don?t be afraid), did you have any experience as a film producer, though video clips are somehow similar to movies if we quicker sequence of action? Please tell us briefly how this all began.
I can say that I hadn?t worked in movies before. The idea of producing a film by the Public TV was not new. In the past, there was a group of people in charge of making such projects, but for some reason they couldn?t achieve their goal and it was postponed until Alexander Haroutyunian, the head director of the Public TV, suggested an idea for the story, then a scenario was written based on that idea and gradually the project began to come true. I was acting as both organizer and producer, and Aram Shahbazian was the director. We chose the cast and began the shooting procedures. It took a lot of time and turned up to be more complicated than expected, because no one knew where this was leading to. We faced a lot of difficulties because it was something new for everybody in the crew, even to Hayko who wrote the movie soundtrack. Everybody worked as a team and for more than a year we forgot our families and concentrated on this project. There were hard days with bad weather especially during Karabagh shootings. I guess at the end we did something great and it is getting people?s attention and appreciation.
I can say that I hadn?t worked in movies before. The idea of producing a film by the Public TV was not new. In the past, there was a group of people in charge of making such projects, but for some reason they couldn?t achieve their goal and it was postponed until Alexander Haroutyunian, the head director of the Public TV, suggested an idea for the story, then a scenario was written based on that idea and gradually the project began to come true. I was acting as both organizer and producer, and Aram Shahbazian was the director. We chose the cast and began the shooting procedures. It took a lot of time and turned up to be more complicated than expected, because no one knew where this was leading to. We faced a lot of difficulties because it was something new for everybody in the crew, even to Hayko who wrote the movie soundtrack. Everybody worked as a team and for more than a year we forgot our families and concentrated on this project. There were hard days with bad weather especially during Karabagh shootings. I guess at the end we did something great and it is getting people?s attention and appreciation.
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During the interview: Carlos Jose Bourdjian (left) and Hrach Keshishian (right) |
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How much the film was familiar to Armenians in Aleppo especially that the Public Armenian TV broadcasted it in January 2007?
Lots of people watched it from television; they knew main characters Khoren Levonian, who was with me, and Lousine Tovmassian. They even expressed their opinions about it for which I?m very impressed, because it is nice to hear such comments from youngsters.
Lots of people watched it from television; they knew main characters Khoren Levonian, who was with me, and Lousine Tovmassian. They even expressed their opinions about it for which I?m very impressed, because it is nice to hear such comments from youngsters.
For me this film is a victory because we succeeded to introduce a group of young actors. In the past we had good actors; today we have both young and good singers and sportsmen, but no new generation actors. Khoren Levonian showed big acting abilities in this film and I am confident he will have a bright future, though I?m not sure what could be the future of the Armenian movie industry.
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What about your future plans?
Now we are promoting ?Mi Vakhetsir?. Recently it participated in ?Voske Dziran? (Golden Apricot) Film Festival but didn?t win any prize. There is a new film in the near future, produced and directed by me. Then I will start another project far from movies and television. This time it will be in theatre, where I will be producing a historical drama titled ?Ara Keghetsig and Shamiram? (Ara the Handsome and Shamiram) presented in a new way.
Now we are promoting ?Mi Vakhetsir?. Recently it participated in ?Voske Dziran? (Golden Apricot) Film Festival but didn?t win any prize. There is a new film in the near future, produced and directed by me. Then I will start another project far from movies and television. This time it will be in theatre, where I will be producing a historical drama titled ?Ara Keghetsig and Shamiram? (Ara the Handsome and Shamiram) presented in a new way.
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It seems that a lot of work is waiting you in the coming season. Thank you for this nice conversation and we wish you and your team all the best.
ABRIS,CARLITTO. GO ON… WE'RE WAITING..