Multitasking involves performing tasks simultaneously, switching back and forth, or completing multiple tasks in quick succession. It is a challenging obligation that demands physical and mental strength, exceptional time management, and organized planning. Many individuals struggle to meet these requirements, but some perform with great enthusiasm, sometimes even exceeding their expectations.
In the world of visual arts, which demands long hours of brainstorming, research, planning, and execution, one artist stands out for his remarkable time management skills. Louie Ignacio, a TV and movie director, is an exceptional visual artist whose ability to manage his schedule is truly impressive. Despite his busy schedule, he manages to excel and produce outstanding results.
Ignacio started his career at seven when he took piano lessons and special art classes. His mother, a classical pianist, explains his notable piano-playing skills.
He was fascinated by the vibrant colors of HR Ocampo, a Filipino master who was a significant factor in his beginning as a visual artist. The huge HR Ocampo in the CCP main theater captivated and influenced him to emulate the master. Along the way, he met Juvenal Sanzo, a Spanish/Filipino, who inspired him to paint amazing landscapes.
After taking up an AB Mass Communication major in Broadcasting at Centro Escolar University in Mendiola, Ignacio worked at RS Video Film Production, where he started directing TV commercials. His first TV break was working with the “Superstar” National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor. She discovered him by letting him direct the last three episodes of “Superstar” on Channel 9.
A close friend, Agnes Caballa, Creative Consultant of ETV GMA TV Network, was instrumental for Ignacio to meet Wilma Galvante, the former head of TV5’s entertainment division and former GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for entertainment. Galvante hired Ignacio to direct many shows on channel 7, which includes ng “SOP,” “SIS,” “Mel and Joey,” and many popular teleserye like “I Love New York,” “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin,” “Umulan Man O Umaraw,” and more.
When music videos were all the rave, Ignacio handled the productions of the country’s music stars, including Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jaya, Lea Salonga, Ogie Alcasid, Jano Gibbs, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, and later on, Jolina Magdangal, Julie Ann San Jose, Alden Richards, just to a name a few.
Ignacio also made a mark indirecting films. His first big screen project was “Pangarap Kong Ibigin Ka,” of Regine Velasquez and Christopher de Leon, which was a blockbuster hit. He also explored independent film making, finding immense allure in the creative freedom it offers. Some of his works in this genre include “Asintado,” “Laut,” “Childhaus,” and “Papa Mascot.” Huling Ulan sa Tag-araw, Litrato Slay Zone, and much more. His accomplishments were underscored by accolades from international film festivals, which gave honor to the country.
Ignacio equates directing a film and painting on a canvas — both need proper preparation, inspiration, and dedication to achieve the utmost quality. Filmmaking requires focus, shaping a story, good visual scenes, and appropriately directing the actors to complete a perfect film, whereas painting demands proper composition, excellent color hues, and depth to achieve an astounding creation.
His work narrates a story; it captivates onlookers with the meticulous depiction of nature with his brushstrokes.
Indeed, the versatility of Ignacio is perfectly manifested in his countless blessings on films and canvases.
