Film Making - Enter the World of Glamour and Controversies!

A number of good institutions in the country impart training in various aspects of filmmaking. FTII (www.ftiiindia.org), Pune, and the Mass Communications Research Centre (MCRC), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, are premier institutes for film production and direction.

FTII provides technical training in the production of films, both theoretical and practical. These include three-year postgraduate diplomas in cinematography, direction and editing, for graduates. FTII also offers a two-year PG diploma course in acting, as well as certificate courses in feature film screenplay writing, film direction, video editing and audio and television engineering. Selection is through a written test of general knowledge and cinema-related information as well as a mental ability test. This is followed by an interview to gauge your general aptitude for a career in films. This is a highly competitive entrance test, so it is advisable to also apply to some other institutes, too.

MCRC offers a two-year MA programme in mass communication with different tracks such as 16mm film and radio production, video/television production and photography.

Other institutes include:

• Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, Kolkata, which provides training in direction, cinematography, editing and sound recording
• Film and Television Institute, Chennai
• St Xavier's College, Mumbai,
• Asian Film Academy, Noida and others which offer courses in film direction and screenplay writing.

Whistling Woods International at Film City, Mumbai, offers diploma courses in production, direction and acting designed to prepare students for film, television, or theatre work

However, before you jump into moviedom, it is important to know that intrinsic talent and hard work are essential in this field. You may have to struggle for quite some time and prove your worth before getting a good break. Only the very talented ones prosper and earn money and fame.

So, assess your chances for success. If direction or cinematography is your choice, you should have a passion for photography, an aesthetic sense, visualising abilities along with good communication skills. If you are also considering screenplay writing, you should be able to handle and understand people. Be prepared to toil, often shooting outdoors and travelling to various locations.

If you are talented, assertive and willing to work very hard, you can be assured of success in the profession and great financial rewards.

 

Author: Usha Albuquerque (HT Horizons)

Date: 2nd December, 2010

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