September 6, 2010

India Builds Asia's Largest Film School


Film City, a state-government run enterprise, stretching out on 400 acres is known as Mumbai’s green lung. During the monsoon months, thickets and trees turn into a deep green and grass sprouts wildly all around. Whistling Woods International (WWI), a 20 acre film school (billed as Asia’s largest) , is set amidst this sylvan terrain. It regards itself as the third real film and media studies centre after the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata.

WWI is a recent creation. Established in 2006 by one of the best known producer-director-screenwriters in the industry, Subhash Ghai, it is a complete film school, offering a two-year course not just in film, television and media arts but in broadcasting and media management as well. It covers direction, production, screenwriting, editing, cinematography and sound recording and design. There’s an MBA in Media and Entertainment as well, a part-time screenwriting course, a school of animation and an actor’s studio.


At first glance, the fee of USD35,000 (including boarding and lodging) may seem prohibitive, but the management claims this is just a fourth of global standards, and hence much more affordable than universities abroad. Nevertheless, the revenue from the film school is the largest in Asia.

For a new arrival on the scene, WWI is already bouncing with ambition and a sense of purpose. Its goal is to blossom into a ‘world-class media and entertainment facility.’ Only into its fourth year, it is already a member of the select Global Association of Film Schools, and is leveraging itself internationally. Plans are on to open campuses in other countries (“the search is for virgin markets”), beginning shortly with Spain (where an agreement has been signed) and moving on over three years to Hyderabad (land acquired), Kolkata, Dubai/Abu Dhabi, London, South Africa and/or Mauritius and Mexico and Bermuda.

A group of seven foreign delegates – all of them authors, scholars and writers on cinema – who had attended the International Conference on the Culture and Politics of Asian Cinema organised by NETPAC in New Delhi (18-22 August 2010) as guests of PD, MEA, visited WWI to see for themselves what the Institute had to offer.

The school’s 400-odd students (of all ages, some as young as 17 and others as old as 45) come from diverse educational backgrounds, but the Institute prefers graduates for all courses except acting. They follow a common foundation programme – including theory – for the first eight months, then branch out into specialised courses over the next eighteen. The broad-based curriculum covers film appreciation, history of cinema, music, international art, literature and culture as well as production design.

The stress, though, is overwhelmingly on the practical side of filmmaking. Each student is heavily engaged in production work, and by the end of two years, he has worked hands-on in six films, moving from simple handy cams to upper end high definition cameras. All the films are funded by the Institute.

“Our video lab has facilities for basic editing,” says Chaitanya Chinchlikar, Business Head of Mukta Arts, Subhash Ghai’s production house (the company has produced over 30 films in as many years – Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khalnayak, Taal, Yaadein, Iqbal, Joggers’ Park, to name a few). “Our students make three films in eight months. The work breaks their pretensions that filmmaking is somehow ‘cool’.”

The state-of-the-art facilities and technical resources include 25 acoustically panelled classrooms with speakers, screens and a projector, private screening rooms, internet café, gym, conference rooms with plasma screens, a multi-purpose sound suite, digital audio set-up and music recording studios.

We watched the shooting of Paschim Express- With Love (a new Mukta Arts film due for release in March next year) in the company of Subhash Ghai who proudly informed us that the film’s cast and crew were all WWI alumni. “We ask them to be clear about their objective,” he said. “Is this going to be a mainstream film or is it not?”

In the course of a lively interaction with Ghai, spoke of why he had set up his school. “There are many film families in India but I did not have any connections when I was growing up. While there a good deal of instinctive talent here, the opportunities to discover it, to learn, un-learn and relearn things are few. Earlier filmmakers created studios for their children but provided no knowledge, experience or money for others.” Ghai raised funds from the market and spent two years with his team researching on how to run a school, and how to adapt the curricula he studied in India and abroad to local needs. “We had to include Indian culture and heritage because we must tell our stories to the world,” he said.

His way to ensure the best for his Institute was to rope in good teachers and pay them well. He would like students to develop their own passions and force nothing on themselves. “We don’t teach them so much as interact with them. Films, after all, reflect society. It’s a question of demand and supply. When a country develops, its cinema changes.” The presence of international students (15% of the student body; half of the rest are NRIs), Ghai believes, is cultural communication at its best. “Our courses give the foreign student scope to explore Asia and its stories, it is new human experience.”

WWI has brought together some of the best minds from the entertainment industry to form its faculty, Academic Advisory Board and Governing council. While the Governing Council boasts names such as (among others) Anand Mahindra and Kiran Karnik, the AAB is a who’s who list in cinema: Shyam Benegal (Chairman), Dilip Kumar, Shabani Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Hema Malini, Nagesh Kukunoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Shahrukh Khan, A R Rehman, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Om Puri, Karan Johar and many others. The faculty itself comes with a ten to fifteen year experience, and combines teaching with the real world of production, alternating between the classroom and film set. And a large guest faculty is brought in to enrich the content. This includes celebrated names in the world of film: Danny Boyle (UK), Claude Lelouch (France), Theo Angelopoulous (Greece), Dan Wolman (Israel), Guillermo Navarro (Mexico) and Tom Abrams USA).

Latika Padgaonkar



Observations from some of the delegates who visited Whistling Woods:

"At Whistling Woods we got a glimpse of the future of Indian cinema where students from around the world learned the techniques behind putting their dreams onto celluloid. I look forward to reporting at greater length on these two very different dream factories."

-Patrick Frater (Hong Kong): operates F Media, a consulting and co-production advisory business which works with producers, festivals and financiers. Co-founder of Film Business Asia (www.filmbiz.asia), a next-generation film trade publication. Formerly Asia editor at Variety and international editor at Screen Int.
“This is a part of India’s efforts for a globalised impact.”

-Ed Lejano (Philippines): freelance film journalist, filmmaker, and currently Director of the University of the Philippines Film Institute. Former Programme Director of the International Academy of Film & Television (IAFT/Bigfoot Entertainment) in Cebu.

“I was impressed by Mr Ghai’s participation in the film shooting, and by his story: how he found the professionals and the staff; how he handed it all over to another generation; and how he yet works with the young.”

-Gulnara Abikeyeva (Kazakhstan): well-known film historian, critic, editor, author and Professor at the Kazakh State Institute of Cinema and Theatre, and Artistic Director, International Eurasia Film Festival.
“For the further growth and development of Indian film industry, Whistling Woods is a well-planned project to take it to a higher level.”

- Gonul Donmez-Colin (Turkey): well-known critic, editor, author, independent researcher and specialist in the cinemas of Turkey, the Middle East and Central Asia.
“An ambitious effort to educate young India’s media professionals.”

-Mark Schilling (Japan): author and film critic; has been living in Japan since 1975 and writing on Japanese cinema since 1989 for many publications. He is the senior film reviewer for The Japan Times and Japan correspondent for Variety.

33 comments:

  1. Sir,I'd like to know that with the Indian Film industry having a history of song and Dance,why is there no Faculty of MUSIC.?where a student learns the nuances of Music to incorporate it in their Films....
    regards
    Dr Charles Norona
    theguitarsociety@gmail.com
    theguitarsociety.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi
    There are various Film institutes in India, where you can get degree with campus placement. Millions of students come to India for study.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The career advisor or counsellor can help you identify the steps needed to reach important goals along the way as you explore new options or make changes in the career you already have. This can be a major benefit for you if you struggle with reaching goals or making changes, as you will be accountable not only to yourself, but to another person.If you want more visit http://www.meracareerguide.com/
    career test

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for share this is such a very nice post I really like it your blog.

    International residential schools in India

    ReplyDelete
  5. Instant Career Answers- Live call from career experts
    www.careerguide.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. ZIMA's new course in Film Making is designed to give a Film/TV aspirant an extensive training in Film Making, spread over 12 months.The lectures are structured around classic and contemporary films. This course covers the examination of current storytelling trends, terminology, and workflow, and includes the practical application of latest and emerging technologies. Thank you for share this is such a very nice post I really like it your blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello!

    Do you seek funds to pay off credits and debts? Do you find yourself in a bit of trouble with unpaid bills and don’t know which way to go or where to turn? What about finding a reputable Debt Consolidation firm that can assist you in reducing monthly installment so that you will have affordable repayment options as well as room to breathe when it comes to the end of the month and bills need to get paid? Navaro Loan Company is the answer. Email (Navaroloancompany@yahoo.com)

    We offer the following types of loans

    *Debt Consolidation Loans
    *Business Loans
    *Personal Loans
    *Home Loans
    *Car Finance
    *Commercial Loans
    *Investments Loans
    *E.T.C

    Note: we do not ask for upfront fees, We give you loan with a low interest rate of 2% and loan duration of 1 to 40 years to pay back the loan (secure and unsecure). Do not keep your financial problems to yourself in order for you not to be debt master or financial stress up, which is why you must contact us quickly for a solution to your financial problems. It will be a great joy to us when you are financially stable. Email {Navaroloancompany@yahoo.com}


    Note: We do not ask for upfront fees ones you qualify you get your loan.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MRS. IRENE QUERY FINANCE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET A LOAN {mrsirenequery@gmail.com}

    God bless you Mum, I will not stop telling the world about your kindness in my life, I am a single mum with kids to look after. My name is Mrs.Rachel Alex, and I am from Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL . A couple of weeks ago My friend visited me and along our discussion she told me about MRS.IRENE QUERY FINANCE, that they can help me out of my financial situation, I never believed cause I have spend so much money on different loan lenders who did nothing other than running away with my money. I have been in a financial mess for the pass 7 months now,She advised I give it a try so I mailed her and explain all about my financial situation to her, she therefore took me through the loan process and gave me a loan of $180,000.00 at a very low interest rate of 3% and today I am a proud business owner and can now take good care of my kids, If you must contact any firm to get any amount of loan you need with a low interest rate of 3% and better repayment schedule, please contact MRS.IRENE QUERY FINANCE via email{mrsirenequery@gmail.com}

    ReplyDelete
  9. Do you need a quick long or short term loan with a relatively low interest rate as low as 3%? We offer New year loan, business loan, personal loan, home loan, auto loan,student loan, debt consolidation loan e.t.c. no matter your score, If yes contact us via Email: PurvaSharegistry@gmail.com Fill The Loan Application Form Below Name............ Amount Needed........ Duration.......... Country............ Monthly income....... Age............. Phone Number........ Sex ................. Email................Business Plan/Use Of Your Loan:....... Apply now on this email :PurvaSharegistry@gmail.com Warm Regards Dr Purva Sharegistry

    ReplyDelete
  10. Career counselling services help you choose the right stream basis your inherent potential it will help you select the right course and college and keep you up-to-date about entrance exams and admission deadlines.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey there nice information
    Check details on
    best acting school in Delhi
    http://www.gkftii.com/program/acting-news-reading-tv-anchoring

    ReplyDelete
  12. $$$ GENUINE LOAN WITH 3% INTEREST RATE APPLY NOW$$$
    Do you need finance to start up your own business or expand your business, Do you need funds to pay off your debt? We give out loan to interested individuals and company's who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us.
    Email:arabcreditefirm@gmail.com
    LOAN APPLICATION DETAILS.
    First Name:
    Last Name:
    Date Of Birth:
    Address:
    Sex:
    Phone No:
    City:
    Zip Code:
    State:
    Country:
    Nationality:
    Occupation:
    Monthly Income:
    Loan Amount:
    Loan Duration:
    Purpose of the loan:
    Email:arabcreditefirm@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi There!
    Nice Content!
    Visit here for more -
    Film making courses in Gurgaon
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the post would like to know more on Student Loan Refinancing

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amazing article!it was really good to read this article
    Classboat provides you best NATA Coaching Classes in Mumbai
    NATA Coaching Classes in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  17. Want to make your career in vfx. Classboat provides you best vfx institute in Pune
    Top Vfx Institute in Pune

    ReplyDelete
  18. GOOD DAY AND WELCOME TO STANDARD ONLINE FINANCE LTD
    Do you need 100% Finance? I can fix your financial needs with a lower back problem of 3% interest rate. Whatever your circumstances, self employed, retired, have a poor credit rating, we could help. flexible repayment, Contact us at: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com

    Apply now for all types of loans and get money urgently!
    * The interest rate is 3%
    * Choose between 1 and 30 years of repayment.
    * Choose between monthly and annual repayment plan.
    * Terms and conditions of the flexibility of loans.

    Regards,
    Mr. Abdul Muqse

    ReplyDelete
  19. Welcome To Online Shopping Lucky Winner, ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION, If you are an individual legal resident India and are 18 or older at the time of entry, you are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes. Our employees, their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren), and our affiliates, advisors or advertising/promotion agencies (and their immediate family members) are not eligible to enter the Sweepstakes.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Welcome To Online Shopping Lucky Winner, ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION, If you are an individual legal resident India and are 18 or older at the time of entry, you are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes. Our employees, their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren), and our affiliates, advisors or advertising/promotion agencies (and their immediate family members) are not eligible to enter the Sweepstakes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Its great to know about this blog, Appreciate your efforts with such a valuable information provided. Could you help me to find out details about Education Loan For Abroad Studies.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Christian College Bangalore, founded in the year 2000, is run under the aegis of ‘Sri Rajaram Mohan Roy Educational Trust’ by the congregation of experts in diverse fields to advocate a gallant root for providing eminent education. The beginning of different educational programs under the Christian Group was with the sole aim of offering quality education to youth of all sections of society. Today, we offer various courses affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Mysore University, Bangalore University and Bharathiar University.
    BSc Cardiac Care Technology Colleges In Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  23. A career counselling drives one to explore the current strengths and transform them into successful occupational opportunities.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you for providing an information career counseling article. Its online career counseling part-time job option. Make sure its benefits to all students.
    IQ Test
    Aptitude Test

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for the Great Content. I will also share with my Friends and once again Thanks a lot for sharing valuable information with us. Please keep on sharing.
    measure of intelligence is the ability to change

    ReplyDelete
  26. Asian Institute of Design (AID), founded in 2009 is a higher education institution which is the first gaming institute in India. With the quality education provided, It has made a name for itself in the field of education and the college is affiliated to Bengaluru North University.
    It is very popular among students wanting to make a career in AVGC industry that is Animation, Visual effects, Gaming and Comics. With more than 12 years of experience, training students in the field, they are determined to make the education more dynamic which meets the market standards.
    Asian Institute of design

    ReplyDelete
  27. Do you need a genuine Loan to settle your bills and startup
    business? contact us now with your details to get a good
    Loan at a low rate of 3% per Annual email us:
    Do you need Personal Finance?
    Business Cash Finance?
    Unsecured Finance
    Fast and Simple Finance?
    Quick Application Process?
    Finance. Services Rendered include,
    *Debt Consolidation Finance
    *Business Finance Services
    *Personal Finance services Help
    Please write back if interested with our interest rate datanfincorpfinance@gmail.com Whats-app us on +918929593217

    ReplyDelete
  28. URGENT LOAN IS AVAILABLE NOW
    TODAY I GOT MY DESIRED LOAN AMOUNT $760,000.00 FROM A RELIABLE AND TRUSTED LOAN COMPANY LAST WEEK, BUSINESS/HOME/COMPANY/PROJECT/PERSONAL LOAN? ARE NOW AFFORDABLE HERE FOR YOU TODAY CONTACT Email profdorothyinvestments@gmail.com

    Hello,I'm here to testify of how i got my real estate business loan from PROF. MRS.DOROTHY JEAN INVESTMENTS (profdorothyinvestments@gmail.com) I don't know if you are in need of an urgent loan to pay bills, start business or build a house, they offer all kinds of loan Ranging from $5,000.00 to $2,000,000.00USD with a low interest rate of 2% and loan duration of 1 to 33 years to pay back the loan secure and unsecured. Are you losing sleep at nights worrying how to get a Legit Loan Lender?
    MRS.DOROTHY JEAN holds all of the information about how to obtain money quickly and painlessly without cost/stress via Contacts Whatsapp Number +1(541)279-1406 Email profdorothyinvestments@gmail.com

    Consider all your financial problems tackled and solved ASAP. Share this to help a soul right now THANKS.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very Nice and Informative content. Will create a lot of awareness among the people.
    Arunachal University is among one of the Best Private University in Assam for providing higher education in aN explanatory and detailed manner that is mainly focused on enhancing your skills.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It was great to read your blog. Click to know moreEducational Loan Emi Calculator

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hey, Really it was an great article to read, Waiting for another one till that get more information about ,Keep it up! Cbse Schools In Gurgaon

    ReplyDelete