Career in Film Industry

70 MM CAREERS

 

A VAST MAJORITY OF THE INDIAN POPULATION ASSOCIATE CAREERS IN THE FILM INDUSTRY WITH EITHER ACTING OR DIRECTION. HOWEVER, FILMS OFFER A PLETHORA OF CAREER OPTIONS.  A TOP SHOT OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY

   According to the Central Board of Film Certification of India, the Indian film industry is the largest in the world. This statement is sufficient for one to gauge the number of career opportunities that this industry provides. Furthermore, with the number of genres of cinema like animation and crossover films gaining significant ground in India and employment opportunities rising by the day, youngsters with a dream to make it big in showbiz are now fast flocking towards courses in film studies and filmmaking. “There is a huge demand for courses in filmmaking and we receive about 500 applications for 35 seats every year,” informs Satish Bhatia, course coordinator, Postgraduate Diploma in Television and Film Production, Xavier Institute of Communication. 

   There are many avenues that one can explore if they have an interest in the field. There are certain specialisations which need formal training and there are a host of others which do not. 

CAREERS ON THE PERIPHERY    

Film Critic/Journalist:

Though formal training in film studies or film appreciation is not a pre-requisite to become a film critic, the importance of formal training cannot be undermined. “Training is essential for any kind of criticism and it may not be in the form of a course. However, it is necessary to study the evolution of cinema, the basic theories of film studies. Other essentials include some knowledge and exposure to the great masters of cinema from around the world and acquaintance with the contemporary developments in the medium,” avers a film critic with over a decade of experience. 

   It is important to know that one cannot work in any field without learning the basic language and rules of engagement. The patience to watch films over and over again and the keenness to study and understand the medium — its mechanics, its evolution, the diverse and innovative ways in which has been used — are crucial to succeed as a film critic. 

   The job of a film critic includes reviewing films, keeping a track of the developments in the film industry, conducting celebrity interviews as well as attending film premieres and festivals. “After considerable experience and with accurate grooming, a film critic can even go on to direct or produce films,” says Chandrashekhar Joshi, film research officer, Film and Television Institute of India. 

   Other careers related to the film industry but which do not require a formal training in films studies include film distribution, film curator and film archivist. 

CAREERS IN THE FILM INDUSTRY    

Direction: The director is the captain of the ship; he brings his creative vision to the screen. He/she works in close coordination with all the major departments and is responsible for the end product. The components of a course in direction would include the techniques of storytelling through cinematography and screenplay writing, editing, casting and directing actors and managing a film unit among other things. “Apart from knowing the technicalities of filmmaking, a basic reading and grasp of other disciplines like architecture, history as well as sociology is crucial for a good filmmaker,” declares noted film director, producer and writer Saeed Mirza. Joshi adds, “Leadership and decision making qualities along with creativity are the key to success in the field of direction.” 

 

  Production: A producer is responsible for raising finance and managing the budget as well as marketing of the film. He/she also needs to manage the entire technical and creative resources like negotiations with the cast and crew including the technicians as well as making agreements with the distributors and financers. A producer needs to have good communication and managerial skills. A thorough knowledge of the film business is absolutely imperative. 

   Screenplay Writing: Screenplay writers create characters, devise the plot, develop the storyline and then pen down the screenplay. They need to carefully write entire details right from the dialogues, expression of actors, the sequence and the ambience of a film. In short screenplay writing refers to actually writing down the entire film on paper, including the minutest of details. They need to keep in mind that what they write can be filmed keeping in mind the budget and resources available. It is obvious that good creative writing skills are a must. 

   Editing: The job of the editor is to arrange the film in a sequential order. He/she views the processed film and video with production personnel to analyse, evaluate and select scenes. He synchronises the sound track and adds special effects wherever necessary. The job invovles technical as well as intellectual skills. “Narrative skills, and the understanding of a script and screenplay are crucial characteristics of a good editor,” states Umesh Gupta, HOD, editing department, Whistling Woods International. 

   Cinematography: A keen eye is what you need to succeed in film photography. This field is as much technical as creative with in-depth knowledge of camera angles, shot and movements being imperative. Professional training is a must; a person with a basic graduation is admitted into cinematography courses. 

   Animation: “Currently the scenario for animators in India is extremely bright, with a number of international production houses coming here. The increasing use of SFX effects in Hindi films has also contributed to the boom,” informs Gokul K, HOD, animation department, Whistling Woods International. Basic drawing and painting skills are extremely crucial for an animator. Animators must also be artistically inclined, imaginative and able to create new ideas as well as possess excellent drawing skills. 

   Audiography/Sound Mixing: As the name suggests those in this department are responsible for the sound effects in a film. Recording, dubbing and mixing of music, dialogues and other sound effects are part of the job. The sound mixer or engineer composes the various elements of the soundtrack and edits it to give it a final shape. A degree/diploma in audiography or electronics is required. For admission to these courses a science background at plus two level is preferred. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED 

A basic graduate degree (except for courses in animation which require a minimum qualification of 10+2 or a diploma in fine arts) is a pre-requisite for admissions to all courses conducted by governmentaided institutes. Private film schools admit those with a minimum qualification of 10+2 to any of the courses. Students who have studied physics at the plus two level are generally preferred for audiography courses. Admission to courses is either through entrance exams or interviews conducted by institutes. 

FEE STRUCTURE 

The fee structure of each course varies from institute to institute and from course to course. However, the average fees may range from Rs 55,000 to a whopping Rs 11,50,000. Fees for animation courses vary from Rs 1,20,000 to Rs 8,50,000 depending on the course duration as well as institute. Fees for screenwriting courses vary from Rs 50,000 to Rs 8,50,000 again depending on the institute and the duration of course. 

EXPERT VIEW 

Fresh graduates are normally absorbed by the industry as assistants on a freelance or assignment basis. Though graduates can take up independent opportunities, a few years of experience under a professional proves to be beneficial. Screenplay writers can expect to become assistant writers, copy writers, content writers and in-house writers for various production houses and channels. 

   However there are different opinions on the demand of fresh trained talent in this industry. “The industry is fairly receptive to freshers who are trained,” declares Bhatia. There are many who agree with this proposition and feel that the industry is accepting trained professionals with open arms. “The industry has now understood the importance of trained professionals and many film makers now prefer to hire skilled people rather than hire those who have no formal training and may require time to learn. Moreover, hiring trained professionals helps save production costs as they already know their job,” adds Joshi. Though Mirza too agrees that job opportunities are immense, he also adds a note of caution: “If you are in the field of film making and want to send a message through your artistic vision in these times of mindless entertainment, you have to be prepared for a path of struggle. Financers attach more value to stars than to a good script.”

MONEY MATTERS 

The Indian film industry is largely unorganised and produces films of starkly varying budget. “There is no definite figure that a fresher can command, everything depends on the kind of film you are working on. But production students do not get a very high pay cheque for their first job,” informs Bhatia. In the technical field your first pay cheque can vary from a four digit figure to five digit one. “The money you get really depends on your talent and varies even among students of the same class,” opines Joshi. However, once you have carved a niche for yourself the sky is the limit. 

INSTITUTE INDICATOR 

Generally institutes either compress all aspects of filmmaking, such as direction, production, editing and screenplay writing into a single integrated course or offer separate courses in each of the above mentioned fields. These courses equip one with practical training with latest equipments in the field of their choice. 

Film and Television Training Institute, Pune, www.ftiindia.com  (offers three-year PGD in direction, cinematography, editing and audiography; the institute offers one and a half year and one year PG certificate courses in animation and screenplay writing respectively.) 

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, www.srfti.gov.in  (offers a full-time three-year PGD in Film and Television with the options to specialise in direction and screenplay, cinematography, audiography or editing in the second and third year) 

Xavier institute of Communication, Mumbai, www.xaviercomm.org  (offers a PGD in Television and Video Production) 

Jadavpur University, West Bengal 

Whistling Woods, International Institute for Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts, Mumbai, www.whistlingwoods.net  

AKJ Mass Communication Research Centre, Delhi 

Zee Institute of Media Arts, Mumbai, www.zimainstitute.com  (offers courses in direction, production, editing, cinematography, writing, sound and film animation and visual effects)    

(Indicative listing)

  

 

   Sunil Sharma

     Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

              &

www.dilsedesi.org

Career in Acting for Films and TV

Acting for films and TV at AAFT

MOST people believe that acting is all about exhibiting a natural, instinctive skill that you are born with and hold inside you whereas in reality, acting is actually a trait that can be stimulated and learnt with proper training. Do you have the determination and desire to give shape to your acting dreams? Or are you simply looking for a short cut, which will most likely lead to uncertainty and disappointment? If you are willing to stay focused and work hard, you can with proper training make it as an actor in showbiz.

   At the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), there are lots of different modules that are covered in the various acting courses. The main tool besides the body of an actor is their voice. Therefore, voices need to be trained so that they are heard, understood and even felt. Students will focus on breath work, singing, relaxation and posture as a way of nurturing their voice.

   An actor's body is their only real tool; therefore it must be developed to perform and thus, movement and understanding different techniques is therefore a key skill for any actor to have in their 'tool-kit.' The ability to improvise can never be underestimated when it comes to acting. Through exercises, students will typically learn to let their imaginations work and how to work well with others without having to plan in advance.

  At AAFT, you will also learn the ability to market yourself in order to obtain work. So a typical class would focus on developing an actor's ability to perform, focus on their presentation and provide live auditioning experience. Students will also be expected to explore the differences between shooting a film, which is typically one camera, and shooting in television, which typically have three camera shoots as opposed to one.

   Students will also participate in various short films during their course. Thus, AAFT is truly the place to go if you want to unleash your true acting potential.

   There are two acting courses running at AAFT — three month acting and presentation and one-year diploma in acting for film and TV. The eligibility is 10+2 and the next batch commences on October 3, every year.

  Sunil Sharma

    Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

             &

www.dilsedesi.org

Career as Comedian

The laughter business

 

A STAND-UP COMEDIAN IS IN THE BUSINESS OF GENERATING LAUGHTER, AND MIND YOU — THE LOUDER THE LAUGHS, THE BETTER THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS

 

THIS genre of entertainment is beginning to catch up in the big cities and TV has done more than its bit to popularise it with the masses. Shows like The Great Laughter Challenge, and in the past, Movers and Shakers, have only contributed to the popularity of this emerging genre. The trend has caught on at both ends — with youth who want to crack up on stage, and also with the audience who want to be entertained. Yes, this is the business of stand-up comedy and it's all about making your audience laugh. However, stand-up comedy has traditionally been one of those job areas of show business where formal training plays a minimal part and hands-on experience counts for almost everything. Despite this, stand-up comedy very rarely can be taken as a full-time profession. 

PRE-REQUISITES 

A cool temperament and the ability to laugh at one self are the basics required. And of course, the ability to make people laugh. 

   Nanjappa Appachu, Ampro (armatureprofessional), a comedian from Bangalore, says, “My mentor, who is my dad, asked me to define my stage persona after he saw a couple of my performances. Defining your very own stage style is important to continue in this trade. In the beginning, impersonators can be tolerated, but continue too long and you won't go too far,” he cautions. But the most important criterion is the chance to perform as much as possible. And for that, Nanjappa suggests, “Grab any chance that allows you to perform.” 

THE MATERIAL 

The content that is delivered requires prior preparation. “What looks like an effortless performance up there is something that’s involved gruelling preparation,” says another stand-up comedian, Ajit Saldanha. So where do they get their gigs from and how do they figure out what kind of material to include? 

   Ajit says, “'It’s generally pop culture references. Stuff also comes from current happenings, and a lot from celebrity blunders and bloopers.'' 

   As Ajit puts it, “It’s their ingenuity to seize an apparently boring moment in comic terms.” 

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS 

Don’t fold your cards immediately just because your first show bombed. Making audiences laugh comes only when you have the ability to laugh at yourself, and most importantly to laugh at yourself with others. “Doing as many performances whenever there’s a chance will enable you to write better jokes, tailor the show for each audience type, assemble a routine, handle hecklers, pace a show, develop a distinct comic voice and personality,” says Ajit. 

   Where does one go to learn some stand-up? Ajit recommends ‘learning by watching.’ He says, “No formal courses exist, but studying professionals, their attitude, style, jokes etc. can be an amazing teacher. Imitating your favourite comic can be a good starting point, and then work towards developing your very own personal style.” 

WHERE DO YOU PERFORM? 

In India, there are no comedy clubs, says Ajit. So do most stand-ups start from emceeing and performing theatre? Ajit vehemently disagrees, he says, “Stand-up has a class of its own, and requires a different set of skills, almost like making thinking out-of-the-box a habit.” 

   Nanjappa kick-started his desire for standup through theatre. “I joined a local theatre club and acted in various plays and created a niche for myself. But it was only with time that I was able to move towards removing the fourth wall.'” (This is a literary term which loosely means that the comedian addresses and includes the audience in his acts, no wall exists between the performer and the audience). Other ways to work as a stand-up comedian is to perform at pubs that offer jazz nights or karaoke. 

   Another place to perform is doing corporate comedies, in between corporate events. The trial show of stand-up comedian Vir Das was done at a mall in Mumbai, so the burgeoning mall culture provides another platform to these artists. Nonetheless, once you start doing well for yourself, you will be discovered soon and will probably star in the next TV sitcom! 

REMUNERATION 

Your pay will materialise once you have earned a name for yourself. A stand-up can expect anywhere between Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh. But for starters, hosting a corporate event can be a little more rewarding. They are usually paid Rs 20,000-25,000 to host a threehour event, says Murli Ramu, who regularly employs fun emcees for events. Are women paid better than men? Ajit disagrees: “Not really, but then, there are less women in this field and so, sometimes, they might be paid well.” 

FUTURE PROSPECTS 

Ajit Saldanha runs an event management company. Ajit however feels stand-up comedy has great future prospects. Ad films which are humorous are usually on the lookout for stand-ups. Radio jockeying is another field that is open to them. 

INSTITUTES 

Stand-up comedy courses exist abroad, but there are virtually none in India. Doing a media course or some creative writing is the next only option, or a BA or arts course that gives you a lot of free time to learn and figure it out on your own, say experts. Abroad, Pepperstock is a well-known institute in the UK that offers comedy courses. Also, Salford University and the University of Kent.

 

  

Sunil Sharma

   Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

           &

www.dilsedesi.org

Career in Modelling

 

MARKET MANTRA

 

There’s no biz like show biz

   Walk into any gym, and you are bound to spot innumerable men pumping iron and numerous girls doing pilates, all with the same dream - to become models. This industry has always been considered the epitome of glamour and limelight, and hence aspirants from all parts of India wish to pursue a career in modelling. Modelling has seen a recent surge in the influx of new talent due to a strong growth in the advertising and product markets in India. 

ADVERTISING GROWTH 

Nowadays, advertisers need a model for every product, from cars to chairs to pens and therefore, the demand for models has greatly increased. As against the usual stereotype, the demand is not just for thin or muscular models, but also for models from all age groups and with different body structures. We often need grandparents or children for products related to their age groups, and overweight people for weightcentric campaigns. Further, as Indian men are becoming vanity conscious, the demand for male models is steadily increasing and the ratio of men to women models is improving. Even the increased number of fashion weeks has proved to be a blessing in disguise for these camera friendly souls. This has not only increased the demand for veteran models, but has also given an opportunity to fresh new faces. Alongside the fashion weeks, Indian models are also making their presence felt in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Designers from these countries frequently invite then for fashion shows. 

ATTRACTIONS 

One of the main attractions to join this field is glamour, as it always has been. The glamour bug bites models and it’s hard to get away. Besides, for people from small towns, who would have otherwise never been able to come into the limelight, modelling proves to be a promising start. And of course, the job is well-paying as well. A starting model can hope to earn anywhere between Rs 8,000-15,000 for a fashion show or a photo shoot. This increases as your experience and name increases in the industry. Top models, after signing contracts, even make many lakhs for fashion shows. 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE? 

Being a model is more than just a good face or a good physique. Height, weight and looks are important but the right attitude, hard work, determination and charisma are also required to be a successful model. This industry is highly competitive and many people lose out because of their PR skills. People feel models only have to walk and smile, but it takes a lot more than that. 

THE DARK SIDE 

All is not hunky-dory in this industry, and most people learn that a bit late. Nowadays, due to increased competition, many models are advised to have a secondary profession, eg many also work in the aviation or hospitality industry. Another cause of concern for a model is that his/her life, professionally, is short-lived. There are few models that eventually become veterans, and most get lost in the crowd, among the new fresh faces, within a few years of entering the industry.

 

 

 

Sunil Sharma

   Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

&

www.dilsedesi.org

E & C Counselling- Tissue engineering and stem cell research, Career in acting in films, Skills for call-centre professionals

Tissue engineering and stem cell research.    

I have done BDS. But instead of practicing dentistry, I am keen to pursue a career in tissue engineering and stem cell research.  

Kishori Ram

I can understand your excitement. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into any cell type of the body. This unique characteristic has made them a choice of treatment for some diseases/disorders caused by cell death or malfunction which were earlier labelled as incurable particularly in humans. Fortunately, knowledge and awareness of stem cell technology and tissue engineering is growing by leaps and bounds and has the potential to change the future

of the human race in the years to come. Stem cell technology has begun to play an increasingly significant role in the day-to-day practice of medicine. Diseases like diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, leukaemia, lymphoma, anaemia, genetic and cardiac disorders as well as spinal cord injuries, are just a few of the many that can be treated through stem cell technology. Moreover, stem cell banking has taken off in India. Hundreds of women have come forward to donate cord blood.

   Here are two courses, both Chennai-based, that could take you closer to your chosen field:

   Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) an Indo-Japanese venture is perhaps the first centre for regenerative medicine in India which offers a PhD in stem cell research from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur (TN). For details you can log onto their website www.ncrm.org  

   The University of Madras, D/o Zoology, Guindy Campus, which offers a PG diploma in stem cell technology and tissue engg (full-time). The eligibility for the same is an MSc degree in life sciences/zoology/ biochemistry/biotechnology/microbiology or an MBBS, BDS or BVSc degree. This course is offered in collaboration with the International Centre for Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Diseases. The course fee is Rs 1.5 lakh and the application deadline is August 20 2008. You can obtain the prospectus and application form from: Dr H Devaraj, Course Director, D/o Zoology, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025.

  Institutions such as the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (UP), also offer a few short-term introductory courses

Career in acting

 in films

I am a class XII student. I want to make my career in acting. Please tell me what should I do for it. Apart from training at a film institute, how else can one get into the film industry?  

Balwant Kukreja

In fact, even training does not assure you an entry into the film industry. Besides talent and that something "special", you need the 3 Ps: passion, persistence and perseverance to pursue contacts, and move in the right circles. And you must keep at it without letting the initial letdowns deter you. Abhishek Bachchan, with initial credentials of being Big B's son delivered a string of 17 flops before delivering hit after hit. So if you are wooden on screen no godfather can pave your way to fame.

   Many have got into the profession by working their way up through assistantships and small roles with reputed names in the industry. The road to success in this industry is long and tough. However, don't discount the merits of training as talent is one thing but honing it methodically will always work to your advantage. Practice makes perfect. It is the only way to polish your skills and get noticed in Bollywood. Speak to professionals working in the entertainment industry — actors, casting directors, agents, producers and directors. They will give you the insider secrets you need to succeed in acting.

   And while you are at it, do also examine other alternatives because the film industry does not carry guarantees of permanent employment or fixed salaries. Which is why it is best to complete your academic education so that you have a back-up plan in case your acting career is slow or fails to take off. Television is another lucrative option. It's easier to break into and once you've done that, it's easier to move from the small screen to the big screen as so many Bollywood aspirants have successfully done.

   Modelling and participating in talent hunts is yet another way to get noticed. Grab every opportunity to audition for plays, TV programmes etc. there is no substitute to training on the job.

Skills for

call-centre professionals

 

These days one comes across a lot of openings for call-centre professionals. What skills are required to succeed in this profession?  

Isha Rekhan

There are four main types of call centres — inbound and outbound, blended (inbound and outbound) and web-based back-office processes (interacting with

clients via e-mail and chat). Inbound call centres take incoming calls, such as those for placing orders or providing customer service. Positions in this environment require strong listening skills, empathy, diplomacy and organisational ability.

   Outbound call centres, those in which the call originates from the centre for market research or directs marketing, collections etc generally add assertiveness and selling ability to the list of requirements.

   Recruiters suggest that applicants prepare for roleplay as part of the interview process. Customer-service applicants are often asked to respond to three potential scenarios — the angry caller, the confused caller and the appreciative caller. From these exercises, they can assess the applicant's ability to hear the underlying need and understand where the customer is coming from. In addition to content, clarity of speech and tone inflections contribute to successful telephone customer-service and sales interactions. Because call-centre representatives must frequently wrap up a conversation as a new call comes in, multi-tasking is another important behind-the-scenes skill.

   A report also reveals that the Indian ITES sector (of which call centres form a major part) will have openings for a whopping 1.6 lakh foreign language professionals to handle language-sensitive work catering to Europe and the far East by 2010.

   As of now, the demand for German and French is the highest. Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Korean are also hot. Portuguese, Swedish and Mandarin form the third tier.

Sunil Sharma

   Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

&

www.dilsedesi.org