The program is an immersion into the Hindi film industry and will emphasize the inner workings and logistics of film in Mumbai and incorporate visits and lectures from writers, producers, directors, actors, film directors and art designers.

Program Dates:

What Do I Do on The Program?

The four weeks of the program would cover the following:

Informational lectures and meetings:

Students will attend one-on-one meetings with film and media professionals. They will be able to interact with industry professionals in their own environment. This will give students an understanding of the processes and people involved in the making of a film, including production, direction, post production, finance, and distribution. Students will be required to watch films daily to help them understand Indian cinema within its cultural and social context. This would also help guide discussions with professionals they meet.

Field trips:

Students will spend a few days on a film set to get a behind-the-scenes view into the world of set designers, prop houses, casting directors, production executives, action directors, stunt masters, make-up artistes, lighting men, spot boys, music directors and other cast and crew. However, these visits would be observational in nature and would not include hands on work on a film set.

Student Project:

All students will be required to work on and submit a project. This project will be designed in consultation with the Academic Director keeping in mind the students' individual interests. The project will ensure that participant is not merely a passive observer but an active participant. This project will deepen the students' learning and help them reflect on their program experience.

The program requires all participants to perform the duties assigned to them to the fullest and submit a detailed project report at the end of each week and a final report on completion of the program.

Student Project Requirements

Students making a short film as their project must review the following:

Camera:

If you have your own camcorder / D.V. camera please feel free to bring it with you. Something small, simple that you are comfortable operating should be fine. If you need help, the onsite coordinator could arrange for you to hire one. The cost could be approx $30-$100/day depending on the model. The shooting time for a project is kept for maximum two days.

Editing:

The program will include 12 hours of editing time, including digitizing of two DV tapes of 90 minutes each. However, if the student requires more than this, they would have to bear the extra costs. We will arrange for a professional studio and editor for the project. In case the editing takes longer than the allotted time, the studio with editor cost is approx $8-$12 per hour to be borne by the student. Maximum two days are kept for the editing aspect of the project.

Please be advised that you will need to work on your project for at least one day a week for the first 3 weeks and full time during the last week. Maximum of two days would be allowed for shooting, 2 days for editing and final day will be reserved for screening, evaluation and feedback from the Academic Director. Students must adhere to the project deadlines.

Final certificate of completion will only be given on the successful submission of the weekly reports and the final project. 

Important Note

• The trips to film shoots, editing studios, post production are all observational in nature. Considering the limited time available the students would not be working on a live film set.
• Hands on work for the students would be through the individual student's project, which is designed in consultation with our academic director. Based on the individual's interest, students can work on a script, a photo essay, a documentary or a short film (fiction or non-fiction).

Student Responsibilities

It is compulsory for students to adhere to certain rules and regulations while enrolled in the program. These guidelines are designed keeping in mind the social and cultural context of the film industry in Mumbai. This will ensure effective communication and productive creative engagement between students and their mentors and colleagues on the program:

• Students will follow appropriate norms of behavior during their interactions with the local coordinator and industry personnel. They will interact in a professional manner; signs of familiarity or other public display of affection are frowned upon.
• The dress code is semi-formal and conservative without any display of skin.
• Student will follow the instructions issued by the person/team to which they are assigned with respect and to the fullest. The Indian work culture follows a system of hierarchy which must be respected and adhered to.
• Heated arguments, verbal exchange, abusive and foul language and racist comments will not be tolerated.

If a student violates any of the above rules, his or her program may be terminated without prior notice and the course fee will not be refunded.

Orientation - Communication

Comprehensive orientation and full time coordinators:

You will be met on arrival at Mumbai International Airport by our onsite coordinator. From there you will be transported to your guesthouse. The onsite coordinator will arrange all accommodations, meals and provide orientation on issues around diet, safety, transport, currency conversion, communication, travel, norms and culture. Our coordinators will hold weekly meetings to monitor and evaluate the program and will provide 24 hour emergency support.

Communication:

You will be assigned a mobile phone (with free unlimited incoming calls) for the duration of your stay. All-important phone numbers will have been pre-programmed along with a limited amount of airtime for emergencies. To make calls over and above the airtime included, you can purchase pre-paid phone cards at various locations locally. You will be required to sign a $100 release form in order to receive the cell phone. You will not be charged the $100 fee if the phone is returned in good working order to your program coordinator.

Eligibility

• This Program is Open to all Levels of Students and Individuals with an Interest in Films and Media
• At Least 20 Years of Age

Testimonials