Matinee Masala,Hollywood style

In town to discuss the details,Ghoshal says she strongly feels that north India is the market for cinema,for budding filmmakers and actors,and that is how she could convince the NYFA management to hold their workshop in Delhi this time round.

The NYFA is looking at a group of 50 students for each of its two courses that will run simultaneously. The fee has been fixed at Rs 1.8 lakh. “The fee can be funded through an HDFC loan since we have a tie-up with the bank. To enrol,one needs to be above 18 years of age,have a command over English and a passion for films,” says Ghoshal. While there will be guest lectures from eminent Indian personalities from the fields of direction,writing,acting,cinematography and music,the NYFA will have 12 teachers on board from the US.

“NYFA is the only film school which is hands-on and intensive in approach. It follows the philosophy of learning by doing,” Ghoshal adds. She says they will soon make a formal announcement for the Delhi batches right here in Chandigarh.

“Four weeks are not enough,” she agrees,“but for those who have the talent and passion,this can be a starting point.” She refers to some students from previous batches who have carved a niche for themselves — including Rohit Gupta whose student film made it to Cannes this year,filmmakers Kamal Sadanah and Anthony D’Souza. As for actors,Ahana Deol,Sharad Malhotra,Tanushree Dutta and Imran Khan have been at NYFA.

“Punjab is full of potential and there are plenty of film buffs here,who are looking for that international exposure,and this is their chance,” she says.

Once in,the students will get a good exposure to everything about filmmaking. They will be divided in groups of four each,whereby each will undertake writing,production,acting and direction in turns,Ghoshal takes us through the finer details. “Which means that by the end of the course,each group would have made 12 films exploring all facets of filmmaking,” she adds.

They will be equipped with high-definition cameras and other equipment. While the filmmaking course is more or less Hollywood-style,the acting course has been modified to suit the Indian taste. “Because Bollywood rules here,we’ve given the English soup an Indian tadka,” says Ghoshal,adding how they’ve incorporated singing,dancing,stunts and all the typical Bollywood masala to the curriculum.

Those interested can log on to http://www.nyfaindiaworkshop.com or email at films@nyfaindiaworkshop.com