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| After WWI's campus launch in Spain, now Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International expands to BERMUDA. Press conference held on May 5th 2010 with the Prime Minister of Bermuda. |
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Lights, camera, action! An international film school is offering you the chance to say these words and to "turn your passion into a profession".
Chaitanya Chinchlikar, vice president business development for Whistling Woods International.
This evening the Whistling Woods International (WWI) Institute for Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts invites students to explore its opportunities at a presentation at Bermuda College.
Two high school/college students have the chance of attending Asia's largest film school in July.
The Bermudians will join 350 students at the Institute in Mumbai, India, where they will study for a Diploma in Filmmaking.
The two-year programme offers training in "every major aspect of cinema" followed by specialism in cinematography, direction, editing, production, screenwriting or sound recording and design.
Premier
Ewart Brown speaks at a press conference flanked by Chaitanya
Chinchlikar vice president business development, Umesh Gupta, vice
president academics / HOD and editing, and Ven Subramanian, liaison
& trade representative, all from Whistling Woods International.
WWI is offering discounted tuition fees and $3,500 worth of assistance in housing, a laptop and software to the pair who is successful, following application forms and interviews.
Founded by one of Bollywood's most prolific directors, Subhash Ghai, and promoted by Mukta Arts Ltd. and Film City, WWI is situated on a state-of-the-art campus in Mumbai. Its faculty includes visiting international filmmakers and industry specialists
Premier Ewart Brown, Tourism and Transport Minister, developed the educational opportunity on a visit to India several months ago. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for two reduced tuition rates.
Government will also provide scholarships to the two Bermudians. The Diploma programme costs $30,000.
"We believe that every Bermudian deserves an opportunity to reach their potential and it is a priority for my Government that areas of opportunity for Bermudians be expanded and our talent base fully utilised," said Dr. Brown yesterday.
"India is acknowledged as the fourth largest economy in the world, measured by purchasing power. As we look towards the future it makes sense that Bermuda develops stronger ties with India. I encourage Bermudians who have a passion for filmmaking to attend the presentation."
Chaitanya Chinchlikar, WWI vice president business development, said: "Whistling Woods can be used as a stepping stone for Bermudian students to get out into the global media and entertainment industry."
Up to 15 percent of those enrolled in Mumbai are international students, from Europe to Australia. Asked why representatives had chosen to come to Bermuda, Mr. Chinchlikar said: "Why not?"
He added students did not need to worry about a language barrier as scripts, communication and production was all in English. However, they would have to be prepared to put in long days.
"They have to work hard and put in 12 to 14-hour days, because that's what studio life is going to be like," he said.
"What we look for in a student is passion and commitment to the media and entertainment industry."
Prospective students can obtain an application form online for the summer semester, which starts the third week of July. Interviews are undertaken over the telephone or on Skype.
WWI's parent company Mukta Arts Ltd. is also now interested in making a film in Bermuda.
"We have shot in Austria, Hong Kong, all over the world, so yes, Mukta will definitely look at Bermuda as its next destination," said Mr. Chinchlikar.
"It will depend on the script of the film, but yes, we would love to come and shoot here. I've been here less than 12 hours and love it already."
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| May, 06 - 2010 |
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