Mindscreen launches film institute in Chennai

Mindscreen Film Production Company, promoted by film director and cinematographer, Rajiv Menon, has launched Mindscreen Film Institute which will offer courses on various aspects of filmmaking.

In a press statement, Rajiv Menon said that at present, Mindscreen Film Institute was conducting programme on cinematography, but the curriculum would eventually be extended to other aspects of filmmaking too.

When asked about the investment in this initiative, Suresh Kumar, CEO, Mindscreen Film Production, said it would be difficult to quantify the additional investment made by the company on the study material, classroom and multi-media initiatives for the institute as the company already has a number of equipment like movie cameras, digital cameras and lenses.

The film institute will be within the Mindscreen production company and therefore the person learning will get practical experience in learning cinematography. The course will focus on techniques and aesthetics of cinematography. Menon said that Mindscreen was a fully integrated film production company with facilities ranging from movie cameras (Arri435 advanced and Arri.III), professional digital and still cameras, range of lenses (hawk, ultra prime, kowa) and lights.

The cinematography course is of six months duration and the fee is Rs 1 lakh, excluding a refundable caution deposit of Rs 25,000 towards camera and other equipment. Other costs incurred towards project and assignments would range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. The course is expected to start in the first week of July for a batch of 10 students.

Menon said the institute faculty would comprise experienced professionals from the film industry who are with the institute on a full time or visiting basis. "Besides, we will have guest lectures from the industry also," he added.

Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university and those completing graduation this year are eligible to apply. Those with senior school or diploma certificate level education are also eligible, but they must have over three years of work experience in films or video or mass-media.