 Rajiv Menon launches film institute
 Rajiv Menon, one of India's top
director-cinematographers, has launched a new initiative to nurture young talent for the film industry and provide a platform to hone their skills. Called the Mindscreen Film Institute, it plans to run specialised courses in various aspects of film-making. The first such course is on cinematography, says Rajiv Menon. Those completing the course successfully, and who have the desired grades, will be awarded a certificate as Associate Cinematographer.
Rajiv Menno said, "Our learning environment is designed to move one beyond their currenr level, expand the vision, enhance technicai skills and unleash the potential to imagine, think and create a new way."
 Talking about eligibility, he said, "Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university are eligible." Those completing graduation this year are also eligible besides those currently working in the industry as assistamt cameraman are also welcome to apply and those with senior school diploma certificate are also eligible to apply but they must have 3+ years of work experience in films/video/multi media.
On the academic programme, he said, "The programme being offered currentty at Mindscreen Film Institute is on cinematography. This intensive programme will be a combination of in-depth techniall theory sessions along with comprehensive hands-on
practical workshops. This course is a specialised one focused on techniques and aesthetics of cinematography. It will be of a short duration of six months only but very comprehensive and intensive in its curriculum/schedule."
"Unlike other programmes, the students wiil also have exposure to live projects since the institute is part of a reputed production company."
 This course is not a long-term one (typically it is three years at any institute). Neither is it a generalised course like Visual Communications or Mass Communications offered at various colleges. Regarding the facilities at the institute, Rajiv Menon said, "Mindscreen is a fully integrated film production company with all facilities ranging from movie cameras (Arri.435 Advanced & Arri.lll), professional digital and still cameras, complete range of lenses (Hawk, Ultra Prime, Kowa) and lights (Par, HMIs, Kino Flos, Crane) dolly (Panther, Jimmy Jib), gensets, grip items to editing suite and studio.
"The institute faculty will comprise experienced professionals from the industry who are with the institute on a full-time or visiting basis. Besides them, we will have guest lectures from the leading names in our industry," said
Rajiv.
The total course fees for this six-month course on cinematography will be Rs 1 lakh. The total course excludes a refundable caution deposit towards camera, equipment and other costs incurred towards projects and assignments, said M N Gnanasekharan, dean of the institute.
About the application process, the applicant has to first submit/complete a registration form. This can be done in person at the institute or online at www.milldscreen.co.in. The application form will be given or sent on payment of Rs 100. The payment can be made in cash or DD/postal order favouring 'Mindscreen Private Limited'.
The completed admission form, along with an application fee of Rs 500, is to be submitted or couriered to the admissions office of
Mindscreen Film Institute. Payment has to be made in favour of 'Mindscreen Private Limited'. Application submission deadline is May 15. 2006.
R Rangaraj
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