Filmmaking workshop focuses on blending practice and theory

'Vacation Vocation', a 21-day summer workshop,was held between April 22 and May 21 where the participants were given a brief introduction to 'Basics of filmmaking' by a city-based media group Jann Sanchar in association with Rolling Shutter Films. During this workshop guest lectures were conducted to make participants interact with industry people which usually every aspiring filmmaker looks forward to. Rahul Sankrityan, Director of Vijay Devarakonda film'Taxiwala' and Hari, writer of hit films like Oopiri and Maharshi interacted with the participants. During these sessions, the aspirants had a very exciting and productive interaction with the celebrity technicians. The attendees came from Bangalore, another from Bhadrachalam and one person all the way from UK. It was a unique experience for the young organisers, Sriman Keerthi and P Venkatesh, to manage this bunch of film enthusiasts from different backgrounds.

The first day of the workshop began with an induction session where the participants and organisers had a good exchange of information about themselves. During the following days participants were shown a blockbuster movie and a flop movie and were asked to come with their analysis. They were made to write their own stories and narrate to their fellow participants.

In the second and third week participants were given a brief introduction to pre-production, production and post-production in filmmaking. A detailed introduction to all the 24 crafts were given to the participants during this period. Right from developing an idea, writing the script using tools, preparing schedules to editing the movie, creating sounds, doing colour corrections and getting the film released, participants were given a very brief and detailed information about filmmaking. Not only theoretical knowledge but participants were also introduced to the writing tools, editing tools and other softwares which are used in the process of filmmaking.

In the fourth week participants were assigned a project (short film) which they had to complete and submit by end of the workshop. Participants successfully completed their project and submitted it on time. On the closing day the short film which the participants have made was screened at the venue and the latter were given away their certificates.

A variety of participants attended the workshop of different age groups. It was a successful workshop and the organisers are now planning to conduct these workshops very frequently so that passionate filmmaking aspirants can attend and learn the craft.