Script writing and Film making course in Bangalore from Jan to April'13

Learn to Film your Dreams!

Weekend Classes from March to April'13

Free intro talks on 16th and 23rd Feb!

FINAL CUT

Manjushree Abhinav, a film-maker, novelist and teacher, is organizing the fifth batch of the course in film making, from concept to screen, on Saturdays and Sundays over two months, in Bengaluru. Manjushree has taught at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, NID ( National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad), and Srishti, Bangalore.

This Weekend batch organised by Manjushree Abhinav has a great faculty, reasonable fees and a convenient location. It gives people the opportunity to learn film-making without leaving their jobs or studies.

So you can now follow your dreams while taking care of your responsibilities.

COURSE CONTENT

Creative Writing 

Since this course deals with fiction films, we would first tap the biggest reservoir of stories : an unblocked storehouse of memories and emotions. We will also understand the structure of the conflict-resolution story, and we shall dip into the Navarasas. The aim of the workshop is to dig out the blocks that hamper the sprouting of the creative juices and fuel the love of writing towards an intense and natural discipline. It will help the beginner as well as the writer who is stuck in the middle of a story, a script, a film….
Students will get assignments to work on during the week, and they will be expected to write a short story by the end of the workshop.

Scriptwriting 

The story we have structured in the creative writing workshop, we will stretch out into an audio visual script. We will understand the elements of Scriptwriting: Characterization, Plot, Structure, Theme, etc. We shall also be watching world class films and understand how they have been structured  and written. Students will get assignments to work on during the week, which will be reviewed in class. By the end of the course, students will write a short script in the prescribed format.

Acting workshop 

It is only when we our-self get liberated from inhibitions that we can direct others. A theater professional will conduct this workshop, which includes body work, skits, and loads of fun. Most of the times, the short films that we make at the end of the course are enacted by the students themselves. So students have a great time performing for each other.

 Screen Grammar 

The various elements of shot-taking: Image Size, Camera Angles, Camera Movements, Lighting, Camera Speed, Stocks, Graphics, Colour. The Rule of Thirds & the Golden Points. Lenses. Depth of Field and Selective Focus. Maintaining continuity, the imaginary line.

Camera Practicals 

 Basics of how to use a digital camera will be followed by shooting a twelve shot exercise to understand the rules of screen grammar in a practical manner. A professional camera person will conduct this class.

The Elements of Editing 

What we have shot we will now edit on Final Cut Pro, an editing software. So we will experience the entire process of scripting, shooting and editing. The basics of screen grammer, like continuity, will thus become clear.

 We will also talk about how the history of Editing is synonymous with the development of language of cinema. A professional Editor will conduct this class.

Making the short film 

 The final project of the course will be to make short fiction films. The best scripts will be selected from the scriptwriting course, and students will make groups of five to make their fiction films.

Here is one of the films we made in the first batch. Its called , The Skipping Rhyme. An old man gets an answer to a deep question from a little girl.

You can watch other student films here : http://storygram.in/student-films/

CONTACT : You can also email us at  manjushree.abhinav@gmail.com for more information.

VENUE : Bangalore Film Society, 4th cross, Thyagaraja Layout, Jai Bharat Nagar, Banaswadi, Bangalore.

Directions from MG road : Take the road to commercial street, keep going through wheelers road, cross the fly-over cox town, and you will reach Jai bharat nagar bus stop. A few meters ahead there are petrol pumps on both sides of the road. Immediately after the petrol pump, turn right into Thyagaraja layout , find 4th cross on the second right turn. Bangalore Film Society is the corner building, with bamboo trees.
map: click to enlarge.

DURATION : The course would span across two months of weekend classes, from 2nd march to 28th April' 13.

FEE STRUCTURE

The film making course includes creative writing, script writing, acting workshop, camera practicals, elements of editing,  and making the short film, during two months of weekend classes.

The total fees for this course is INR Twenty two thousand and eight hundred, (Rs.22,800/).

The course fees cover the classes, the visiting faculty's fees, the cost of making the student film, and study material like books and cds. A donation of Rs 500/- would be given from every student’s fees to a children’s charity.

Manjushree Abhinav’s Film making Course is right for you if you are:

• A Newcomer: The course would equip you to enter the Film and Television Industry as an assistant director or to make short films independently.
• A Mediaperson who’s learnt on the job: You would benefit from learning the basics formally and getting your fundas clear.
• A Professional who is already working in the Industry in another capacity: It would help you become a full-fledged director.
• From the Corporate Sector: The course would add to your qualifications since films are a very important medium of corporate communication & advertising.
• Animators will understand film making, which is an important aspect of animation.

The benefits of joining this Film Direction Course

• SUNDAY CLASSES: Full-day classes on Sundays, so you can pursue your dreams without forsaking the responsibilities of your work or studies.
• WELL-DESIGNED SYLLABUS: More than 50% of class time would be devoted to hands-on film-making, so that you learn how to transform your ideas into films that light up the silver screen. While the course is practical-oriented, the theory portion would help you develop a sound understanding of the basics of story-telling and film-making. You will also be watching many world class films to appreciate the different aspects of the teaching. The visiting faculty will be from reputed institutes like FTII, SRISTI School of Art and Design, Chitra Kala Parishad, etc.
• STUDENT FILM: You would write and direct a short film. The cinematography and editing would be done by professionals from the Industry, which would be a great learning experience. It would also result in a well-made film which you can be proud of and use as your show-reel as well as submit to film festivals.
• STUDY MATERIAL : The students would be given:

1. Copies of important books
2. Scripts
3. Links to useful websites and free scriptwriting software
4. CDs & DVDs of some important films

• CERTIFICATE: You would be given a certificate at the successful completion of the course.
• FILM FESTIVALS: The student films made as part of the course would be sent to film festivals.
• DEMAND FOR FRESH VOICES: The Indian film and television industry is looking for fresh voices. With the diminishing appeal of the formula masala film, there is a demand for out-of-the-box thinking, for directors who understand the art and craft of film-making. It’s a great time to enter the field!

TEACHER'S PROFILE

Manushree Abhinav has authored a novel, 'A Grasshopper's Pilgrimage'.

She is a film maker. She has studied at FTII, Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. She has made several documentary films, and taught various aspects of film making like scriptwriting, making documentary films, video editing, at FTII, NID (National Institute of Design), Ahemedabad, Srishti School of Art and Design, Bangalore.

She has also conducted several creative writing workshops at the Times of India Nalanda group, Bangalore, Ahemedabad and Mumbai. This is the fifth batch of film making workshops she is conducting in Bangalore.

She blogs at www.baktoo.blogspot.com. You can watch her films and read part of her book at www.storygram.in.

Creative Writing workshop on 20th Feb

Please Note: This is an old post. Recent posts of creative writing workshops in Bangalore are here: www.storygram.in.

Soulpen: The adventure of writing.

What is the essence of the creative process? What is the source of the art of writing?

A film, or a book, is born as a thought, a strong, palpable feeling that tugs. Once identified, this tug can be the link to the big bundle , the one that can stream out as the novel. All you need to do is to catch that thread from your bundle of thoughts and keep puling gently. Maybe you sat with a pen in your hand and tried to write. And maybe your bundle got tight and the thread snapped. Untangling that bundle can be a delicate, at times painful, but ultimately fulfilling creative process.

Dealing with the tangled bundle requires something they don't sell in the shops. You can try to use fevicol and stick your bottom to the writers chair. If that doesn't work, come sign up for Soulpen.

Focus: The aim of the workshop is to dig out the blocks that hamper the sprouting of the creative juices and fuel the love of writing towards an intense and natural discipline. It will help the beginner as well as the writer who is stuck in the middle of a story, a script, a film....

Flow chart:







Dealing with the writer's block



Why do we write? Because we need to tell the story. As children, all of us are born creative. When we learn to talk, there is no difference between imagination and reality. Education encourages us to develop our logic and the creative process takes a back seat. The glimpses of the muse are short and sweet: She comes visiting, she leaves a scene and takes back the movie.

Missing the muse, the creative angel, is the writer's block. We shall begin with a three step exercise, an ice-breaking ritual for overcoming the writers block. This exercise is self-introspective and at the same time lighthearted. Words get tossed out, opening a series of self traps. Those who are truly interested in unearthing their hidden depths love this exercise.




Nurturing the creative impulse.
Why did your grandmother tell you stories when you were a kid? Most likely, to put you to sleep. Why did Shiva dance? To work out his turbulence? What is the purpose of the Nava Rasas? Traditionally speaking, to pass into the Shanta Rasa.



Re -experiencing the turbulence, recalling it, can give you a perspective of how it can be healed. We shall go into both, the happy memories and the traumas that shaped your lives. Re- living is relieving.






We shall write a few exercises by walking down the memory lanes of our lives. The end of this process will be a short story by each participant.






An introduction to scriptwriting


We shall do one dialogue exercise in the audio visual format of a screenplay.






Secret tools of a writer
Creative writing, is that writing in which the other, the reader is not as important as the writer. We write best when we don't write for the teacher. A few tips on flying solo.






When : 20th February, 10 am to 6 pm.






Where: Jaaga Creative common ground,Opposite Shanti Nagar Hockey Stadium, Rhenius St, Langford Gardens , Bangalore






Cost : The fees per participant is Rs. 1,000/






Contact : me at manjushree.abhinav@gmail.com or call 9945192862






Author's profile : I am a recently published novelist of A Grasshopper's Pilgrimage. This book should be available in most of the Crosswords and Landmarks. You can read reviews of this book on this blog. Just type the title in the search box.
I am also a film maker. I was trained at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune in Film Editing. I have made several documentary films, and taught the various aspects of film making at NID (National Institute of Design), Ahemedabad and also at the FTII.
I have conducted several creative writing workshops at the Srishti School of Art and Design and Times of India : Nalanda group, Bangalore, Ahemedabad and Mumbai . I write for the creative outlet, deep fulfillment and clarity of mind that sometimes comes as a gift with a good session of writing.

Creative Writing workshop for Teenagers in Bangalore

Soulpen: The adventure of writing.

Are you in the trance-like age, between twelve and twenty? Soulpen is getting younger in the last weekend of May.

Youngsters are naturally creative, enthusiastic, and full of ideas. Youth is an intense experience, where the gushing of dreams and angst has that rare quality: freshness. Very often, this freshness is un appreciated and un acknowledged. All you need is someone who will willingly listen. Someone who can streamline your thoughts towards an expression of art.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
- Khalil Gibran, on Children


Anyone can write. If you like to talk, you can surely write. And if you are shy, you will probably write very well.

Writing can be a wonderful tool to understand yourself, to reflect an inner you that is nearer to your real self than you are willing to voice. The paper does not judge, the pen does not interfere.

Come, find your own voice. Sign up for Soulpen.

Contact: Kavita at 080 – 26678890, Mobile – 97417 11225. or Manjushree at 9945192862 or mail manjushree.abhinav@gmail.com

Schedule:
29th May: 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm
30th May: 10. 30 am to 2.00 pm

Venue:
‘Hippocampus centre’, Ranga Rao road, Shankarpuram, Basavangudi,.
Bangalore

Fees: Rs. 1200/-

Focus: The aim of the workshop is to dig out the blocks that hamper the sprouting of the creative juices and fuel the love of writing towards an intense and natural discipline. Every participant will be guided step by step to write a short story.

Flow chart:

Day 1 : Re-discovering the creative impulse.

Why do we write? Because we need to tell the story. As children, all of us are born creative. When we learn to talk, there is no difference between imagination and reality. Education encourages us to develop our logic and the creative process takes a back seat. The glimpses of the muse are short and sweet: She comes visiting, she leaves a line and takes back the novel.

Missing the muse, the creative angel, is the writer's block. We shall begin with an exercise, an ice-breaking ritual for overcoming the writers block. Then we get familiar with the source of all the art within: your well. We shall do some techniques to dive in with a torch and unearth the gems, the pearls or the bullets.

All the participants will structure a story.

Day 2: Nurturing the creative impulse.

How do curds set? First of all, you need a pot. The structure of the story. The American classical structure and the Indian traditional original masala formula from the Natya Shastra. The navarasas. Then you need milk.
Characterization. We shall pen three different approaches to creating your characters. The purpose of all these exercises will be for all the participants to complete the story. And to fuel the love of writing towards a natural and intense discipline of sitting with a pen and paper.

Author's profile :
I am a recently published novelist of A Grasshopper's Pilgrimage. This book should be available in most of the Crosswords and Landmarks. You can read reviews of this book on this blog. Just type the title in the search box. I am also a film maker. I was trained at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune in Film Editing. I have made several documentary films, and taught the various aspects of film making at NID (National Institute of Design), Ahemedabad and also at the FTII.

I have conducted several creative writing workshops at the Srishti School of Art and Design, Times of India : Nalanda group, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahemedabad and Mcleodganj. I also teach English in schools. I write for the creative outlet, deep fulfillment and clarity of mind that sometimes comes as a gift with a good session of writing.