Friday, October 2, 2015

Script-writing workshop in Ahemdabad and Online


So you want to make films. If your ambitions go beyond the glamour, you will realise that it is the script that is the driving force behind any fiction film or tv serial. Writing for films is a deeply satisfying process, and it can be learned by anyone who is passionate about cinema. 
I offer this workshop online, we can meet on gtalk, or on skype.  
This is an ongoing workshop. Mostly carried out on google hangouts, the time and date is mutually decided.
Syllabus 

The Script Writing Course is divided into two parts, the Story and the Screenplay.

STORY

Aim – The secret behind a good film is a well told story. All of us have many stories in our cupboard, but we don't know how to tell them. In this section, we learn the art and the craft of writing a complete short story, which we will later transform into a script.

Day 1 : Finding your own voice / Ras. The Navrasas, our immense wealth.
Day 2 : An exercise to deal with the writers block. Start your own story.
Day 3 : Structure of a story : Conflict and Resolution. Developing your story.
Day 4 : Making it flow : Final touches to the story.

SCREENPLAY

Aim – In the professional world of films, the audio visual format of the screenplay is the only way to 'show' your story. Your script will not be read unless it is written in the correct format. The final stage of the process is a storyboard, which is an illustration of all the shots such that the images and camera angles are clearly visualised. If you can master the art of the storyboard, your script is ready to be shot.

Day 1 : Format of the American Screenplay. Writing a scene.
Day 2 : Theme, Story and Plot. Writing a one line script.
Day 3: Characterisation, Dialogues and Transitions.
Day 4 : Writing a five page script.
Day 5 : Making a Storyboard. 

 
You will be given links to free scriptwriting softwares, scripts to read up, and some films which I would like you to watch before and during the sessions.
The fees for these ( nine sessions of two hrs each) online workshops is Rs 9,500/- 


Faculty : Manjushree Abhinav


Manjushree is an author and a film maker. An alumnus of the Film and TV Institute of India, she has taught scriptwriting and film making at FTII, NID, and Storygram. 
You can watch her recent film, And Then The Mountain Called Her, here :https://vimeo.com/96907398.
And here you can watch short films made by her students at Storygram https://vimeo.com/96907398.
You can contact her at manjushree.abhinav@gmail.com, or call 0982574664 .

Monday, September 7, 2015

Sunday Film making Course in Mumbai

FILM & TV DIRECTION COURSE ON SUNDAYS IN MUMBAI


 "Fulfill your celluloid dreams, every Sunday... Did you harbour a dream of becoming a filmmaker, but end up pursuing an entirely different profession? Are you one of those who buried their dreams, while trying to realise more pressing responsibilities? Or would you like to broaden your experience with learning how things are done in the film industry? There might be good news in store, for such readers... sign up for a Sundays-only course conducted by National Award-winning filmmaker, Rajashree."

MID DAY, Mumbai Newspaper

Do you want to make feature films, TV shows or short films? But can't spare the time to learn full-time? A new batch of Rajashree's popular 5-month Film & TV Scriptwriting & Direction Course, with full-day classes on Sundays, in Andheri (W), Bombay, begins soon. It's designed for working people and students by Rajashree, an award-winning film-maker and bestselling novelist who’s taught at FTII, Pune, and some of the best film schools in Bombay. The guest lecturers who have agreed to conduct master-classes for this particular batch have worked on some of the biggest Bollywood hits and much-loved films: Robin Bhatt (Filmfare Award-Winner; Writer, Baazigar, Chennai Express, Krissh 3 & teleserial Udaan), Sanjay Gadhvi (Stardust Award-Winner; Director, Dhoom & Dhoom 2), Mayur Puri (Writer, Happy New Year Om Shanti Om; Lyricist, Bajrangi Bhaijaan), Piyush Mishra (Stardust & Zee-Cine Award-Winner; Actor & Lyricist, Gangs of Wasseypur; Dialogue Writer, Agneepath & Ghajini), Sudhir Mishra (National & Filmfare Award-Winner; Writer, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron; Writer-Director, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi & Yeh Saali Zindagi), Sanjay Chhel (Writer, Rangeela, Partner; Writer-Director, Khoobsurat), Bishwadeep Chatterjee (National & Filmfare Award-Winning Sound Designer, 3 Idiots, Madras Cafe & Piku), Manisha Korde (Writer, Malaamal Weekly, Prem Mhanje Prem Asta) Ashok Purang (Creative Producer of the National Award-Winner, Filmistaan)Paromita  Vohra (Columnist & Documentary Filmmaker) and Chirantan Das (Cinematographer, Tanu Weds Manu Tanu Weds Manu Returns).

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

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.

"Rajashree is a teacher par excellence. She can make the most difficult topics comprehensible. She is very patient and understanding, yet strict. Her Sunday classes are ideal for students who want to learn hands-on filmmaking without forsaking their responsibilities towards their work or studies. Its well-designed syllabus is practical-oriented; the theory goes into developing a good understanding  of the fundamentals of story-telling and filmmaking. The course requires the students to write and direct a short film, which may be used as a showreel and can also be submitted to film festivals. Films made by the previous batches have been shown at the International Film Festival of India, Goa, the most esteemed film festival in the country."

Complete Television Magazine

This Sunday course organised by Rajashree is very popular because it has a great faculty, special master-classes, reasonable fees and a convenient location. And because it gives people the opportunity to learn film-making without leaving their jobs or studies.

We have tied up with Humaramovie for the production and distribution of the short films made by the students as a part of the course. Humaramovie is an extremely popular platform for short films with which prominent filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Basu, Vikramaditya Motwane and Rajat Kapoor have been associated. It has more than a million views per month. 

Students would get a lot of hands-on practical experience while doing this certificate course, including making a short film. Many student films made as a part of this course have been screened at the Short Film Center at the prestigious International Film Festival of India, Goa. 

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.


***  “Rajashree taught me how to create 3-dimensional characters, structure the plot, and direct actors, which helped me tremendously when I was writing and directing my movie.” Rakesh Mehta, Rajashree’s ex-student, whose debut feature film, ‘Khuda Kushi’ has won 3 international awards. ***

***  "The next best thing to a course at FTII." - Bharati Hemmady, Rajashree's ex-student.  ***

*** "I have had an amazing experience with Rajashree’s script-writing and film-making workshops. The workshops were structured very well and had a good effective blend of relevant theory, creative discussions on assignments, analysis of classics and hands-on experience in writing a script and making a short film. The workshops were conducted very diligently in a focused manner encouraging participation from all students. I found them to be especially useful for working persons as the structure and organization of the workshop accommodated these aspects very well."         - Rajesh V. , ex-student ***


FACULTY: Our faculty members are FTII alumni and professionals from the film industry. Details about some of the teachers on our faculty are given below: 

RAJASHREE (NATIONAL AWARD WINNER; WRITER-DIRECTOR, THE REBEL; NOVELIST, TRUST ME)

Rajashree, who is organising this course, would be the main faculty. She has been a film buff since she was a kid – she stood in a line for five hours to get tickets for Sholay when it was re-released. She has been working in Bombay after studying direction at the Film and Television Institute of India, Poona. She’s assisted Mansoor Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. A film she wrote and directed, The Rebel, was screened at many film festivals, and won the National Award and the Golden Ten Award. She is serving as a member of the Executive Committee of the Film Writers’ Association. Her critically acclaimed first book, Trust Me, is a lighthearted romantic comedy set in the Bombay film industry. According to figures given by The Times of India and The Sunday Telegraph, Trust Me is the biggest-selling Indian chick lit novel. It has also been published in French by City Editions. She is represented by Isabel Atherton, the director of Creative Authors, a literary agency based in the UK. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Film Writers Association and is the Convenor of the FWA Events Committee.  She has taught at the Film & Television Institute of India, Pune, and some of the best film schools in Bombay. She has been organising courses independently since 2009. http://rajashree.in


GUEST FACULTY

ROBIN BHATT (FILMFARE AWARD-WINNER; WRITER, BAAZIGAR, CHENNAI EXPRESS, KRISSH 3 & TELESERIAL UDAAN)
Robin Bhatt (Writer, Baazigar, Chennai Express, Krish 3)




Robin Bhatt is one of the most successful scriptwriters in India, having written Baazigar, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish 3, Chennai Express and 50 other films. His recent foray into television has proved very popular, with Udaan. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Film Writers Association and the Chairperson of the Welfare Committee of the FWA..


SANJAY GADHVI (STARDUST AWARD-WINNER; DIRECTOR, DHOOM & DHOOM 2)


Sanjay Gadhvi has directed the first two films of the highest-grossing film franchise in India, the Dhoom series. Sanjay's Dhoom was the first action film produced by Yash Raj Films after 16 years and it was followed by his Dhoom 2 which made even more of a bang. The Dhoom films have inspired youngsters to race motor-bikes, join gyms and even try to commit copy-cat crimes!




PIYUSH MISHRA (ACTOR & LYRICIST, GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, DIALOGUE WRITER, AGNEEPATH & GHAJINI)
Piyush Mishra is a prodigiously talented actor, screenwriter, singer, lyricist and music composer. A graduate from the NSD, Piyush bhai is well-known for his performances in Dil Se, Rockstar (the "Image is everything... Everything is image" guy) and Gangs of Wasseypur. He has written the dialogue for The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Agneepath & Ghajini. His songs in Black Friday (Arre ruk jaa re bandhe), Gulal (Aarambh hai prachand) and Gangs of Wasseypur (Ik bagal) have embodied the soul of these films. He has won the Stardust and Zee Cine Awards.

SUDHIR MISHRA (NATIONAL AWARD-WINNER; WRITER, JAANE BHI DO YAARON; WRITER-DIRECTOR, HAZAARON KHWAISHEIN AISI & YEH SAALI ZINDAGI)


Sudhir Mishra is one of the most respected Indian film directors and screenwriters. He was one of the pioneers of the alternative independent cinema movement in India in the 1980s and he is one of the few directors from that era who has remained contemporary. He started his career as a scriptwriter for the cult film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. He made his directorial debut with the film, Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin in 1987 which won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. He went on to make acclaimed films like Dharavi (1991), Main Zinda Hoon (1988), Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (1996) and Chameli (2003), and his best-loved film to date, the 2005 film, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. This was followed by Khoya Khoya Chand in December 2007, Yeh Saali Zindagi in 2011 and Inkaar in 2013. His work has been recognised by the Government of India by him receiving three National Awards, as well as Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government, and a Filmfare Award. He is currently making Aur Devdas, which is Devdas adapted as a political thriller, with a lot of Shakespeare thrown in, specially the Bard's understanding of the virus/drug that is power. 


MAYUR PURI (WRITER, HAPPY NEW YEAR & OM SHANTI OM; LYRICIST, BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN)




Mayur Puriis a popular screenwriter, lyricist and film teacher. He has written the dialogue for many films, including Happy New Year, which is one of the highest-grossing Indian films. He has written the catchy lyrics for the Selfie le le re song from Bajrangi Bhaijaan,  the second-highest-grossing Indian film. He has taught film-making and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Film Writers Association. He has been nominated for the Filmfare and Stardust Awards and has won the Li'l Star Award for the dialogue of Om Shanti Om. And this is just the beginning - "Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost!"


BISHWADEEP CHATTERJEE ( NATIONAL & FILMFARE AWARD-WINNING SOUND DESIGNER, 3 IDIOTS, LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI & PIKU)





A graduate from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Bishwadeep Chatterjee is one of the best sound designers working in the Indian film industry. He has won nine awards, including the National Award for Madras Cafe, the Filmfare Award for Parineeta, & the IIFA Award for 3 Idiots and Madras Cafe..



SANJAY CHHEL (WRITER, RANGEELA, PARTNER; WRITER-DIRECTOR, KHOOBSURAT)

Sanjay Chhel is a popular writer, director and lyricist. He has written Rangeela, Yes Boss, Kismet Konnection, Partner, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji and 20 more films. He has directed Khoobsurat and Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam. Two films which he has written and directed, Kill the Rapist? and Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi will be releasing soon.  He has written more than 1000 episodes for TV (Nukkad, Filmi Chakkar, Philips Top Ten, Krishnaben Khakhrawala, Hitler Didi etc.) He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Film Writers Association.

CHIRANTAN DAS (CINEMATOGRAPHER, TANU WEDS MANU & TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS):  


A graduate from FTII,Chirantan Das is one of the most in-demand cinematographers today, after the uber-success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns.which he shot. He has won the Star Guild Award. He has also shot Dhanak, which was honoured at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival with The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the best feature-length film. 


ASHOK PURANG (CREATIVE PRODUCER, FILMISTAN)

Ashok Purang is the Creative Producer of Filmistaan, the  high-concept feature film which won has won many hearts and awards, including the National Award. He learnt the nuances of theatre under the tutelage of Mr Barry John. He is the founder of two theatre groups Pierrot’s Troupe (estd.1991) & Showbiz Action Players (estd. 2004). For over twenty years, he has been working on Acting Training Methods. He has developed unique and practical methods, which are effective in theatre, as well as TV and films. Being a renowned acting teacher, he has trained a lot of Bollywood actors and upcoming talent. A curator and judge of many short film festivals, Ashok has been a major force behind the new generation of short film makers.

PAROMITA  VOHRA (COLUMNIST & DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER )

Paromita Vohra is known for her documentaries on subjects such as urban life, pop culture and gender. Her latest documentary is Partners in Crime. She has written the screenplay of the feature film Khamosh Pani, which won 7 awards, including Golden Leopard (Best Film), Best Actress and Best Direction at the 56th Locarno International Film Festival, Switzerland. She also writes the column Paro-normal Activity for the Sunday Mid-day.




MANISHA KORDE (SCREENWRITER - HINDI, MALAMAL WEEKLY, BHOOL BHULIAYYA; WRITER - MARATHI, SHUTTER)


Manisha Korde'sfilmography includes a string of extremely successful comedies like Malamal Weekly, Bhool Bhuliayya, Billu Barber, Dhol, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Chal Chala Chal & others: Bmm Bmm Bhole, Kushti, Tum?, Rangrez, Anwar ka Ajab Kissa. She has written the award-winning Marathi films  Prem Mhanje Prem Asta... and Shutter. She is the Joint Secretary of the Film Writers Association.



ANIMITRA CHAKRAVORTY (CREATIVE DIRECTOR, TV SERIAL – AIR HOSTESS)

A graduate from FTII, Animitra has had a long and illustrious career in television. He has worked as a Creative Director with MIditech, one of the most successful production houses making reality shows in India. 

Note: While these esteemed professionals have agreed to conduct guest lectures for this batch, the above list is subject to change and depends on the guest faculty's availability on the specific dates of the lectures.

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.

Rajashree’s Film & TV Direction Course is right for you if you are:

•           A Newcomer to the Film & TV Industry:  The course would equip you to enter the Film and Television Industry professionally as an assistant director and work on feature films, TV programs and advertisements

•           An Animator: You would build on your skills by learning Film & TV Direction. It would make you a better animator, since film-making is such a vital part of animation and special effects. Or, if you want to shift to live action, it would help you do that.

•           A BMM/ BMS Student: The BMS/ BMM course introduces you to various mass media. If you want to specialise in films and TV, this course is just right for you.

•           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.

•           An Aspiring Short Film-Maker: While our 5-month Film & TV Direction Course is designed for people who want to take up direction as a profession, it also serves film hobbyists. The advent of digital technology and You-tube have revolutionized filmmaking. You can make short films independently at an affordable cost after doing the course. Making short films is ideal for those who want to hone their craft and create an impressive showreel to showcase their talents. It’s also a fun hobby for those who are working full-time. These short films can be shown at film festivals, screened on television, and also uploaded on You-tube & social networking sites for lakhs of people to watch. 

•           From the Corporate Sector: The course would add to your qualifications since films are an increasingly important medium of corporate communication & advertising.

*** "Rajashree is like the energy drink Red Bull! She motivates you to spring into action and pushes you to deliver beyond your limits." - Priya Saraiya, Rajashree’s ex-student. ***

The benefits of joining this Film & TV Direction Course are:

•           FACULTY: The course is organised by Rajashree, an award-winning film-maker and bestselling novelist who has taught at the Film & Television Institute of India and some of the best film schools in Bombay. The faculty members are FTII alumni and professionals from the film industry. The guest lecturers who have agreed to conduct master-classes for this particular batch of students are professionals who have worked on blockbusters like the Dhoom series, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Chennai Express, 3 Idiots, Happy New Year, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, and much-loved films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Rangeela, Baazigar, Gangs of Wasseypur, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Piku.

•           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 & TV Direction.

•           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 showreel as well as submit to film festivals.

•           VENUE: The classes will be held in an air-conditioned classroom in Andheri (West).  Since the venue is on S.V. Road, near the railway station, it is very easy to reach.

•           VALUE FOR MONEY: The fees cover the classes, the cost of making the student film, refreshments during classes, a directory of the Film & TV industry and study material like books and cds. A donation of Rs 500 would be given from every student’s fees to an NGO that's working for underprivileged children or for drought-affected people..
 •           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 are sent for film festivals. Many films made by previous batches have been screened at the Short Film Center at the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

•           TIE-UP WITH HUMARAMOVIE: We have tied up with Humaramovie for the production and distribution of the short films made by the students as a part of the course. Humaramovie is a platform for short films co-founded by Preety Ali, Pallavi Rohatgi and Vinay Mishra. They have over 26,000 subscribers to their YouTube channel and more than 18,000 Facebook fans. They have a  viewer base of more than a million viewers per month. HumaraMovie is also associated with directors such as Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, Anurag Basu, Vikramaditya Motwane and Rajat Kapoor who provide them content for the channel.




•           DEMAND FOR FRESH VOICES: The Indian film and television industry is looking for fresh voices. With the success of 'different' kinds of films and TV programs, 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.


CONTACT

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.

DURATION

Full-day classes on 12 Sundays and half-day classes on 8 Sundays over 5 months.

FEE STRUCTURE

The course fees cover the classes, the cost of making the student film, refreshments during classes, a directory of the Film & TV industry 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.

There are two plans for paying the fees:

1.         It is preferable if the student pays the full amount at the time of registration. The fees would be Rs 28,900 for this plan.

2.         It is also possible for the student to pay in monthly instalments, in the form of post-dated cheques (non-refundable) that would be submitted at the time of registration. The fees would work out to Rs 34,700 if the payment is made in instalments. (The option of paying in instalments is available only for those students who can submit a proof of residence in Mumbai.)

The first instalment: Rs 8,900 (Payable at the time of registration)
The second instalment: Rs 8,900
The third instalment: Rs 8,900
The fourth instalment: Rs 8,000

COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS: would be provided to the students during classes.

CHARITY : The administration would give Rs 500 from the fees paid by each student to an NGO that’s working for underprivileged children or for drought-affected people..

STUDY MATERIAL:
The students would be given:
•           Copies of important books
•           Scripts
•           Links to useful websites and free scriptwriting software
•           A directory of phone numbers and addresses of everybody in the Film and TV Industry

COURSE CONTENT: The course has been designed to teach the students the basics of film-making. There is a well-worked-out balance of practicals and theory classes.

The topics that would be covered are:

• The Process of Making a Film 

• The Elements of Scriptwriting: Characterisation, Plot, Setting & Theme

• Scriptwriting: Audiovisual Writing & the Format for Writing the Synopsis, Step-outline, Screenplay and Script for a film

 Introduction to Screen Grammar: What is a shot? The editing transitions that can be used to join two shots: Cut, Dissolve, Fade, Wipe, Bleach. 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.

• Shot Breakdown

• Continuity and the Imaginary Line

• Ways of Shooting

• Preparing for a Shoot

• How to Narrate a Story or Screenplay to Producers & Actors
• Assisting in Direction

• Directing Actors

• Sound Design

• The Principles of Editing

• How to Make Your Own Low-Budget (or No-Budget) film

• Television: Genres & Techniques

• Film History - International & Indian

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.

COMMENTS ABOUT RAJASHREE'S WORKSHOPS BY EX-STUDENTS:

"I had read quite a few books by Syd Field and Robert McKee but most of them had been written keeping in mind Hollywood  movies. After attending Rajashree's workshop I got to know that Bollywood is a different ball game altogether and what works in Hollywood might not necessarily work in Bollywood, or to make it work you need to add those extra spices (masala) to make it palatable for Indian Audience. If you need to know what works in Bollywood and Tellywood (I mean television) per se, the Bollywood Structure, the Rasas etc., then you must attend her workshop."         - Brijesh Bolar

"To me, Rajashree is like the energy drink Red Bull! She motivates you to spring into action and pushes you to deliver beyond your limits. Without her encouragement, I dont think I would have been able to transform my idea into a screenplay .....And with her encouragement came the right dose of constructive criticism......Also it was a great help to share and brainstorm ideas in the presence of other students and see where your idea stands....It is a relief to see so many people sailing in the same boat as you are and trying to get better and getting there.I was actually groping in the dark when Rajashree came as a ray of hope...."         - Priya Saraiya

"This programme gave me the mechanics of writing for features, along with the confidence. But what Rajashree really did was crack the whip, pushing us constantly to keep writing and keep exploring. The lively discussions were the best part of this programme."         - Satish Desa

"You can't open a door by pushing a wall, this is what I realised in the workshop. Rajashree will not only let you open your thoughts but also direct them to a proper way so that we push the door and not the wall."         - Amit Shukla

^_^  Please contact +919769449556 or rajashree.in@gmail.com for more information.