MUMBAI: Motion Picture Distributors Association India (MPDA) has inked a partnership with Whistling Woods International (WWI) to manage a selection process, which will identify a promising new filmmaker to attend the MPA CICE Film Workshop in Beijing on 1 – 2 December, 2011.
The MPA CICE Film Workshop aims to bring together senior international and Indian film industry professionals and emerging filmmakers to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on filmmaking craft, business and technology. The workshop also aims to provide an opportunity for filmmakers to develop their careers, build networks and potentially collaborate on new projects.
“We at Whistling Woods International are truly honored with this alliance, as MPA is arguably one of the largest bodies that represents the interests of major motion picture companies in the global marketplace. This alliance will provide our students exposure to global standards of filmmaking, an opportunity to exhibit their talent on an international platform and a world-class experience of how meaningful cinema can be created with the right guidance and excellent facilities. This is truly an opportunity which we are ecstatic about and hope to create wonderful cinema,” said Whistling Woods International president Meghna Ghai-Puri.
MPDA managing director Uday Singh added, “MPDA-India has been working very closely with the local film community to strengthen our relationship and cross-promote the Indian film industry with the international film industry. We have talented and creative young minds who are eager to accept such an opportunity to grow and expand their horizons. Whistling Woods International is one of the top ten film institute in the world and we are glad to associate with such a world-class film school and encourage talented filmmakers of tomorrow.”
MPA-WWI will organize a filmmaking competition among the students at WWI. Out of the total submissions, 10 top 60-second trailers or short films will be selected by an expert jury of established filmmakers. One film will be chosen as winner to be selected to attend the film workshop in Beijing.
The MPA CICE Film Workshop will be presented by a number of Chinese and international film practitioners, likely to include: Xue Xiaolu (written and directed Ocean Heaven, starring Jet Li), Lora Chen (Professor at the Beijing Film Academy), Sid Ganis (Producer of Big Daddy, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and Mr. Deeds and the critically acclaimed Akeelah And The Bee), Harris E. Tulchin (Lawyer and author), Ira Deutchman (Managing Partner of Emerging Pictures, a New York-based digital exhibition company), Alister Grierson (Australian film director and scriptwriter), Bec Smith (agent in the Motion Picture Literary Department of leading talent and literary agency UTA), John Polson (award-winning actor and director) and Pauline Chan (Australian-Chinese writer, director, actor and producer), amongst others.
The MPA CICE Film Workshop is a two-day program focussing on a range of hot topics of interest to filmmakers from the Asia Pacific, such as: Opportunities for growth and innovation in the screen industry in China, Co-production and business opportunities between China and the international community, Developing a script that works, Producing feature film and television in the US, All things digital, 3D and creative approaches, Welcome to China: Working with government, creative partnerships, conducting good business and legal tips, Innovative and entrepreneurial ways to develop your filmmaking career and Feature film script pitching competition.
