MUMBAI: English movie channel Pix has launched a new reality TV show on filmmaking called Gateway.

This new TV series is being presented by Pix and Hyde Park Entertainment founder and CEO Ashok Amritraj.

The last date for the entries is 20 December, 2007. A total of 18 contestants will be shortlisted on the reality television series. The winner will get an opportunity to work for Amritraj’s company Hyde Park Entertainment.

Gateway is Pix’s locally produced original television series that will air on the channel. Starring Ashok Amritraj, Gateway will start with a nationwide search for India’s promising new directors.

Every episode of Gateway will be designed to help demystify the craft of movie making for its viewers. At the end of the show four finalists will get to make short films to be aired on Pix while the grand prize winner will get an opportunity to make a directorial debut for a Hollywood film produced by Hyde Park Entertainment.

PIX business head Sunder Aaron said, “Participating in the show is very simple. We want all Indian aspirants to enter and take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Eighteen talented directors will be asked to join the TV series shot in Mumbai, and the winner will actually direct a Hollywood movie. We will help one talented debutant director rise from complete obscurity to become an international film director. Isn’t that worth taking a shot?”

Participants can log on to www.gateway.sify.com, and fill in the application form. Participants also have to submit a two – four minute short film on a subject of choice that exhibits their vision as a director.

Only one entry will be allowed per person and the submitted work must be a work of fiction. The film must be shot in English or should have clear English sub titles for the entry to qualify. While the filmmakers are allowed to use elements of animation, the film cannot be completely animated. The movies must be submitted in a DVD or VCD format to the Pix address mentioned on the site by 20 December, 2007 and the entry is open only to residents of India.

Fifty contestants who submit notable films will be interviewed in the next selection round. Eighteen finalists will be chosen and brought to Mumbai to compete in the final round of the Gateway and appear on the television series aired on Pix.

The ultimate winner will be selected by Amritraj, and will be shipped to Los Hollywood for an intensive eight week internship at Hyde Park Entertainment. During this time, by working under the tutelage of Amritraj and develop the necessary skills to direct a feature length motion picture.