Short and sweet presentation
DOCUMENTARIES are much in vogue with young aspiring filmmakers
Photo: M. Moorthy Enthusiastic Learning the art of filmmaking
If you have a story to tell, keep it short. Only then perhaps you would do it better than you imagined.
This was the message drilled into aspiring film-makers from the city, where recently a series of short films were screened and workshops conducted. Earlier considered to be a part of the serious genre, short films and documentaries now top the hobby list of youngsters.
Thanks to technological minimalism. It has made the job much easy and attractive for amateurs to try their hand.
But how serious are the would-be moviemakers about short-films? Committed
Quite committed, if one were to go by P. Thirunavukarasu, Editor of ‘Nizhal,’ a bi-monthly film magazine, and a core member of ’Nizhal’ Film Society, Chennai.
“Many have come to realise that this is the most effective medium,” he asserts.
During his workshop conducted in coordination with ABV College of Catering and Film Technology, he insisted on experimental efforts and strong script for the short films.
Amid the 100-odd youngsters at Nizhal’s workshop, there was a 60-year-old enthusiast, Mohan, who took to short film training on all five days.
“My son works as an assistant director. Getting into film industry was my long-cherished desire. I’m glad that I get to handle the camera at least,” says Mohan, gently patting the handy-cam gifted by his son. Brisk business
Contrary to the popular conception that short films are commercial failures, Mr. Thirunavukarasu unfolds the long list of films that are doing a brisk business in the form of CDs and DVDs. “South Indians, especially, have come up with interesting themes such as thrillers, comedy and love. Though the sale is confined to a small circle, profit rate is pretty high,” he reveals.
“Filmmaking was unnerving till a few years ago owing to the cost factor. Even a 90-minute film demanded established actors and technicians that shot up the cost,” recalls K. Ramachandra Babu, cinematographer and the pioneer of Cineku, cinema’s very own version of haiku. With handy-cams and free editing softwares available now, the cost of making an hour-long shoot doesn’t exceed Rs.100.
Short films are no more synonymous with serious narratives on flood, hunger or poverty. When BONSAI, a Chennai-based short-film society, hosted a workshop for visual communication students here, many groups came up with hilarious presentations on ‘roadside tricks’ and ‘advertisement gimmicks.’
“Short films can make any plot interesting with its brevity. We zero in on visual communication students because they are comfortable with the technology and have a flair for filmmaking. All we do is to teach them the nuances,” says S. A. Subramaniam, workshop coordinator.
Film Director Balaji Sakthivel predicts that short films will soon rule the film industry. “The conception of short films as a medium to broadcast serious stuff should change. Filmmakers can come up with full-time entertainers in this genre,” he suggests. Challenging though it may be, a 30-minute entertainer will have a greater impact than three-hour-long movie, he feels.
Documentaries have lured many wannabe filmmakers who dreamt of getting into tinsel town but got bogged down by the cost factor. “That’s one reason why there is a spurt in the number of students getting into visual communication. Many of them realise their dreams through short films. These can be a creditable portfolio to show off one’s skills.” Popularity
To play its part in spreading the popularity of short films, the city-based Nimai Gosh Film Society has planned to organise workshops and screening of classics in that genre. "While the curiosity about making a short film is high among youngsters, many falter while executing their ideas. Creativity, though innate, could just need some fine-tuning," says the secretary of the Society Ponnidasan. The Society will soon announce short-film contests for Tiruchiites.