Balaji starts media courses

Ekta Kapoor proposes short 3-6 month film courses for acting, direction and editing, says it’s a better way to test your aptitude for the industry before you decide to take the plunge.

Ekta Kapoor, head of Balaji Motion Pictures, is proposing a different kind of media education system. She says, “Instead of the two or four year courses that are the norm today, I am proposing short term courses to educate youngsters. They can do this along with their regular studies.”

HT Image

Under ICE, her education institute, Ekta will run courses for acting, direction, editing, cinematography, sound recording, production, script writing and so on.

The producer says her aim is to infuse new talent in the industry and have the first chance to tap it too. “Generally in media courses you do a year or two and then decide if you want to pick X or Y specialisation. With the modules I am proposing, you don’t give two years of your life to something and then realise you messed up. Since you continue with regular studies at the same time, at the end of it you are ready to take up both conventional and media professions.”

Hands-on experience is important for media professions, she adds. “We give students a chance to try their hand at direction, writing, while they continue to study. It’s like doing a painting class along with studies.”