Noted film actors Mr Akkineni Nageswara Rao and his son Mr Nagarjuna have set up International School of Film and Media here.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr Nagarjuna said the school would have tie-ups with media houses to produce talent that suited their needs. Located at the 22-acre Annapurna Studios owned by the Akkinenis, the school would have courses in all the 24 trades associated with film production.
Besides having all the production and post-production facilities at the studio, the school would soon have one lakh sq ft of space for classes. “We are going to invest all income back into the school itself. We will invite veterans in the industry to teach students occasionally,” he said.
To begin with, it would offer courses in film-making, direction, story writing and photography. It was not just about the conventional aspects of films and media. “We will also focus on new media. For one, we are offering a short-term course that would help people build applications for iPhone and iPad,” said Mr Kurt Inderbitzin, the Chief Executive Officer of the school.
HR shortage
The film and media industries would need 30 lakh trained professionals in the next 10 years. Initially, the school would train 500 people in various short-term courses and 500 more in other courses.
Nimmagadda Foundation, started by Matrix Laboratories Founder and Chairman of VANPIC (Vaderavu and Nizampatanam Ports and Industrial Corridor), donated Rs 1 crore for awarding scholarships at the school.
Consultancy services
The school would have agreements with film production and media houses for sourcing of professionals. It would also take up consultancy services. “We will teach what the industry thinks students should learn,” Mr Nagarjuna said.