An opportunity to hone your acting skills

Updated on: Monday, January 04, 2010

The recent trend in Tamil film industry has made it clear that lesser known actors with excellent acting skills can make a mark in the field and give successful numbers . Movies such as Subramaniayapuram, Chennai 600028 and Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu are a few examples.

In this context, a new course in acting to be launched by the School of Media Studies, Loyola College, Chennai, on January 18, is a significant one. For those with a penchant for acting, the short-term certificate course in acting will go a long way in tapping their innate talent and sharpening their skills.

“Most importantly, there is no minimum education qualification or age restriction to be eligible for this course. All that I am looking for is immense talent and interest in acting,” says Fr. Dr. S. Rajanayagam, dean, School of Media studies, Loyola College. Therefore, anyone interested can apply for this course.

This course focuses on cinema. Participants will learn to use their body to express, to perform in front of live audience and in front of the camera. They will be trained to act comfortably in films. “The focus in this programme will not be on compeering, anchoring, video jockeying, and interviewing. The syllabus is 100 per cent film-oriented. The course provides scope for acting in TV serials,” Dr. Rajanayagam said.

The motto of the department is “Master the craft with master craftsman” and therefore, 80 per cent of the faculty members for this course will be from the Tamil film industry.

Well-known Tamil film directors R. Parthipan, Thangar Bachan, Vishnu Vardhan and Vetrimaran have been roped in to conduct the course. Actors Jeyam Ravi, Vishal and Vijay will deliver guest lectures. Alumni of the department will also lend a helping hand in running the programme successfully.

“We have the necessary infrastructure in place and that includes an air-conditioned acting workshop, a hall with mirrors on all the walls and cameras. This will help students overcome inhibitions in acting. At the end of the programme, participants will get a portfolio in a DVD format,” Dr. Rajanayagam said.

The intake for the first batch will be 25. This course is one of its kind to be launched in arts and science college in Tamil Nadu.

Course in visual effects

The department of animation, School of Media Studies, offers diploma in visual effects, animation and game design.

Hollywood visual effects director Brian M Jennings, well-known for his work in Dasavatharam, is the honorary course director for this course. This course will be most suitable for those with necessary talent and aptitude and they can specialise in animation and special effects. The course begins on January 18.

An opportunity to hone your acting skills

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