International School of Films and Media, a not-for-profit institute promoted by Annapurna Studios, will start film production this year to give its students hands on experience in making of films.

“We are planning to make at least two films a year. They will be full-fledged commercial films. Our faculty, students and some other stakeholders will take care of all aspects in producing these films,” Mr Kurt Inderbitzin, Chief Executive Officer of the institute, told Business Line.

The institute is promoted by Annapurna Studios. The maiden film by the institute, in all likelihood, will have Nagarjuna in the lead role.

“Perhaps this is the only film institute in the country with a full-fledged functional studio supporting it. This runs on the model of a college-hospital,” Mr Kurt said.

The institute is planning to offer a four-year degree course in film and television production and acting .

“We are in talks with a university to support us in certification. We have announced admission schedule and course will begin in July,” the CEO of one-year-old institute, said.

Quoting a study, he said Indian media and entertainment industry would require 30 lakh jobs in the next 10 years.

Mr Nagarjuna said all the income generated by the institute would be ploughed back into it for its development. Annapurna promoters spent Rs 6 crore on the institute.

kurmanath@thehindu.co.in

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