Spandan Parivar

A Mission…….of the Cinema, for the Cinema, by the Cinema.. A Member of Indian Motion Picture Producer’s Association – IMPPA. Reg. No. 9627. .

Spandan Parivar Cinema Movement is a voluntary organization of artists who have come together to make their impression in cinema and help them nourish and develop their talent and thus get rendezvous with the real artists inside them. The world of cinema is totally different. The rules of this industry are different from those of other industries. In this industry, many talented aspirants do come but very few succeed in truly expressing their art and establishing themselves. Many are attracted to the glamour of this industry but due to the lack of thorough understanding of the structure of the industry, they lose their way. To be a successful artist only talent is not sufficient, one has to have extreme confidence in his/her inherent artistic qualities. It was from the realization of these aspects that the idea of Spandan was born. A group of young artists having vigor and immense confidence wanted to establish themselves in the world of media. They came together and formed this group in 2000. They decided to work together to develop their respective careers and also encourage young aspirants realize their dreams. Spandan as a group devised and adopted a process. A process that boosted your overall confidence, that not only allowed to introspect and explore the artist within you but also improve your academic performance and overall mental and moral development. And above all, facilitate you launch a career in cinema. To make your mark in this media maze. Spandan believes, “You don’t need a GODFATHER, but a GOOD FATHER”

Spandan - As a Social Movement. Whatever we come to know about the film world through newspapers, magazines and television is for the sake of entertainment not information. Due to the existent stereotypes the educated society is prejudiced about making a career in this field. Also, it has been reduced to a medium for escapist entertainment, its tremendous potential as reformative movement being neglected. In the year 2000 Mr. Amarjeet Amle, (Actor, Writer) established “Spandan Parivar Cinema Movement”. The basic motive of this movement is to guide and help people to make a career in cinema. The movement is based upon the concept of a “Family”. A family that shares a common dream. As a member of the family, we share the ups and downs of all our family members, our success stories and our failures. Spandan has five centers and 150 active members all over Maharashtra. We organize seminars for “Awareness of Cinema as a career”. Through these seminars, we illustrate the possibilities of making a career in this field in various capacities – on and off the camera. There is more to this profession than what people seem to know. The seminar aims to educate and orient people towards the viability of a career in the various faculties of this field viz. direction, cinematography, editing, sound design etc. Then we start the 3-month workshop. Many people, who want to make a career in this field, don’t know what to do exactly. Spandan studies their backgrounds, academics and aptitude. There is no educational or age criteria for workshop members. Anyone from any background, of any age can choose any role in a workshop. (After all, Cinema is a product of experiments.) This

eventually leads to knowing and understanding various roles and a possible final choice of profession. The structure of the Workshop. First of all we make a team. Initially we have a few lectures, which help students to understand the story, scenes, shots, production designing, editing and other aspects of cinema. “You cannot learn to swim till you jump in the water”. Few assignments are provided to everyone, which can be completed at home. (E.g. watching movies at home and understanding shots and angles, watching classics and mainstream movies and analyzing them). Through these assignments they learn to comprehend Cinema beyond glamour. We use digital camera to shoot short film projects. The budget is flexible (Rs. 3000 among 7-8 people team to make a 10 min. short film). For us it is not important how good a film can one make, but the how educative the process of filmmaking has been. Mr. Amarjeet always says that, “Like pregnancy. Let it be of a poor woman or a rich woman-the natural process is the same, the pain is the same… In the cinema too, let it be a short film of 10 min. or a feature film of 3 hrs., the process is same.” From choosing a story, developing it and converting it into a script, location hunting, casting, shooting, editing, etc, all processes remain the same. When the short films are made, we have a screening. Everybody invites his or her family, friends and neighbors. Parents, who see the films made by their kids, understand their sensibilities, choices and passion towards their work.

For this 2-month period, all workshop members are under observation. Spandan studies their behavior, sincerity and ability to work hard in this field, after which they become a part of this family. As Spandan is our family, we are very conscious about letting new people enter it. Most of the time people come to us seduced by the glamour, fame and money. For us, how talented you are, is not the basic criterion. Because these skills can be learned. What is important is the human element. A good human being can achieve anything he wants. As Spandan is self volunteered movement, and does not accept any grants from the government or other organizations, every family member has to share the expenses we bear. Spandan applies one-lifetime fee from the member. (Rs. 15000). Spandan & Film and Television Institute of India, (Pune) FTII is the number one film institution in Asia. However, the fact is that many people don’t know that there is such kind of a film institute in this country run by the government and with a highly subsidized fee structure. We always encourage people to study cinema. Let it be Cinema or any other field, 3 years-24X7, only cinema and cinema environment, defiantly shapes your personality for cinema. Having made up your mind to pursue a career in a film related profession of your choice, training at a recognized institute is indispensable. Spandan

guides

and

prepares

students

for

the

FTII

entrance

examination. The study of the cinema techniques and theory starts 3 months prior to the entrance exam. 3 weeks before the exams, all candidates live together 24x7 and prepare for the exam.

It is essential to complete your graduation, to apply to institutes like FTII or NSD (National School of Drama). We recommend everyone to complete his or her graduation. At FTII, students learn filmmaking. As a part of their curriculum, they make short films. The biggest problem faced by them is designing the production of their diploma projects. Since they are here just to study, they don’t have any local contacts to help them. They are exploited by individuals who have no knowledge or experience of filmmaking but claim to help them get access to locations and other resources for a ‘price’. FTII sanctions a budget of Rs. 50,000 for each diploma project. Pressed with a modest budget, the students are constrained to seek help from such individuals and often fall prey to their deception. As a result, the film suffers. Since two years, Spandan has been designing the production of most diploma films. In return Spandan expects nothing but practical filmmaking experience for its members. The members can actually gain live experience by participating in these projects and most importantly make a network of friends and well-wishers. It is these people who are going to be technicians and filmmakers of tomorrow. Anyhow, Spandan and FTII student share a common bond - Cinema.

Development of Members Spandan believes that, “You do not make cinema but cinema makes you.” Spandan aims at all round development of an individual from a very basic level. A. Financial Independency It is important for each member to be financially independent and stable. If one can earn and live on his own, he surely grows confident enough to make his own decisions and take charge of his life. Whether from rich or a poor background, one has to earn enough to live the life he chooses to. Financial stability gives you the force to choose your dream with vigor and vitality and follow it. B. Educational Improvement Many members, who had stopped their education due to personal problems or family responsibilities, have been able to complete their graduation. As Spandan has members from all professions and academic backgrounds viz. Doctors, Engineers, or graduates from all disciplines, they help and guide everyone to complete the education. Spandan

also

recommends

basic

computer

education,

English

proficiency for everyone. These two factors play a key role in today’s world. Every member is also encouraged to take up the basic photography course to understand the basic aesthetics of visual grammar.

C. Psychological Development It is very hard to find your goal in life and keep focus on it. Many factors, distractions push you back. There are already a lot of misconceptions about the film industry in the society. Many a times the wish to pursue a career in this field faces opposition right from your own family. The youth today is blamed for its lack of awareness or responsibilities towards the society. It is time to stop talking and start acting. At Spandan, we aim to make not only good film professionals, but good, aware, socially responsible individuals. After all a good artist is always an informed, organized responsible individual. The process of filmmaking involves teamwork. You develop your leadership, communication, and psychological skills when you work with a team. We want our members to read Good books, watch Good films, listen to good music, see good murals, sculptures and paintings to develop their aesthetic faculties. Lists of activities the we recommend our members to do are as under:

1.

Unknown Mumbai or X city: (understanding the character of a city) Every member has to shoot and develop one roll in 6 months. It helps them to observe and understand their visual perceptions and choices as well as thinking of things beyond their mundane appearance.

2.

Membership Of Film Clubs: There are many film clubs that show good films. It gives you an opportunity to watch the best of world cinema and participate in various events related to cinema.

3.

Educating a street child: This might sound weird. Every member has to take responsibility of educating a street child. The motive is not only social responsibility but also personal growth. Ironically, you learn more from the street child.

4.

Visiting

Art/Painting/Murals

Exhibition:

Visiting

art

exhibitions and writing about what you saw, liked and why?

5.

Editing

Exercise:

Watching

a

film

at

home

and

understanding angles, shots, camera movements as well as the dramatic art of story telling. Also expressing what you liked and did not like in that film. 6.

Participation in Film Festivals.

7.

Participation in short film competitions.

8. Watching movies together and group discussions. 9. Reading, Writing a diary is compulsory.

We hold a stay meeting, once in 6 months. This meeting is to design a syllabus and follow up on all the individually assigned tasks. Also there is a discussion about personal problems and attention to resolve them together.

1. Rajiv Mohite - Director Rajiv is pursuing his Diploma at the London Film Academy. Rajiv, fond of watching films right from his childhood had a hidden desire to be a film director. He finished his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and started working in Larsen & Toubro Ltd. In the meantime he worked with some youngsters at Spandan, equally passionate about filmmaking. A core member of spandan, he directed his first short film "Moad" (Turn) which started his career as a Director. After that he directed "Azaadi" (Freedom) which was based on terrorism and also a song "Tu Kaun Hai..." (Who are you...). He nurtured his filmmaking talent by working on a number of films made under Spandan Parivar Production. In 2005, to further enrich his knowledge of filmmaking, Rajiv enrolled for the Diploma in Filmmaking Course at the London Film Academy, London. While learning the science and technique of filmmaking he made two short films one of which was selected for a short film festival in Poland. Currently he is busy in the preproduction for his new short film. URL: http://www.nokiashorts.com/retrospective/2005_17.php 2. Jayprad Desai - Director Jayprad is pursuing his Masters in Film-making at the New York University, New York, USA. Jayprad – One of the core members of Spandan- has recently completed his diploma film in Mahabaleshwar. Spandan designed its production, art direction and cinematography.

Presently he is working on his feature film script. A computer engineer by education, Jayprad has worked as an assistant director on various films, music videos and commercials in the past. On June 2nd 2007, Jayprad grabbed 2 international awards by DGA (Directors guild of America) for his diploma film ‘Rosebush’ starring Neelkanti Patekar and Sunil Shende. 1. Best Screenplay 2.Best Promising Debut grant from National Board of Review for Motion Pictures 3. Devendra Golatkar - Cinematographer He got his degree as an Electronics Engineer. Devendra joined the movement in 2000 and wanted to become a Cinematographer. He was selected at FTII in his very first attempt. (Only 12 students chosen from all over India every year). He has just completed his diploma. Now after a sixyear journey, he is busy shooting Humne Jeena Sikh Liya, Spandan’s maiden venture. 4. Vijay Kalamkar - Director Vijay is Electronics and Telecommunication Engineer by education. He proved his potential by winning the first prize at the International Film Festival of India, (IFFI, Goa) 2005 for his 20 min. short film “Rang”. Rang was made under the theme - “Nature and Violence”. Vijay played the role of Chief Associate Director in Humne Jeena Seekh Liya. This year, Vijay has got selected for 3 years diploma in Film Editing at Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

He has also made a short film “Tail story”. Vijay handles Spandan Parivar,

Mumbai.

He

guides

members

for

FTII

and

NSD

entrance

examinations. URL: http://www.24x7makingmovies.com/movies/24-rang/ 5. Shraddha Vasugawade – Production Designer. She is a graduate in Graphic Design Art. She has been the Art Director for many short films and worked as an assistant art director on bigger commercial projects. We are very proud to say that she is independently handling the production design of Humne Jeena Sikh Liya. This year, Shraddha has got selected for 3 years course in Art Direction at Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. 6. Subodh Narkar – Editor While working at Anupam Kher’s studio, Subodh never dreamt of editing a film independently. Having edited various short films, made at the workshops conducted by Spandan, his hard work, passion and talent earned him a precious break with ”Humne Jeena Sikh Liya.” 7. Sagar Mohite – Art Director A young professor from Satara, Maharashtra, joined the movement an year ago, and his extreme talent and thinking out-of-the-box has given him an opportunity to be the Art director of Spandan’s maiden feature film. And many more Vijay, Rajiv, Deva, Shraddha are in the pipeline to make their own identity in this field.

For us Cinema is not only a medium of making money. Cinema can have a tremendous impact on society. Spandan has understood this power of cinema…! With such a talent, hard work and morality, Spandan is confident to make quality films, which will make people to think and act!

All that we need is support. Support from good people in the society. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step. We have already taken a giant leap… And it’s still the beginning!

About Humne Jeena Seekh Liya Mr. Milind Ukey is the director of this feature film. The film is based upon a famous Marathi novel Shaala by Milind Bokil. Humne Jeena Seekh Liya is the first Hindi feature film, where all Spandan Parivar members have their active contribution in various forms. Six of them are getting displayed their names with this project in technical credits. 75 of them played the role of crewmember from direction to production.