Film whiz works his magic

CHENNAI: Media isn't for everybody, I tell most people to avoid it," he says. Scarcely the words you'd expect to hear when seated across the table from the CEO of the recently established International School of Film and Media in Hyderabad. California-born Kurt Inderbitzin, who was in Chennai on Sunday to present a workshop for aspiring filmmakers is quite clear about the pros and cons of the business.  For a person who has produced TV shows for networks like CBS and ABC and also previously headed the acting school, Whistling Woods International, the man is full of surprises."Honestly, I can't think of a single thing that is different in Hollywood from what I've seen in India." But what about cultural differences in films? After a bit of prodding, he says, "Not really," and goes on to add, "Today's urban Indian has grown up watching sitcoms such as ER, Friends, Seinfeld and I see the 'norms' getting flatter." He illustrates his point through Delhi Belly.  "When I saw it, my first thought was that the censor board would have gone beserk with this material five years ago!" Bollywood musicals on the other hand, he admits, are not his cup of tea.  Kurt gets talking about some of the big names who frequent the International School of Film and Media (ISFM) as guest faculty.  These names include Prakash Raj, Nagarjuna, Anushka and even director Mani Ratnam.  "We hope to make about two films every year at the school," he reveals, which are "commercially viable and with a star cast," he adds for effect.When asked about international exchange programmes for students, Kurt immediately lights up with enthusiasm, "There is one programme that we have in the pipeline for Indian students to go abroad and another in which professors from film schools from the US will make the trip here." So, what is the future of Indian film students? Kurt doesn't hesitate, "From what I've seen, India has the capacity to produce anything at any level."  He praises Ra One for its special effects. "But what you don't have is an expanse of talent and production houses. America has 3,000 film schools, but India has maybe a reputed three?" he asks.  A search on the Internet resulted in the listing of 15 such institutes, but point noted.No doubt, a change is coming.