KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts

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The Government of Kerala proposes to set up an institute of visual science and arts at Kottayam in the name of the late K R Narayanan, former President of India, under the aegis of Centre for Continuing Education Kerala (CCEK).  The institute is proposed to be named as “K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts”,

The establishment of a film institute will only be the fulfillment of the long-felt need of the people of Kerala. At present there is no film institute under the State Government. The Governments of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Orissa have set up film institutes at Adayar, Pune, Kolkata and Cuttack respectively. These institutes have already made their mark in the film world.  Barring the Pune Film Institute, all other institutes are purely commercial ventures.  Even the Pune Institute has not been equipped to do research, and consequently those who want to pursue higher studies invariably go abroad.  This causes a drain on the country’s Foreign Exchange reserve.  It is high time the state of Kerala also had one such establishment.

Accordingly, the state government thought of setting up a film institute, considering the immense employability chances available in the field.

Hence, if an institute of international standard like the London Film Institute is set up in Kerala, it will be of great use and help to the youngsters of our country who aspire for a career in the visual media, as they could get professional training in a field that is ever expanding, thereby enhancing their chances of employment.   With the rapid development of technology, the film field also has to be attuned to the changes.  Hence there is also scope of re-training to the existing personnel, in addition to the aspirants, to the field.  Other than the regular programmes, the institute proposes to offer postgraduate courses and also Ph D. Programmes.

The Government of Kerala has identified an ideal locale for the institute: it is a picturesque spot 30 km away from the town of Kottayam. A few acres of vacant land there can be utilised for the purpose without having to evict anybody.   The establishment will also boost the development of the place—Akalakkunnam, since the place will no longer be a sleepy, obscure village in Kerala once the institute is established there.  The over-all beauty and charm of the place will not be affected by the construction of a few Kerala style buildings. Filmy-folks, generally taken to be lovers of Nature, will not indulge in any activity that will spoil the breath-taking beauty of this sleepy countryside.

The foundation stone for the Institute was laid on January 6, 2006, by the Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.

The establishment activities of the Institute are in progress.

Key factors

The KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science & Arts is an innovative venture in professional film training for a new generation of filmmakers. It will breathe fresh air into film education and training in INDIA. The Institute prides itself on being able to offer:

  • A high standard of professional film and video production and postproduction facilities.
  • An impressive team of freelance tutors–all of whom are practicing professionals in the film and TV industry .
  • A newly-converted building in the institute with studio, lecture room, screening theatre and editing suites.
  • As a non-profit making organization we are under no financial pressure to meet profit margins. Our entrance criteria are based on merit and not on ability to pay. All students must meet our basic selection requirements and demonstrate a proven enthusiasm and commitment to filmmaking.
  • The Institute is dedicated to providing a high standard of affordable film education and is fully committed to equal opportunities. For this reason, the course fee will be kept as low as is feasible, without compromising the quality of the training.
  • The selection criteria for the Courses will be based on written and visual submissions and an interview with the Institute tutors. The Institute encourages an intake with a balanced cultural diversity. Foreign students can be attracted to our institute–it can then earn much foreign exchange.
  • Job opportunities all over the world can be opened to our youth.
  • Tailor–made courses can be conducted for training the already working untrained people in the visual medium like TV- channels, etc.  The present 20% trained people in the visual medium can be increased to 100%.
  • Films and TV programmes in English and other languages increase foreign market.
  • Opportunities for advanced studies like postgraduate courses, Ph D etc.
 
Courses proposed Phase I

• Video Production and Programme Designing
• Script Writing and Direction
• Videography and Digital Still Photography
• Linear and Non-linear Editing & Sound Recording
• Diploma in Filmmaking ( One Year)
• Introduction to Filmmaking Certificate (one month full time or nine weeks part time)
• Language of Film Certificate (one month)
• Tailor-made courses for the beginners and for those who are already working in the field without training

• Visual languages and communication
• Technical language for film and TV writing and directing
• Professional language of cinematography,  videography, editing and recording.
• Editing and recording
• Production Orientation
• Airbrush Media Makeup,
• Editing on AVID DV Xpress,
• Film Research,
• Short Film Production,
• Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling for Features,
• Introduction to Film Lighting and
• Composing Music for Film.

Phase II

• Introduction of postgraduate courses
• Film Direction & Screen play writing
• Screen play writing and film aesthetics
• 3D- Animation and advanced creative process
• Video Production and Mass media management.
• Sound Recording and Sound Engineering
• Acting / Dubbing and anchoring, News reading etc.
• Master classes like Director vs. Crew
In addition, the Institute will run a series of events open to the public, featuring Indian directing talent, as well as sessions with key practitioners in cinematography, screenwriting, editing and production.

 
Phase III

International Research Centre for Cinema and Television meant for  Ph D. in Screen play writing and Film Aesthetics
Graphic Designing and Animation for audio -visual medium