SPEAKERS
Dr.
AKASH KHURANA
Dr. Akash Khurana is the CEO and Managing Director of Nimbus Communications Ltd., one of India’s foremost media and entertainment companies. An Engineering Graduate with an MBA from XLRI and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, his professional qualifications prepared him for a management career, which in fact he embarked upon as an executive with TELCO for eight years. He took up a full time career in the media and entertainment industry in the late 1980s. Before that he was already involved in the theatre and was also the founder of the theatre magazine ‘Ovation’. Having directed and acted in many successful theatre productions,he won the Nandi Award of Andhra Pradesh for playing the lead in the Telugu film Dr. Ambedkar.‘Swayam’ directed by Mahesh Bhatt marked his debut as a screenwriter. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay for Baazigar & Aashiqui.
Dr. Akash Khurana is the CEO and Managing Director of Nimbus Communications Ltd., one of India’s foremost media and entertainment companies. An Engineering Graduate with an MBA from XLRI and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, his professional qualifications prepared him for a management career, which in fact he embarked upon as an executive with TELCO for eight years. He took up a full time career in the media and entertainment industry in the late 1980s. Before that he was already involved in the theatre and was also the founder of the theatre magazine ‘Ovation’. Having directed and acted in many successful theatre productions,he won the Nandi Award of Andhra Pradesh for playing the lead in the Telugu film Dr. Ambedkar.‘Swayam’ directed by Mahesh Bhatt marked his debut as a screenwriter. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay for Baazigar & Aashiqui.
Mr.
AJAYSHRI VASHISHT
Ajayshri heads the Business Development & Production arm of one of New Zealand’s premier Line and Post production houses. The facility handles the majority of local TV drama and hundreds of commercials (Ads) as well as providing production services for projects as diverse as “Karishma – A miracle of destinies” for Sahara TV and “under Production” Anaconda - 2 for USA studios. Ajayshri has been active in the Indian market since 1997, working with three major TV networks on their regional offshore plans, as well as with a number of TVC and feature film production houses. He specializes in cost effective budgets and shoots for Indian films, including providing state of the art Post Production, SPFX, CGI, services. The short-term goal is to realize the first Indo-NZ co-production utilising the strengths of both countries to leverage global markets. Working as an executive producer / liaison between countries have given him a breadth of knowledge in production, film markets as well as a unique global perspective on cross-cultural film making.
Ajayshri heads the Business Development & Production arm of one of New Zealand’s premier Line and Post production houses. The facility handles the majority of local TV drama and hundreds of commercials (Ads) as well as providing production services for projects as diverse as “Karishma – A miracle of destinies” for Sahara TV and “under Production” Anaconda - 2 for USA studios. Ajayshri has been active in the Indian market since 1997, working with three major TV networks on their regional offshore plans, as well as with a number of TVC and feature film production houses. He specializes in cost effective budgets and shoots for Indian films, including providing state of the art Post Production, SPFX, CGI, services. The short-term goal is to realize the first Indo-NZ co-production utilising the strengths of both countries to leverage global markets. Working as an executive producer / liaison between countries have given him a breadth of knowledge in production, film markets as well as a unique global perspective on cross-cultural film making.
Born and educated in Delhi, Amit Khanna has been involved with media since school. He has worked in theatre, radio, television, journalism, films and new media. Apart from being an Executive Producer, Amit has also pioneered Indi-pop with several albums & has also written several film scripts including award-winning films like “SARANSH” and ”MAIN ZINDA HOON”. Amit Khanna began actively working in Television as a Producer - Director in 1982 and set up PLUS CHANNEL in 1990. Amit Khanna writes extensively on Media in various magazines and newspapers including regular columns in “The Economic Times” and “Business Standard”. He has been the President - All India Film Producers Council, President - The Film Producers Guild of India, and is currently, President – Earth Communications Office – India Association, Chairman - Convergence Committee of FICCI and e-Entertainment @lliance. Amit Khanna has won several National and International Awards in film and Television.
Mr.
ARIJIT DUTTA
Mr. Arijit Dutta the present President of Eastern India Motion Picture Association. Traditionally involved in movie Production & exhibition business. Some of the pioneering productions being Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pratidwandi, Araneyer Din Ratri, & Tapan Sinha’s Hatey Bazarey etc.Presently heading the Priya Entertainment Group as the Managing Director. The group involves : Theatre Mgmt. Activities, Distribution Activities, Exploring channels for the Bengali movies in the International market successfully & Exhibition activities.
Mr. Arijit Dutta the present President of Eastern India Motion Picture Association. Traditionally involved in movie Production & exhibition business. Some of the pioneering productions being Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pratidwandi, Araneyer Din Ratri, & Tapan Sinha’s Hatey Bazarey etc.Presently heading the Priya Entertainment Group as the Managing Director. The group involves : Theatre Mgmt. Activities, Distribution Activities, Exploring channels for the Bengali movies in the International market successfully & Exhibition activities.
Shri
Govind Swarup
Shri Swarup is a bureaucrat from Maharashtra government serving as a Principal Secretary. However, he has more than fourteen years exposure to the field of cinema & culture. Being creative himself , he has been sensitive to the needs of the film industry. He has also been associated with the formative stages of new movement in Indian cinema. Having the expertise in the Infrastructural development for the entertainment industry and being aware of the trends in world cinema, he is closely associated with the entertainment industry.
Shri Swarup is a bureaucrat from Maharashtra government serving as a Principal Secretary. However, he has more than fourteen years exposure to the field of cinema & culture. Being creative himself , he has been sensitive to the needs of the film industry. He has also been associated with the formative stages of new movement in Indian cinema. Having the expertise in the Infrastructural development for the entertainment industry and being aware of the trends in world cinema, he is closely associated with the entertainment industry.
Mr.
HARRY BAWEJA
After being associated with the theatre at Chandigarh, staging Berdolt, Brechet, etc. he moved to Bombay to make movies. After a short stint as an Asst. Director, he went on to direct his 1st film & shortly later launched his own production company, which churned out successful films like Dilwale, Diljale, Deewane & now the latest ‘Qayamat’ A short story writer & a poet now, totally concentrating on filmmaking with dreams set at canning ‘Films closer to his heart’.
After being associated with the theatre at Chandigarh, staging Berdolt, Brechet, etc. he moved to Bombay to make movies. After a short stint as an Asst. Director, he went on to direct his 1st film & shortly later launched his own production company, which churned out successful films like Dilwale, Diljale, Deewane & now the latest ‘Qayamat’ A short story writer & a poet now, totally concentrating on filmmaking with dreams set at canning ‘Films closer to his heart’.
Mr.
MARTIN CUFF
Martin Cuff, is the Chief Operations Officer of the Cape Films Commissions, Africa’s first film commission. He is the first South African representative on the board of Directors of the Associations of Film Commissioners International. He is also Chairman of the South African Association of Stills Producers and a National Executive Councilor of the Independent Producers Associations of South Africa. Martin additionally spent Five years as the Chief Operations Officer of Sithengi, the Southern African International Film Market and he continues to represent the city and province with that organization.
Martin Cuff, is the Chief Operations Officer of the Cape Films Commissions, Africa’s first film commission. He is the first South African representative on the board of Directors of the Associations of Film Commissioners International. He is also Chairman of the South African Association of Stills Producers and a National Executive Councilor of the Independent Producers Associations of South Africa. Martin additionally spent Five years as the Chief Operations Officer of Sithengi, the Southern African International Film Market and he continues to represent the city and province with that organization.
Mr.
MUNJAL SHROFF, CTO, GRAPHITI
Munjal Shroff is CTO and co-founder of Graphiti Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. He has more than 7 years of experience in the field of Animation. He is a computer engineer with specialization in Image Processing and Database Management. For him Animation is not a profession but a passion. His key thrust area is harnessing new technology to meet creative challenges in the field of Animation. He is the driving force behind Graphiti’s 3D animation production technology and proprietary animation tools development. Graphiti is a concept to completion production house for CGA features.Out-stripping the pace set over seven years, as Indian advertising’s best CG shop, in one short year Graphiti has the most talked about CGA character - Genie on Indian television.
Munjal Shroff is CTO and co-founder of Graphiti Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. He has more than 7 years of experience in the field of Animation. He is a computer engineer with specialization in Image Processing and Database Management. For him Animation is not a profession but a passion. His key thrust area is harnessing new technology to meet creative challenges in the field of Animation. He is the driving force behind Graphiti’s 3D animation production technology and proprietary animation tools development. Graphiti is a concept to completion production house for CGA features.Out-stripping the pace set over seven years, as Indian advertising’s best CG shop, in one short year Graphiti has the most talked about CGA character - Genie on Indian television.
Mr.
NAMIT MALHOTRA
Mr. NAMIT MALHOTRA was the brain behind the project of Prime Focus setting up the Post –Production facilities. He initiated the use of new technologies for Editing, Graphics & Special Effects after undergoing intensive training in the Technical aspect of filmmaking, the most recent being a Color Correction Course in Florida, USA. Under his able leadership, Prime Focus has undertaken during a short period several prestigious projects and phenomenal growth. His most recent achievement has been in installing a Telecine machine in the company, only the second of its kind in Mumbai.
Mr. Namit is acknowledged as a reliable Post production & Special Effects Consultant to not only Ad-filmmakers but also to Music Video makers & renowned feature film makers.
Mr. NAMIT MALHOTRA was the brain behind the project of Prime Focus setting up the Post –Production facilities. He initiated the use of new technologies for Editing, Graphics & Special Effects after undergoing intensive training in the Technical aspect of filmmaking, the most recent being a Color Correction Course in Florida, USA. Under his able leadership, Prime Focus has undertaken during a short period several prestigious projects and phenomenal growth. His most recent achievement has been in installing a Telecine machine in the company, only the second of its kind in Mumbai.
Mr. Namit is acknowledged as a reliable Post production & Special Effects Consultant to not only Ad-filmmakers but also to Music Video makers & renowned feature film makers.
Mr.
NITIN KENI
Nittin Keni is perhaps one of the best known Film and Television professionals in India. He has been involved with Cinema and Television for over 20 years, out of which eight years were with NFDC – National Film Development Corporation of India as General Manager and eight years as Chief of ZEE – India’s first private TV Network. He has worked closely with India’s leading Film Makers like Mahesh Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt, Basu Bhattacharya and other leading film and TV directors. He is credited to have launched and led the team of two of the India’s leading satellite TV Channels, while also producing Films and Television Programs simultaneously. He has made pioneering contribution in establishing the private Television network in India by working in close association with the visionary promoter Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the ZEE and ESSEL Group. Following is his experience in the various fields
Nittin Keni is perhaps one of the best known Film and Television professionals in India. He has been involved with Cinema and Television for over 20 years, out of which eight years were with NFDC – National Film Development Corporation of India as General Manager and eight years as Chief of ZEE – India’s first private TV Network. He has worked closely with India’s leading Film Makers like Mahesh Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt, Basu Bhattacharya and other leading film and TV directors. He is credited to have launched and led the team of two of the India’s leading satellite TV Channels, while also producing Films and Television Programs simultaneously. He has made pioneering contribution in establishing the private Television network in India by working in close association with the visionary promoter Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the ZEE and ESSEL Group. Following is his experience in the various fields
Mr.
Pritish Nandy
PN Communications was started by Pritish Nandy who led the Times Of India Group during the eighties, is now a member of the Upper House of Indian Parliament and writes two columns that, have the highest reach and readership. He has won countless awards as a poet, journalist, editor and television host and received honours too many to list. Including the Padma Shri at 26. He was editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India, Filmfare and The Independent and Publishing Director of The Times Of India. Author of sixty books, Nandy founded PNC in the belief that content will drive the future of media and entertainment. A belief that has finally come true.
In 2000, he moved as head of sister company IndusInd Entertainment, which runs the INMumbai cable TV channel, and, has been at the helm of corporate services for the group for the last two years.
PN Communications was started by Pritish Nandy who led the Times Of India Group during the eighties, is now a member of the Upper House of Indian Parliament and writes two columns that, have the highest reach and readership. He has won countless awards as a poet, journalist, editor and television host and received honours too many to list. Including the Padma Shri at 26. He was editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India, Filmfare and The Independent and Publishing Director of The Times Of India. Author of sixty books, Nandy founded PNC in the belief that content will drive the future of media and entertainment. A belief that has finally come true.
In 2000, he moved as head of sister company IndusInd Entertainment, which runs the INMumbai cable TV channel, and, has been at the helm of corporate services for the group for the last two years.
Mr.
RAJESH JIANDANI
He is the general manager “KODAK”. He is serving Kodak since
1992, vast experience of 11 years. He was previously working in Analog
and Digital areas in entertainment imaging divisions. He is currently
holding responsibilities of sales and technical department of Kodak India
Ltd.
Mr.
RAMESH MEER
Ramesh Meer has been creating visual effects for movies, television and commercials since last 39 years.He has won many awards for his work in films and television. Currently he is working on the visual effects of a stereoscopic 3D film titled Abbra-Ka-Dabbra of which he is also the Technical Director.Ramesh Meer has also presented Technical papers in International forums like IBC Amsterdam, ITVF Montreux, Siggraph as well as in a number of Indian events like that of FICCI, Broadcast India shows etc.”
Ramesh Meer has been creating visual effects for movies, television and commercials since last 39 years.He has won many awards for his work in films and television. Currently he is working on the visual effects of a stereoscopic 3D film titled Abbra-Ka-Dabbra of which he is also the Technical Director.Ramesh Meer has also presented Technical papers in International forums like IBC Amsterdam, ITVF Montreux, Siggraph as well as in a number of Indian events like that of FICCI, Broadcast India shows etc.”
Mr.
Rikin Choksi
In 1999, he co-founded Rikrish SoftWorld, a company which exclusively caters to the needs of filmmakers and Entertainment Industry. He has a rich experience of over 15 years in the field of softwares. He brings his experience of technology to the film community to provide world’s best softwares specially designed to help writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, etc. He has been responsible for creating and spreading awareness about the software tools available for the established, new and aspiring creative professionals in the field of entertainment.
To make people aware about such technolgy marvels available for them, he launched a very exhaustive, comprehensive and informative web-site, www.filmmakertools.com which gives people all the information about software tools that are now becoming must-have essential tools in the filmmaking process.
With his continuous and untiring efforts and endeavours, he has been able to slowly but surely change the face of filmmaking, specially the pre-production process, and now many prestigious films released recently, as well as on the floor have been using his softwares and have benefited tremendously.
He began with a modest attempt in 1999, bringing 4 basic softwares necessary for various stages of filmmaking. With his vision and enthusiasm, he continuously kept bringing new softwares which are helpful to the filmmakers and now he has a portfolio of over 20 softwares which are being offered thro’ his web-site, www.filmmakertools.com Thro’ this convention, he now launches another powerful and useful software, FrameForge 3D Studio, which will be very helpful to writers, cinematographers, directos, asst. directors, set designers, etc.
In 1999, he co-founded Rikrish SoftWorld, a company which exclusively caters to the needs of filmmakers and Entertainment Industry. He has a rich experience of over 15 years in the field of softwares. He brings his experience of technology to the film community to provide world’s best softwares specially designed to help writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, etc. He has been responsible for creating and spreading awareness about the software tools available for the established, new and aspiring creative professionals in the field of entertainment.
To make people aware about such technolgy marvels available for them, he launched a very exhaustive, comprehensive and informative web-site, www.filmmakertools.com which gives people all the information about software tools that are now becoming must-have essential tools in the filmmaking process.
With his continuous and untiring efforts and endeavours, he has been able to slowly but surely change the face of filmmaking, specially the pre-production process, and now many prestigious films released recently, as well as on the floor have been using his softwares and have benefited tremendously.
He began with a modest attempt in 1999, bringing 4 basic softwares necessary for various stages of filmmaking. With his vision and enthusiasm, he continuously kept bringing new softwares which are helpful to the filmmakers and now he has a portfolio of over 20 softwares which are being offered thro’ his web-site, www.filmmakertools.com Thro’ this convention, he now launches another powerful and useful software, FrameForge 3D Studio, which will be very helpful to writers, cinematographers, directos, asst. directors, set designers, etc.
Mr.
Shravan Shroff
Director, Shringar Cinemas Pvt. Ltd.
At 33 years, Shravan Shroff personifies entrepreneurial sprit at its effervescent best. An alumnus of Melbourne Business School, Australia, he has been instrumental in spearheading the concept of introducing modern, plush and comfortable cinema halls in Mumbai.Shravan is an avid movie lover and aims at promoting the Indian Film Industry in International forums. He is a member of he Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization; a US based non-profit educational organization for business owners under age of 40 years. Presently he has been elected as the Co-Chairman of the Entertainment Sub-Committee of CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) Mumbai. Shravan’s vision is to institutionalize the film trade business by being the first organization to Produce, Distribute and Exhibit films under the same banner.
Director, Shringar Cinemas Pvt. Ltd.
At 33 years, Shravan Shroff personifies entrepreneurial sprit at its effervescent best. An alumnus of Melbourne Business School, Australia, he has been instrumental in spearheading the concept of introducing modern, plush and comfortable cinema halls in Mumbai.Shravan is an avid movie lover and aims at promoting the Indian Film Industry in International forums. He is a member of he Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization; a US based non-profit educational organization for business owners under age of 40 years. Presently he has been elected as the Co-Chairman of the Entertainment Sub-Committee of CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) Mumbai. Shravan’s vision is to institutionalize the film trade business by being the first organization to Produce, Distribute and Exhibit films under the same banner.
Mr.
SHONJAY BHATTACHARJII
A man who is passionate about the bussiness of film-making, its marketing & distribution as much as filmmakers are about films. Born in a film family and having worked with some of the top names in the film industry, Shonjoy Bhattacharjee is the name who knows the industry inside out. To add to this Mr. Bhattacharjee joined UTV in 1992. He handled the entire gamut right from Ad films to documentaries to TV serials. The next decade was full of lights, camera & action as his intensity and dedication went beyond the ‘just doing the job’ mentality. In 1995, Mr. Bhattacharjee dawned the mental of ‘heading the newly created films division – UTV Motion Pictures. He was involved in Co-Production of Domestic & foreign films as well as distribution of films like Hyderabad Blues, Tere Mere Sapne, Major Saab, Fiza, Hera Pheri, Mission Kashmir & the Oscar nominated Lagaan.
Currently he is handling consulting work independently for several films.
A man who is passionate about the bussiness of film-making, its marketing & distribution as much as filmmakers are about films. Born in a film family and having worked with some of the top names in the film industry, Shonjoy Bhattacharjee is the name who knows the industry inside out. To add to this Mr. Bhattacharjee joined UTV in 1992. He handled the entire gamut right from Ad films to documentaries to TV serials. The next decade was full of lights, camera & action as his intensity and dedication went beyond the ‘just doing the job’ mentality. In 1995, Mr. Bhattacharjee dawned the mental of ‘heading the newly created films division – UTV Motion Pictures. He was involved in Co-Production of Domestic & foreign films as well as distribution of films like Hyderabad Blues, Tere Mere Sapne, Major Saab, Fiza, Hera Pheri, Mission Kashmir & the Oscar nominated Lagaan.
Currently he is handling consulting work independently for several films.
Mr.
TERRY GRUBER
Mr.GRUBER , is the film commissioner of the LA COMMUNIDAD VALENCIANA. However he has more than 35 years of experience in the field of PUBLIC RELATION. He has worked with world’s famous personalities starting from President Clinton, Madonna, Gianni Versacci and the list goes on. He has also worked with major MNC’s like IBM, Sheraton Hotel corporations, Trans World Airlines etc. he has organized certain major events like The Bee Gees concert, Pavarotti on Miami Beach,IMAX Theaters etc. He has been a member of Florida Commission for Film and Television. He is on the board of the Ft. Lauderdale International and also the President “Storyboard Locations Inc”.
Mr.GRUBER , is the film commissioner of the LA COMMUNIDAD VALENCIANA. However he has more than 35 years of experience in the field of PUBLIC RELATION. He has worked with world’s famous personalities starting from President Clinton, Madonna, Gianni Versacci and the list goes on. He has also worked with major MNC’s like IBM, Sheraton Hotel corporations, Trans World Airlines etc. he has organized certain major events like The Bee Gees concert, Pavarotti on Miami Beach,IMAX Theaters etc. He has been a member of Florida Commission for Film and Television. He is on the board of the Ft. Lauderdale International and also the President “Storyboard Locations Inc”.
Mr. YASH CHOPRA
With 40 years in the film making industry, Yash Chopra has carved a distinct
identity for himself and the films he directs. The central theme of his
movies being love, it attracts a universal audience. Therefore it comes
as no surprise that Yash Chopra has created a strong foothold in an industry
for as long as four decades.
Starting his career with his brother B.R. Chopra of the TV serial ‘Mahabharat’ fame, Yash Chopra soon started off under his own banner ‘Yash Raj Films’ in 1970. Since then we have been witness to the numerous films artistically crafted and implemented by the legend in movie making. A hint of this directorial superiority can be gauged by the huge fan following as well as the recognition received from those in the movie industry in the form of awards.
Yash Chopra founded Yash Raj Films in 1971, setting himself up independently from BR. From 1973 he produced many of his own films. His highly successful period began in 1989 with Chandni, a huge box-office success, a film with all the hallmarks of what has come to be known as the Yash Chopra style: heroine-oriented, romantic, emotional, depicting the lifestyle of the super elite, with superhit music used in songs picturised in foreign locations.
Perhaps it was the change in the mood of the viewing public in the late 1980s and the revival of the romantic movie (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988, Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989) that allowed Yash Chopra to re-emerge not only as the only survivor of his generation but to reclaim his position at the top.
Starting his career with his brother B.R. Chopra of the TV serial ‘Mahabharat’ fame, Yash Chopra soon started off under his own banner ‘Yash Raj Films’ in 1970. Since then we have been witness to the numerous films artistically crafted and implemented by the legend in movie making. A hint of this directorial superiority can be gauged by the huge fan following as well as the recognition received from those in the movie industry in the form of awards.
Yash Chopra founded Yash Raj Films in 1971, setting himself up independently from BR. From 1973 he produced many of his own films. His highly successful period began in 1989 with Chandni, a huge box-office success, a film with all the hallmarks of what has come to be known as the Yash Chopra style: heroine-oriented, romantic, emotional, depicting the lifestyle of the super elite, with superhit music used in songs picturised in foreign locations.
Perhaps it was the change in the mood of the viewing public in the late 1980s and the revival of the romantic movie (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988, Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989) that allowed Yash Chopra to re-emerge not only as the only survivor of his generation but to reclaim his position at the top.