State-of-the-art film, media facility at Madurai Kamaraj University

MADURAI: Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) has joined the elite list of institutions with sophisticated film and electronic media studies. It was a red letter day for the Centre for Film and Electronic Media Studies Centre as one of the best facilities for film production was inaugurated on Friday. Resul Pookutty, Oscar award winner inaugurated the facilities.Touted to be one of the best centres in terms of modern equipment and facilities it is expected to be much sought after by aspirants waiting to enter the film industry.
The brain child of Kalayani Mathivanan, vice-chancellor of MKU, the centre has the latest required facilities for post-production and production works. The centre started offering courses only three years ago with a five-year integrated M Tech in Film and Electronic Media. It is equipped with a Rs 8 crore worth camera and post-production set up.
The centre is equipped with two shooting floors with high-definition broadcast set up for teaching purpose. Professional 4 K High Definition cameras and 2 K high-definition cameras, five point DTS mixing theatre, dubbing and music effects centre, master colour grading, script lab, graphics and animation lab, VFX lab and audio training lab are already equipped. Technicians who have industry experience and worked in professionally worked in television productions, have been roped in to train the students.
"This is the result of thinking out of the box. When I assumed charge as vice-chancellor of this university I looked around and wanted to do something good. Today, I am satisfied with my work so far," said Kalyani Mathivanan after the inauguration.
Despite the centre having much to offer it is yet to attract the attention of students. This is evident from the fact that only 20 students have enrolled this year although the centre has a capacity to offer 60 seats. The total number of students for all three years put together is just under 35.
To increase the visibility of the centre, the authorities have decided to rope in famous film directors to engage the students. The directors would stay with the students for a while to shoot short films and documentaries. Students would get to know industry work culture and industry work standard.