When a Canadian from a film institute comes to India to conduct a workshop, the chances of him extending his stay are quite good. This is India after all, a cultural melting pot which has always fascinated filmmakers and story writers.
We met Rodger Cove, an instructor of Writing for Film and Television at the Vanciuver Film School when he was mulling one such vacation after his workshop at MOP Vaishnav College for Women at Nungambakkam in Chennai recently. Over sips of filter coffee, Roger shared with us tips to write for television and why he has fallen in love with India:
How has your interaction with students here been so far?
It was great. The students were really engaged, asked lots of good questions, were very courteous, polite and attentive.
What would be your advice to youngsters in India who would like to take up writing for films or Television? Is there something they can do in college itself?
I think they can start anytime. I have produced a few films, and it’s a way of expressing your creativity, having something to say. I think it’s a great experience now with digital technology. And the means of production are in the hands of just your average person, so everyone can do it. It just requires a story to begin the process.
Can anyone be taught writing, or does the person have to have a creative bent of mind?
I think the key is in being creative, having a good imagination. I think most people are creative, but it’s just a matter of being able to structure that imagination in a way that helps tell a story.
Could you describe the writing programme at the institute?
It’s a year-long programme and we cover feature-writing and writing for Television. It’s a very busy and creative year for the students, and a lot of fun.
Is this your first visit to India? Tell us more
Yes, it’s the very first visit (smiles). It’s been fantastic and my colleague and I enjoyed the fact that after wrapping up our college business, we get to take a South Indian vacation and really explore the country. We wanted to go see Goa because the train ride from Bangalore to Goa is really quite spectacular, so for me that’s the number one thing. After that there’s also Kerala and Sri Lanka. We are the kind of travellers who improvise along the way, without any solid plans.
Could you describe the writing programme at the institute?
It’s a year-long programme and we cover feature-writing and writing for Television. It’s a very busy and creative year for the students, and a lot of fun.
Where do you plan to go for your vacation?
Well, as I said our first destination is definitely going to be Goa. We have heard a lot about its beaches and the variety of cultures it brings together. The next might be exploring the other south Indian states and their culture.