Dated 05th Jul, 2000

A CAREER in films demands a lot in terms of time, effort, money and privacy. Talent, creativity, assertiveness, and a certain amount of luck are necessary ingredients for this highly unpredictable career.

Myth The aura of glitz and glamour and everything being larger than life.

Reality Long, gruelling hours in all kinds of weather, painstaking effort, repetitive often monotonous tasks and endless hours of waiting around.

Myth Good looks, right contacts and a Godfather.

Reality A deep and abiding love for the medium is essential. Combine it with a sense of commitment and interest and one can have a rewarding career.

Myth Professional qualifications are not a must, nor is any training necessary.

Reality Filmmaking requires vision and imagination coupled with creativity. Though a professional qualification is not a must some sort of training is essential either at a film school, or as an apprentice with a director, whether in cinema, TV, documentary or video films.

Myth Stardom need not be achieved; it will be thrust on you.

Reality Beyond mastering your art, you will need to have the determination to succeed. Successful performers need a drive to succeed.

PADMA RAMESH