Bollywood--Here I Come

[sunrise]

the world famous Director Satyajit Ray made films in Bengali

...using soft natural lighting, mostly from bouncers, out of pure neccesity. Some of the finest low budget cinematography ever.

Thanks for your comments, Tanya. But although it may result in funny names, people tend to understand the world from their own point of view. Little was known about Indian cinema in the western world till recently. And if some asked you about the movie industry in India, you would most likely reply "It's like Hollywood, in Bombay", since it is the most precise explanation you can give to a westerner.

Since this has gone so much out of hand, I'd like to comment that African Cinemas show more Indian films than Hollywood films (Also from the fact that there is a large Indian upper class community in especially Eastern African countries.)

I'd love to go in to a cinema in Dar es Salaam to watch an Indian film, and catch Nigels name on the credits...

michael

[Nigel]

Tanya--

I don't think that my comments are degrading to Indian Cinema at all. Actually, I would say the opposite--I am excited and somewhat honored that I got the call.

Good Luck

[steve hyde]

Satyajit Ray's Apu Trillogy is one of the greatest acomplishments in cinema, to be sure. Hands down... And I agree that Indian cinema is underepresented in the west and is far more diverse than many people (in the west) realize. ...

I didn't read Tanya's comments as suggesting that you specifically were degrading Indian Cinema by calling it "Bollywood", I read her comments as an expression of frustration over a lack of acknowlegement concerning the breadth of artistry in Indian Cinema in general. Labels are always problematic. In this case I suppose it depends on whether someone feels being compared to Hollywood is a compliment or an insult. It's a matter of perception and perception is always situated somewhere regardless of whether that somewhere is east or west. I use the Bollywood term myself. I'll take Tanya's input into consideration next time I do.

Nigel, have fun with this project. I hope I get a chance to see it.

Since we are on the topic of "eastern" cinema, I should say I just saw a great film called "Rang-e khoda" or "The Color of Paradise"(1999) written and directed by Majid Majidi (Iran). It is one of the most powerful works of cinema that I've seen lately. This film exhibits strong visual story telling. Much of the character development is achieved largely without dialogue. It's beautifully photographed on 35mm.

I recommend it.

Cheers,

Steve Hyde

[S8W]

I don't think I was trying to be critical. Its just that I am from India and have worked in Mumbai. And it is quite a unique place to work in. Some people will try to take you for a ride - but thats the same world over.

The term Bollywood was made up from Bombay which has since changed from its colonial name and is now called Mumbai. Thats where most of the Hindi language films are made. But its South India Chenai (Madras) where most of Indias films are made. Other fiilm studios are Poona (central india) Bengal (east), Delhi and Chandigarh (Punjab).

It is worth noting that most of the cameras tend to be of Russian origin and films are about 100% shot on 35mm anamorphic these days. It is rare for films to have live sound, sound is almost always dubbed (post synced).

Television is all video based hardley any film is used apart from commercials and muic videos. Until the 1980's there was only one TV Channel run by the state. TV didn't take off until the Asian Games were held in india in 1981/2 and were televised. Now there are so many TV Channels churning out dramas etc.

Since the 1980's foriegn films have been shown in Indian Cinemas frequently, Jurrassic Park was dubbed in Hindi, However Hollywood films haven't really had an impact on the Indian film Industry.

Just thought I'd give a bit of a background.

T

[T-Scan]

What's Bollywood?

I guess my question's been answered. never heard the term before today. know nothing about Indian cinema either. I guess it's at least doing well for itself. I have my own opinions toward Hollywood, but don't see it as trash talk.. sounds to me like they mean business 8) I mentioned it to my work friend that just got back from India, she says these films are huge productions. Nigel may be quite busy.. Good luck man.

[sufian]

Damn nigel, I'm jealous! :lol:

That's a good break dude, and best of luck with it. Let us know who the director is because I'm personally a big fan of Bollywood.

My first film, One Twenty, I'm going to dub in Urdu aswell (language understood by almost everyone in India and Pakistan).

I really want to create a short film in Hindi/Urdu, mainly because there is a lack of short films in those languages and I'll be filling in a niche market

So yeah, have fun working there, and keep us updated