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I am interested in a career in film direction. Is this a safe career option? What are the skills one should have to enter this field? Should I join a film school after completing my graduation in commerce or after Std XII?

Film directors are responsible for the overall shape or treatment of the film. They should be able to give the right instructions to the technical experts in order to obtain the desired results. To get into film direction you not only need a passion for film-making but also skills like leadership qualities, ability to bring out talent in others, creative instincts as well as managerial and administrative abilities.

There are diploma, post diploma and even certificate courses available throughout India. A good course introduces aspiring directors to the craft of film-making and the art of visual narrative. Some of the institutes include: Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune; Whistling Woods International, Mumbai; Zee Institute Of Media Arts (ZIMA), Mumbai; Asian Academy of Film and TV.

Different institutes have different eligibility and admission criterion. Duration and eligibility of a course depends on the course one opts for and the institution chosen. For example, FTII offers a three-year PG diploma in direction for which eligibility is a bachelor's degree.

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My dream is to be a magazine journalist. I constantly read magazines and am fascinated by them. I've always wanted to work at a successful magazine. I would like your advice about qualifications, how to work in a magazine company, etc. that could help me with a career in the industry.

To become a journalist, you should go for courses like Bachelor's in Journalism/Mass Communication. Many corporations do not require a specific specialization and some students do perform quite well without specialized education in journalism. However, an advanced degree can offer an edge, it does teach the basics of journalism; what is news, how to gather information, how to think on your feet, how to conduct an interview, how to write a good story, etc.

Journalism is not all glamour; it is serious and responsible work. Join this field only if you're passionate about knowing what is really happening in society and conveying it correctly to the readers. Meanwhile, to develop your communication skills, start writing, maybe for your school magazine or some website or even a magazine like The Teenager Today. Maturity, objectivity and a sensible train of thought are essential.

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I want to do B.M.M. Is there a good scope in Mumbai? What are the job opportunities in this field?

Bachelor in Mass Media (BMM) teaches students the skills necessary for careers in reporting, writing and editing functions with newspapers, wire services, magazines and special publications. It has been designed to provide students with a firm grounding in communication skills, critical thinking and creativity.

During the course, emphasis is given to field assignments and practicals. A good course in journalism gives you the chance to do an internship with some of the best names in business, besides teaching the basic skills.

Students of B.M.M. are usually employed by newspapers and magazines, television channels, radio stations, websites and other media. Some of them do freelance work. Due to an increase in the number of TV channels, radio stations, websites, suburban weekly and daily newspapers there is an increase in jobs in this field. Some find this field too stressful and hectic, or don't like the lifestyle and transfer to public relations or advertising work.

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