PIX series 'Gateway' begins production at Whistling Woods Intl

Mumbai, Jan 22 (UNI) ''Gateway'', India's first reality show on filmmaking, today announced its association with Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International (WWI) here.

The 12-episode series will be shot on the extensive campus of the unique educational institution of WWI, offering cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment.

Starring Ashok Amritraj, ''Gateway'' features 18 contestants from the country, who will compete intensively over the next several weeks to get a chance to direct a Hollywood film produced by Amritraj's Company Hyde Park Entertainment. The winner will also receive an intensive eight-week internship with Ashok Amritaj and Hyde Park Entertainment in Los Angeles.

The filmmaker will use the internship to learn the intricacies of both the art and business of film-making in Hollywood before embarking on direction of the Hyde Park Entertainment produced film.

Established directors like Anurag Basu of ''Gangster'' and ''Life in a Metro'' fame and Rajat Kapoor, who is best remembered for ''Mixed Doubles'' and ''Bheja Fry'', form the permanent jury of the show. Every episode will feature another prominent jury member as well.

Episodes of ''Gateway'' are designed to help demystify the craft of movie making. Speaking to reporters today, Hyde Park Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ashok Amritraj said, ''I have been eager to work with Indian filmmakers for a long time. 'Gateway' was inspired by my goal to make the path between India and Hollywood easier for talented filmmakers to tread.'' Speaking on the occassion, Subhash Ghai said, ''It is my great pleasure to be associated with Ashok Amritraj and PIX. WWI has the means to offer all aspiring filmmakers and actors a chance to bring out their true talents.'' UNI LS SR SM PY BD1750