India's first internet serial

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After cinema and television, cyberspace is, slowly but surely, witnessing emergence of a new medium for entertainment industry in India. After the trend of latest Bollywood blockbusters premiering on the internet simultaneously with their theatrical release, one is all set to witness the trend of shows made exclusively for the internet, a medium that could provide a felicitous platform for many a aspiring filmmakers for giving an expression to their creativity.

'On the anvil in India', is the country's first "internet serial", being produced by Campus18, a brand entity of Tangerine Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd and a site aimed at showcasing and promoting the talents of youth in the country. Campus 18 recently launched a nationwide talent hunt to select the faces that would grace India's first "internet serial". Donning the hat of judges for the video talent hunt, the winners of which will be part of India's first internet serial, will be VJ Nikhil Chinappa and actor, director Makrand Deshpande.

Among 500 video entries received during the hunt, 24 participants have been shortlisted in 8 categories namely 'Best overall video in the competition', 'Most versatile performer in the competition', 'Funniest one-take stand-up comedy or mimicry performance (based on original or copied material) by an individual performer', 'Funniest film, video or spoof in competition', 'Most original video created by mixing footage from two or more different visual and/or audio sources', 'Video that most effectively communicates or raise awareness about an issue of social importance', 'Film which most skilfully executes an original and creative story', 'Best Music Video: Video that most skilfully visualises an original song or previously recorded music' and 'Break through Concept : Video or film with the most stunning and out-of-the-box creative idea'.

The winners of all the categories will be announced at an award ceremony in Mumbai on March 28. The user voting phase, which started from March 1, closes on March 25. Aimed at the young group (16-24 yrs), the talent hunt received more than 500 entries of different genres and over 50,000 visitors from all across the country before closing on February 25.

On his reason to associate himself with the talent hunt, MTV VJ Nikhil Chinappa said,"It is the best platform for any aspiring filmmaker to showcase his skills and creativity. Since young people are very comfortable with the internet as medium, I'm glad Campus18 has taken this initiative to bring forth the talent of the young." On his association with the contest, theatre personality Makrand Deshpande said,"Things cannot get easier than this and the response received is exhilarating. Students must avail themselves of such opportunities as it can be a stepping stone to great careers.

I wish good luck to all those who have participated and hope Campus18 will continue such talent hunts where people can showcase their potential in filmmaking and other such creative fields." A platform for the young and creative, 'Campus 18' website allows users to express their talent via uploading content like blogs, pictures, music, videos, network with users of similar talents and interests and offers recognition and opportunities for the most talented.