Workshop equips aspiring filmmakers with storytelling skills for WAVES 2025
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: An engaging storytelling workshop, hosted at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) by Dancing Atoms, aimed to empower aspiring filmmakers as part of the Animation Filmmakers Competition under the Create in India Challenge Season-1. Renowned writer-director Saraswathi Buyyala led the session, sharing invaluable techniques to help participants craft compelling narratives and pitch their projects effectively to investors and producers.
Supporting India’s creative vision: Design for the world
In his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the growing job opportunities in creative sectors such as gaming, animation, and filmmaking. Highlighting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s ‘Create in India’ challenges, he urged creators to harness their talents to contribute to the broader vision of “Design in India, Design for the World.” WAVES 2025, an initiative aligned with this vision, serves as a platform connecting storytellers with global producers and investors.
Mastering the art of storytelling
The workshop delivered practical insights into storytelling, focusing on:
Crafting powerful loglines that capture a story’s essence.
Building layered characters with depth and relatability.
Structuring pitch decks that present projects with clarity and vision.
Participants analyzed case studies from iconic films such as ‘Toy Story, 3 Idiots, and Baahubali’, uncovering the secrets behind their impactful storytelling.
Participants learn to pitch their dreams
A diverse group of filmmakers, writers, and cinema enthusiasts attended the workshop, gaining valuable skills to captivate industry stakeholders. Writers and screenwriters sharpened their ability to create characters and narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, while enthusiasts explored the intricate layers of storytelling and character development, deepening their appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
Saraswathi Buyyala: A visionary in storytelling
Saraswathi Buyyala, the mastermind behind Oscar-winning visual effects for films such as ‘Life of Pi, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Golden Compass’, led the session. Known for her expertise in animation, visual effects, and AR/VR, Buyyala’s passion for storytelling and mastery of visual techniques inspired participants to elevate their creative endeavors.
Engaging with WAVES 2025 and beyond
The workshop also introduced participants to WAVES 2025, a platform offering opportunities to submit projects via [wavesindia.org] and connect with global producers and investors. Aspiring filmmakers left with actionable insights and a stronger foundation in storytelling, poised to make their mark on the global stage.
With initiatives like these, Dancing Atoms and WAVES 2025 are paving the way for India’s creative talent to shine on a global platform, turning compelling narratives into cinematic masterpieces.
