Renowned Screenwriter DS Kannan Teaches Annapurna College of Film and Media Students
Hyderabad: Renowned screenwriter and film director DS Kannan, known for his collaborations with industry giants like SS Rajamouli and Mani Ratnam, hosted an enlightening masterclass for students of Annapurna College of Film and Media (ACFM) on Wednesday. The session focused on the art of screenwriting, character development and the intricacies of Indian storytelling.
During the workshop, Kannan explored the basic concepts of script structure from the audience’s perspective. He drew on the rich heritage of Indian mythology and folk tales by seamlessly integrating stories like Savitri and Satyavan’s into contemporary films like Roja.
Kannan focused on the art of narrative pacing and guided students on how to adjust their presentations for a variety of time frames, from short 2-minute concepts to more detailed 2-hour narratives. He also discussed the important elements of a strong logline, synopsis, and review and how these components play an important role in presenting a film effectively.
A significant portion of the masterclass focused on the development of hero-focused character archetypes and the importance of character mannerisms in creating memorable on-screen personalities. Kannan also shared his expertise in creating action sequences, explaining that careful planning is required before and after each sequence to convey the action effectively.
The second half of the workshop took a more practical approach; Kannan gave actionable advice to producers on pitching and negotiating with actors and collaborators in the film industry. He emphasized the importance of literature in the screenwriting process and encouraged students to read widely across genres and cultures to enrich their storytelling.
Finally, Kannan urged aspiring screenwriters to keep a character diary to capture real-life observations; this can serve as a valuable resource for creating compelling subplots and unique characters in feature films.
The masterclass inspired and equipped students with a deeper understanding of how traditional storytelling can be adapted to modern cinema, blending craft and creativity in their journey to become successful filmmakers.
