Pick from the Crowd

Most of us dream to become a part of the filmmaking process in some small way or the other,but only a handful get a chance to even be on a film set. However,at a time when Bollywood is reinventing itself,filmmakers,too,are realising the power of social media. In one such effort,car company Nissan and its brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor have launched a Bollywood project,where the common man can not only audition for a role through Facebook,but also vote and aid the filmmakers in finalising the plot,costumes,music and other important factors that go into making a movie.

A short film,New Star of India was launched on Facebook on October 19. Kiminobu Tokuyama,Managing Director of Nissan Motor India,said that the intention is to continue with the spirit of innovation. “We want to offer members of the public a genuine opportunity to become a Bollywood star,” he remarked.

While Tokuyama’s promise should be taken with a pinch of salt,the initiative is indeed the first of its kind. The Facebook page offers the options of a few songs,of which people can choose one and record a 45-second audition. Of the applicants,20 will be shortlisted by Kapoor and the production team. The director,however,has not been finalised yet. Kapoor,confirming his involvement,said that he is looking forward to working with new talent.

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Those who are not working on the screen are given the opportunity to work behind the scenes. “Members of the public can vote to decide the 20 lucky actors

and be involved with other aspects of the film,”

added Tokuyama. Apart from Kapoor’s involvement,what makes the film a Bollywood venture is the

nature of the film. New Star of India will premiere in January 2012. EFS