Experts share insights on virtual production, lighting, and AI in film editing

New Delhi, August 12, 2025

A week-long Faculty Development Program (FDP) sponsored by the AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy concluded recently at the Management Education & Research Institute (MERI), Janakpuri.

The FDP, on the theme “Innovative Studio Techniques in Film and Video Communication”, began on August 4 and also included a visit to the Press Trust of India (PTI) headquarters. It was organized by MERI’s IQAC Cell in the Seminar Hall. The objective of the FDP was to provide participating faculty members with hands-on experience in studio techniques, enabling them to integrate this knowledge into effective teaching practices for students.

The program was divided into several segments, including expert talks, article discussions, hands-on training, article summaries, and an industrial visit. The sessions featured notable speakers from academia and the media industry.

The first session was led by Prof. (Dr.) Durgesh Tripathi, Dean of USMC at GGSIP University, who shed light on various aspects of “Introduction to Advanced Cinematography Techniques.” Dr. Dileep Kumar, Regional Director of IIMC Jammu, addressed the second session, sharing insights on “Virtual Production and Augmented Reality in Filmmaking.” Senior journalist Lalchandra Singh from Doordarshan News spoke on the finer points of “Motion Capture and Animation in Video Production.” Dr. Suchi Yadav from the Centre for Media Studies, JNU, explained “Sound Design and Foley Editing” through video clips.

Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, Director of the India Habitat Centre and senior journalist, discussed the practical aspects of “Storyboarding and Pre-visualization Techniques.” Dr. Meenal Parikh, Dean of the School of Media at Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata, elaborated on “Interactive and Immersive Media.” Prof. Manoj Raghuvanshi, media professor at Amity University, Noida, and a well-known TV journalist, explained various aspects of “High-Speed and Drone Cinematography” with examples.

Namrata Singh, anchor at Sansad TV, explained “Lighting for Film and Video” in simple terms. Prof. (Dr.) Ritu Aggarwal, HOD of Computer Science at MERI College, highlighted the role of AI and machine learning in film editing.

On the final day, participating faculty members visited the PTI headquarters to learn about the video coverage workflow at the news agency.

The FDP was organized under the guidance of Prof. Lalit Aggarwal, Vice President of MERI Group of Institutions. Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Khurana, Advisor to MERI College, extended a warm welcome to all guests and participants. Prof. (Dr.) Deepshikha Kalra, Dean of MERI College, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the keynote speakers, participating faculty, technical team, and organizing committee members Amit Hans and Dr. Arkin Chawla.

The program saw active participation from faculty members of MERI as well as other colleges and universities. Guest coordination was handled by Prof. Sadanand Pandey and Dr. S.K. Pandey, while Dr. Monika Sharma and Ritu Sawani anchored the proceedings.