Pune: A new state-of-the-art classroom theatre (CRT) complex has been built at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) for its students to learn and work in.
 
The complex will be inaugurated by filmmaker and FTII alumnus Sriram Raghavan on Friday.  

The CRTs are equipped with advanced sound systems and digital cinema projectors. The new systems will encourage the students to ideate better, learn better and use new technologies while making films, said FTII officials.

The addition of the three sophisticated classroom theatres in the complex, at a cost of nearly Rs 5.4 crore, will take some pressure off the existing single CRT, which was built in the 1960s.

The largest among the three is a 96-seater, equipped with a digital cinema projector, which is DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative, an international consortium setting technical standards) compliant having a native 4K resolution that provides a top quality projection for the 23 feet wide X 9.5 feet high screen.
 
“The new CRTs, besides strengthening the existing academic infrastructure, will introduce a new dimension to the way cinema is taught in the FTII. These are at par with the best cinema theatres internationally. The largest theatre is also equipped with Dolby Atmos Surround Sound System, which provides for a more immersive sound experience. With Atmos, the ceiling is also lined with full-range speakers that work with the other speakers in the theatre so that the objects seen on screen can be placed within an audio hemisphere. For instance, if it rains in the visual on screen, the sound of the rain comes from directly above you (the speakers on the roof),” said Bhupendra Kainthola, Director, FTII. 

The two smaller CRTs, with a seating capacity of 30 each, have Digital Light Processing (DLP) projectors and a 7.1 surround sound system comprising an eight-channel audio system, which enhances audio definition. The car crashes on the screen can be heard and ‘felt’ with the help of the surround sound system. The ‘smart’ interactive whiteboard can be connected to a laptop. A teacher can also use a screen installed in front of the interactive board to show excerpts from a film while teaching.

Besides the three CRTs, there is also an additional classroom with wall-to-wall carpeting and plush seating. The complex has six faculty rooms; three each on the ground and first floor. Energy efficient VRF air-conditioning systems have been provided in all the theatres. Energy efficient LED fittings have been installed along with an online uninterruptible power source (UPS) system.