The advanced course is aimed at professionals currently employed with the TV and film industries and are looking to enhance career prospects. The two month course will include classroom sessions as well as extensive hands on experience on the systems. The syllabus will be based on Autodesk Media and Entertainment's international guidelines and course instructors will be certified by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, Montreal.

Commenting on the partnership with ZILS, Pankaj Kedia, Autodesk Media and Entertainment Regional Sales Manager for South East Asia & India told Animation 'xpress "According to PwC, the Indian entertainment industry stands at more than Rs. 20,000 crores today and is expected to grow at an 18% CAGR to reach more than Rs. 45,000 crores in 2009. The key driver for this growth is technology and this will result in heightened demand for skilled technicians as well."

"It hence, is imperative for serious aspirants to have avenues like this course to skill themselves. We believe our partnership with ZILS is therefore a step in the right direction to support this growth." he further added.

ZILS CEO AK Khetan commented, "ZIMS already runs courses in Direction, Acting, Cinematography, Editing, Writing, Sound, Production and Film Animation and Visual Effects. This Institute is the only one of its kind in India to impart training in all domains of Film & TV. The SMOKE course is therefore a natural extension of our media arts facilities. We believe that industry is in need of training in high-end technologies such as SMOKE. Our partnership with the industry leader like Autodesk Media and Entertainment will ensure that our students have recognition and a competitive edge in India and abroad alike"