Gateway is Pix's locally produced original television series that will air exclusively on the channel. Starring Amritraj, the show will start with an intensive nationwide search for India's most promising new directors. Every episode of Gateway will be designed to help demystify the craft of movie making for its viewers.

People who are interested to participate can send their entries till 20 December.

At the end of the show four finalists will get to make short films to be aired on Pix while the Grand prize Winner will win once in a lifetime opportunity to make a coveted Hollywood directorial debut for a Hollywood film produced by Hyde Park Entertainment.

Said Pix business head Sunder Aron, "Participating in the show is very simple. We want all Indian aspirants to enter and take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. 18 talented directors will be asked to join the TV series shot in Mumbai, and the winner will actually direct a Hollywood movie. We will help one talented debutant director rise from complete obscurity to become an international film director."

People can log on to the website - www.gateway.sify.com, and fill in the application form to participate. They must also submit a two-four minute short film on a subject of their choice that exhibits a vision of a director. Only one entry is allowed per person and the submitted work must be a work of fiction.

The film must be shot in English or should have clear English sub titles for the entry to qualify. While the filmmakers are allowed to use elements of animation, the film cannot be completely animated. The movies must be submitted in a DVD or VCD format on the website by 20 December. Entry is open only to residents of India.

50 contestants who submit notable films will be interviewed in the next selection round. 18 finalists will be chosen and brought to Mumbai to compete in the final round of the Gateway and appear on the television series aired on Pix.

The ultimate winner will be selected by Amritraj, and will be shipped to Los Hollywood for an intensive eight week internship at Hyde Park Entertainment.