Bradford College students are set to be given the opportunity to study in the heart of Bollywood – thanks to a link-up with one of the world’s leading film studios.

The college has launched a partnership with Whistling Woods International, Asia’s largest media arts institute.

It will give Bradford-based students the chance to work in Whistling Woods’s Mumbai-based animation studios, which trains top animators, including artists currently working in Hollywood and at its Indian peer.

Students from Whistling Woods will attend Bradford College to study photography with lead tutor Trevor Griffiths, highly-regarded by experts after working alongside top names such as David Bailey and Terry O’Neill.

He said: “Whistling Woods International is in the heart of Bollywood and produces directors, producers, film-makers and actors for Bollywood and other film industries around the world. They also lead the world for their animation provision.

“Hollywood is now going there, so this is a great opportunity for Bradford to look at matching our curriculum with Whistling Woods International.

“I don’t know anyone else who will offer such an option in the UK.”

The first exchange of students is set to take place in the autumn of 2009, following the development of course curriculums by both institutions. John J Lee, dean of Whistling Woods International, said: “Bradford has invested substantially in photography and we have done the same in animation, so it’s a natural link-up.’’ The partnership will see the two institutions work to develop relationships with employers. Ronnie Todd, Bradford College project manager, said students from Whistling Woods would also lend their expertise to the 15th annual Bradford Animation Festival.