Lord Puttnam brings along with him a rich experience of 30 years, as one of the leading film producer in the world. Providing insight into critical elements of creativity & governance of a film school Lord Puttnam commented "I have visited over 50 film schools across the world & I can genuinely say that Whistling Woods International matches to the international standards & will measure up to any other institute across the globe. WWI has come up at the right time & definitely at the right place - the hub of Indian film industry." He further added, "I'm convinced that wherever the industry has a hub, not just adequate, but ambitious training programmes should be developed in support of young artistes & technicians. WWI is an exciting & timely initiative for Indian Cinema." After the visit to WWI, the gathering proceeded to The Club where they were joined by noted filmmaker Satish Kaushik & actor Om Puri.

Lord Puttnam has had a very successful career in films; he has been producer of films such as Midnight Express, Chariots of Fire (which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), Local Hero, The Killing Fields, The Mission, and Memphis Belle. Lord Puttnam also happens to be the only non American to hold the position of Chairman & Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Pictures - the post he held between 1986 - 88. He was knighted in 1995 and made a life peer in 1997.Lord Puttnam himself being from the advertising world holds the credit for introducing renowned directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott, and Hugh Hudson from the same field to the film industry. He also has commenced a production company - Enigma that produces for the international market.