Film Making Training: Where, What and How?

For anyone with a die hard passion for films, a logical step would be to undergo training in the art and science of filmmaking. This is a career that requires a great deal of talent, persistence, passion, discipline, and self-belief in order to succeed. Combine that with a good education and training in filmmaking and you are bound to succeed one way or another. The scope for filmmaking is also much higher today than it ever was in the past. With millions of dollars being invested in movies the world over, and the audience for movies expanding to different countries in the world, no longer restricted by language or geography, this is an exciting field to be a part of.

With India having one of the largest movie-going and movie-appreciating audiences in the world, it is no wonder that there are many reputed and professional film making institutes and colleges to choose from. Filmmaking is a varied discipline involving many categories that are equally important and go a long way in making a movie a success. This could be editing, screen writing, acting, cinematography, music, choreography, and of course, film direction. Of all these, filmmaking is, perhaps more than the others, one of the jobs that could also encompass all the others, or at least a basic knowledge of all the other categories. A filmmaker has to know his way around a screenplay, has to know budgeting for the movie, cinematography, music, dialogues, finding locations, casting the perfect actors for the roles, etc. While a filmmaker/director may not have to do all of these jobs himself, and would have other talented people to do the jobs, it is necessary that he is able to understand and coordinate well with other people on the job. That is why filmmaking training is a very comprehensive course that covers almost all the aspects of making a film.

While there are almost thousands of institutes and colleges, both big and small, that provide filmmaking training in India, there are a few that stand out from the rest in being the most reputed.

Undergraduate programs digital filmmaking require qualifications ranging from higher secondary school or an equivalent certification to a graduate degree (in any discipline). These courses range from one year to three years. They could be certificate courses, diploma courses, and even BFA/ B.Sc. However, full-time qualifying degree programs are advisable in comparison with short-term certification programs, especially from a career point of view.

Filmmaking courses can help a great deal in providing a systematic and scientific approach that complements a passion for the movies. Whether your goal is to make full length feature movies, documentaries, or television shows, there is no doubt that a professional education will go a long way in honing your talents and providing a disciplined framework to reach your goals.

There are different subjects that are covered in a filmmaking course. This could range from editing, cinematography, screenwriting, acting, direction, etc. You will get to hone both your creative gifts and develop technical skill sets as well. You will also get to study and work with a community of like-minded creative people who will provide a good network of support and assistance in the future. You will get to study everything from pre-production to post-production, which will stand you in good stead no matter where in the world you choose to apply your knowledge, education, and talents.

When choosing a university, college or a film making institute, it is important to take a close look at the curriculum, infrastructure, faculty, as well as fee structure and any industry affiliations which will be of use when you start off your career in this field. The first step is always the most important one so make it count!