Introduction
Films, cinema, or movies, however you phrase it, are a popular medium of entertainment and information consisting of photographic and videographic instances. The visual art in motion pictures has duly attracted audiences from all walks of life in celebrating and experiencing the magic of cinema. Today’s filmmaking courses build on the fundamental ideas established by the pioneers of cinema, while incorporating modern technologies and tools that shape contemporary filmmaking.
A Brief History of Cinema & Film-Making
Beginning from the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, the world witnessed the emergence of cinema as a form of mass media. Since its inception, it has quickly become an effective medium for evoking emotions, disseminating information, or propaganda. For instance, during the war years, cinema increasingly became political and was used by national leaders to spread propaganda.
Despite rapid technological shifts, the art of cinema has not lost its appeal. With visionaries like Jean-Luc Godard, Federico Fellini, François Truffaut, and Alfred Hitchcock, the film industry and the craft of filmmaking took a significant leap forward. By the late 1900s, cinema had become a cultural favourite, with moving images captivating audiences far beyond the camera’s frame.
Popular Types of Film Genres
Historically, films have been used to portray a story, send a message, spread propaganda, or simply mesmerise audiences with their visual artistry. The diverse interpretations of films eventually gave rise to a wide range of popular genres. Some of these genres are inspired by storytelling devices used in literature, and the following genres are among the popular art forms in cinema that we see today.
- Action
- Comedy
- Horror
- Romance
- Thriller
- Adventure
- Drama
- Fantasy
- Mystery
- Historical
- Crime
- Science Fiction
All these genres are further divided into sub-genres, which can be explored in depth through Filmmaking Courses. An essential aspect of filmmaking is film production, as the techniques employed play a crucial role in shaping a film’s style. In mainstream cinema, five distinct styles are commonly recognized: Film Noir, Documentary, German Expressionism, Italian Neorealism, and Spaghetti Western.
What are the 5 C’s of Cinematography?
To create a film from scratch, one must understand the different stages of film production. Visual storytelling, through stills and moving images, relies on essential filmmaking concepts and techniques, including the renowned 5 C’s of cinematography.
- Continuity
- Camera Angles
- Cutting
- Close-Ups
- Composition
Without the knowledge of these 5 C’s of cinematography making a cohesive film can be extremely challenging for anybody. However, experimentation in filmmaking is nothing unheard of, and many directors often take different routes to capture authenticity in their lenses.
Can a Film-Making Course Really Help you Build a Career in Cinema?
Filmmaking Courses are designed to provide students with an overall experience of the world of filmmaking, introducing them to the different departments and parts of the process of film production. As a student, understanding the various elements of filmmaking helps them choose a specialisation and establish a career in the same segment.
The world of filmmaking and cinema is vast, and the different elements of filmmaking are combined in a coherent way to create the final product for audiences. Cinematography, screenplay, direction, sound design, editing, colour, light, and even the acting are all different elements of the filmmaking process, and you can choose a career in any of these areas.
| Aspect | Description |
| Industry Exposure | Introduces students to various departments like direction, sound, editing, and cinematography. |
| Specialisation Opportunities | Helps students identify their strengths and choose a niche within filmmaking. |
| Hands-on Learning | Emphasises practical training through short films, workshops, and projects. |
| Theoretical Foundation | Covers history, film theory, production design, and narrative structure. |
| Career-Ready Skills | Equips students with technical, creative, and collaborative skills needed for a filmmaking career. |
| Networking Possibilities | Offers access to guest lectures, seminars, and industry experts, which builds professional connections. |
| Portfolio Development | Students create showreels and work samples, essential for job placements or freelance gigs. |
| Adaptability in Industry Roles | Prepares students for work in multiple formats: feature films, OTT content, advertising, and short films. |
Subjects in a Film Making Course
Since film production is a multifaceted process, students of film and media are equipped with foundational knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the craft. This requires familiarity with the history, forms, elements, principles, and contemporary practices of filmmaking and production. Filmmaking courses typically cover the following subjects:
- Mass Media & Communication
- Sound in Society
- Craft of Moving Images
- Podcasting & Audio Storytelling
- Modern World Literature
- Performance
- Photography
- Direction & Screenplay
- Editing
- Principles of Sound Recording
- Critical Perspectives on the Anthropocene
- Continuity & Narrative Cinema
- Continuity & Camera
- Continuity & Editing
- Field Recording & Sound Editing
- Gender & Sexuality
- Montage & Mise-en-Scène
- Camera, Choreography, Movement
- Advanced Editing
- Sound Design for Films
- Documentary/ Non-Fiction
- Cinematography
- Film History
- Sound
- Production Design/ Editing
- Direction, Screenwriting & Film Studies
Film industries have become giants in the past few decades, producing films in astronomical numbers. With the advancement in film technology and the introduction of tools like Artificial Intelligence has further broadened the scope for students of film studies in acquiring a job in the industry.
Film Making Skills Translating to Job Roles
In the formal filmmaking courses offered at universities, students are encouraged to develop specific skills in filmmaking, later translating to diverse employment opportunities. These filmmaking skills include screenwriting, cinematography, camera work, editing, photography, direction, set design, and many more. Students can choose the field they wish to pursue. The following are some of the job roles associated with the film industry.
- Film Director
- Film/Video Editor
- Actor
- Broadcast Presenter
- Production Designer
- Location Manager
- Production Researcher
- Television Production Coordinator
- Film Producer
- Director of Photography
- Lighting Technician
- Costume Designer
- Sound Technician
- Music Producer
- VFX Artist
- Writer
- Sound Engineer
- Animator
These are just a few of the many job roles available in the filmmaking industry, with countless others to explore. As a creative field with a strong commercial dimension, filmmaking courses in India are designed to provide insight into both aspects. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide which path they wish to pursue.
Ways to Improve Filmmaking Skills
Filmmaking is a collective effort with multiple departments working in tandem to make a complete project. Hence, along with the technical skills of filmmaking, they must also learn to work in a team and communicate properly with others to make the process of movie-making much more enthusiastic.
- A formal course on filmmaking is the very first step to understanding the different sides of film production and developing the essential skills required for the job.
- Along with attending classes, it is important to gain practical experience in the field or start working independently to create your mark and an impressive portfolio, too.
- Get an internship or a job with diverse film production company and learn from the industry experts about the hidden elements of filmmaking.
Filmmaking Courses at the Jindal School of Journalism & Communication place strong emphasis on hands-on practice and learning within the classroom. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from guest lectures by industry experts, participation in workshops, and opportunities to secure valuable internship experiences.