Cinematography Courses in India

Camera and Lightening Course Overview. Learn about specialized courses in digital motion picture photography, editing, audiography, direction and screening.

Cinematography is the art and technique of shooting a movie. It involves making lighting and camera choices during filming. Without the camera, the film maker cannot put his vision in front of the audience. Numerous aspects contribute to the art of cinematography like film stock, lab, filters, lens, lighting, camera movement, special effects etc. The cinematographer is responsible for the technical aspects of the images (lighting, lens choices, composition, exposure, filtration, film selection), but works closely with the director to ensure that the aesthetics are supporting the director's vision of the story being told. Light is necessary to create an image exposure on a frame of film or on a digital target. The art of lighting goes far beyond basic exposure. It penetrates into the essence of visual storytelling. Lighting contributes considerably to the emotional response from the audience watching a motion picture. The control of light quality, colour, direction and intensity is a major factor in cinematography courses in India.

Eligibility: If you are interested in pursuing a camera and lighting course in television, then you have to apply for Mass Communication course. In India, eligibility for cinematography course is 10+2. Some institutes conduct entrance test also. If you are interested in pursuing camera and lighting course in films, then you have to apply for film making course. The eligibility criteria will be 10+2. Most of the film Institutes have their own entrance exams. Various Institutes are offering diploma and certificate courses in camera and lighting.

Scope of Camera and Lighting: Media is an expanding field. The arrival of satellite television has significantly increased opportunities as TV serials also need, more or less, the same skills as for films. Today, lot of new production companies have ventured in the market. Many creative individuals want to be a part of media industry. There are many television and news channels on the horizon where cinematographers and lighting technicians can work.
The television industry is witnessing a spate of new channels being launched every year. TV is also penetrating into the rural areas and is a promising segment. India boasts of being the third largest television market in the world today. More than 350 channels (paid and free) are available to viewers in India today. The number of pay TV homes and the increased subscription rates will increase the subscription revenues. The spread among the lower- income groups is very low and offers a wide scope for growth. The Indian television industry is currently being dominated by Star India, which is the top player in the sector at present.
Candidates can find employment with film studios, audio-visual production companies, advertising agencies, government departments that make films.

List of Institutes for Camera and Lighting Courses in India:

1. Asian Academy of Film and Training, Uttar Pradesh
2. International School for Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida
3. Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
4. Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
5. Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
6. IIMC, New Delhi
7. Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
8. Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune
9. AJ Kidwai Mass Comm Research Centre, Jamia, New Delhi
10. Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam