Film-Making Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
A career in Film Making is one of the most sought-after careers among creative people, irrespective of their backgrounds. A career in films doesn’t just imply acting on the big screen as there are other significant jobs in the film field, like a director of photography, casting director, set designer, screenwriter, hair stylist, makeup artist, editor, sound designer etc.
The salary offered in the Film industry at entry-level positions ranges between INR 2.8 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 8 LPA, and for senior-level profiles INR 15+ LPA. The graduates of this course can either work at different job profiles like Assistant Director, Assistant Manager, Assistant Producer, Film Editor, Cameraman, Cinematographer, or start their own work as freelancers. The Top recruiters include Big Production Houses such as Yash Raj Films, Red Chillies Entertainment, Zee Entertainment Ltd, etc., and TV Streaming Providers such as Netflix, Balaji Telefilms, etc.
A career in films is not traditional and so is the work environment. Though it takes a lot of effort, time as well as technical and artistic expertise to make films/shows, you get to be around hard-working, passion-driven people and learn from them.
To know more about the FilmMaking Career, read the article further.
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Job Opportunities after Film Making Courses in India
Film Career: Quick Facts
Before opting for a career in Filmmaking candidates should consider the below-mentioned points:
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), there is expected to be a 12% increase in the employment of editors and camera operators in the upcoming 10 years.
- As per data provided by Deloitte, the film industry is a swiftly growing sector with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) employment of animators and special effects artists is expected to grow by 5% in the upcoming 10 years.
- According to U.S. News and World Report, acting is one of the top 100 desirable occupations in the world.
- About 18% of film school graduates are working in literary, artistic, and media occupations.
Top Career Profiles in The Film Industry
Bollywood is a rapidly growing industry, growing more and more with each passing year which in turn has increased the scope of employment in the industry. There are a lot of jobs in the industry that are deemed to be desirable. While a film career is not exactly a conventional kind of career, at the same time, there are a fair amount of opportunities available in the Indian film industry. Although acting is one of the most sought-after professions in the Indian film industry, it is not the only desirable job.
It takes a lot of creative talent and workforce to bring about a motion picture and all of those are in high demand in the industry. While most of the jobs in filmmaking don’t require a particular educational background or degree (but are preferred), there is a range of filmmaking courses in India. Mentioned below are some of the professions in the Indian film industry with promising career growth:
|
Filmmaking Job Roles |
Filmmaking Jobs Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Actor |
Actors work in movies and screens, Some actors also perform in TV series, and daily soaps. | INR 1.3 - 10.2 LPA |
| Director | Responsible for the overall vision and execution of a film or project, guiding actors and crew. | INR 1 - 18 LPA |
| Producer | Manages the production process, including budgeting, scheduling, and overseeing the project from start to finish. | INR 2.2 - 17 LPA |
| Singer | A singer is an Artist who performs music to live audiences and records songs for albums or movies. | INR 1 - 10 LPA |
| Special Effects Artist | Creates digital effects that enhance or create scenes in films. | INR 1.5 - 5 LPA |
| Writer | Crafts the script, developing characters, dialogue, and story arcs. | INR 1 - 8.1 LPA |
| Director of Photography | Handles the visual aspects of a film, including camera work and lighting. | INR 2.6 - 10.1 LPA |
| Stylist and Makeup Artist | Stylists and Makeup artists in the film and television industry are responsible for creating looks for actors and actresses. | INR 1 - 8 LPA |
| Editor | Assembles the footage, working closely with the director to create the final cut. | INR 1 - 8.5 LPA |
| Production Designer | Responsible for the visual concept of the film, including sets, locations, and props. | INR 1.8 - 26 LPA |
Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Emerging Trends in Film-Making Career
- Virtual Production: Technologies such as LED walls and virtual sets, exemplified in "The Mandalorian," enable real-time background changes and enhance visual effects.
- AI and Machine Learning: AI is being used more frequently for editing, script analysis, and visual effects, which speeds up production and enhances creative processes.
- High-Resolution Cameras: Advancements in 8K technology and beyond provide ultra-high-definition visuals that deliver greater detail and flexibility in post-production.
- Remote Collaboration: Cloud-based tools and remote collaboration platforms are allowing teams to work together efficiently from various locations, enhancing the production process.
Film Career Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
The film industry is a melting pot for diverse occupations/careers, helping in the navigation and completion of the process of converting an idea into the final outcome. The film industry is a growing industry, so naturally, the competition is cutthroat in terms of employment. There is a vast spectrum of career profiles in the film industry, ranging from artistic to technical jobs. Mentioned below are the popular sectors for employment in the film industry:
|
Sectors |
Description |
|---|---|
| Over The Top (OTT) Media | A lot of these OTT platforms have their own production houses, which generates a pool of opportunities for individuals from all sorts of professions and backgrounds. |
| Advertising | An advertisement, just like a motion-picture project requires a production company, writers, actors, etc. |
| Music Industry | Some of the important professions in the music industry are composers, sound engineers, singers, etc. |
| Mass Media | When working in the field of mass media you get to work for various newspapers, magazines, TV channels, etc. |
| Television | The important professions in the television industry are screenwriter, director, actor, producer, editor, costume designer, etc. |
Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Courses after Film Making Course
After completing a Film Making program, candidates can pursue various courses based on their interests and career goals. Here are some popular options:
|
Courses |
Description |
|---|---|
|
MA in Film Studies |
Film Studies teaches students how to analyze and understand the cultural impact of film, cinema, and other aspects of motion picture technology. |
|
MSc in Filmmaking |
A master's degree which teaches about the post-production process of filmmaking and TV production involving video and sound editing. |
|
MSc in Film & TV Production |
A degree that focuses on in-depth knowledge of focuses on writing, directing, and the creative application of technology, with highly practical experience in digital film making. |
|
MSc in Cinema |
A Master's degree (M.Sc) in Cinema covers all aspects of cinema, including entertainment channels and production companies. |
|
PG Diploma in TV Direction & Script Writing |
The course provides unique opportunities to learn the aesthetics, craft, and techniques of film direction and screenplay writing, from conceptualization to the final stage. |
|
PG Diploma in Cinematography |
A Diploma course that entails the skill of capturing and visually telling a story in a film or television production |
|
PG Diploma in TV Production |
A course that develops skills, such as camera operation, creative lighting, sound recording, nonlinear video editing, and producing multi-camera production. |
Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Helpful Links for Film Making Career:
Short-term Courses to Learn Ad Filmmaking in India
Film Making Courses & Certifications Online 2025
Top Recruiters for Film Making Jobs
The rate at which the films are being produced in India is nothing like in the past days. The industry is becoming more and more fast-paced with film production with each passing day, meaning layoffs are common, resulting in a surge in vacancies. This creates a need for the recruitment of newer talents in the industry. Following are the top recruiters for filmmaking graduates:
| Film Making Job Top Recruiters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Red Chillies Entertainment Ltd. | Zee Entertainment Ltd | Film City Media Ltd. |
| Hindustan Media Venture Ltd. | Info Media Ltd. | Doordarshan |
| PVR Pictures | UTV Motion Pictures | Aamir Khan Productions |
| Reliance Big Entertainment | Dharma Productions | Sony Pictures |
Top Filmmaking Colleges for Placements
Though a majority of occupations in the film industry depend on talent and understanding of art, professional knowledge of technical as well as artistic dexterity is highly favorable. You get hands-on experience with the types of equipment used on and off set, industry experience as well as placement offers. Check out the table below to know about the top filmmaking colleges and the average placements they provide.
List of Colleges For Filmmaking courses with the average salary offered to their students:
| College Name | Average Salary Offered |
|---|---|
| Mumbai University (MU) | INR 6 - 18 LPA |
| Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education | INR 7 - 11.75 LPA |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | INR 9.5 LPA |
| Jadavpur University | INR 8.25 LPA |
| Jain Deemed-to-be University, School of Design Media and Creative Arts | INR 7.2 - 8.16 LPA |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | INR 4 - 7.25 LPA |
| Institute of Design, Nirma University | INR 6.5 LPA |
| Sambalpur University | INR 4.85 LPA |
| MIT-WPU | INR 4.35 LPA |
| Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University | INR 4 LPA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counseling body and may vary.
FAQs on Filmmaking Career
Q. What are the types of occupations in the film industry?
A. A career in films doesn’t mean only actor. There are other jobs in the field too. Some include a director, photographer, set designer, screenwriter, scriptwriter, makeup artist, editor, sound designer etc.
Q. What is the growth rate of the film industry?
A. As per data provided by Deloitte, the film industry is a swiftly growing sector with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%.
Q. Does cinematography require any technical skills?
A. It is a technical job, where a cinematographer must be adept at not just the camera but also lighting, sound, framing, etc.
Q. What are the film industry's top job roles with promising career growth?
A. There are many jobs in this field. Some of these are very high paying. These include a director, photographer, set designer, screenwriter, scriptwriter, makeup artist, editor, sound designer etc.
Q. What is the average annual salary package of a film director?
A. The average annual salary package of a film director is INR 5 LPA.
Q. What is the average salary of a special effects artist in the Indian film industry?
A. The average salary for a special effects artist in the Indian film industry is INR 3 LPA.
Q. Which companies are top recruiters for film school graduates in India?
A. Red Chillies Entertainment Ltd., Zee Entertainment Ltd, Film City Media Ltd., Hindustan Media Venture Ltd., Doordarshan, and PVR Pictures are some of the top recruiters for film school graduates in India.
Q. What is the average salary package provided by Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography through placement?
A. The average salary package provided by Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography through placement is INR 7.55 LPA.
Q. What is the average salary package provided by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)?
A. The average salary package provided by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is INR 8 LPA.
Q. What opportunities does a film set intern get to have?
A. Being a film set intern will help you achieve hands-on experience in the workings of filmmaking. You also get a whiff of the atmosphere on a set. Being a film set intern will also help you learn from experts.
Q. What are the top Indian cities to get lucrative jobs in after graduating from film school?
A. Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Noida are the top Indian cities that are great for getting lucrative jobs, after graduating from film school.
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