Cinematography

Cinematography is the art of photographing and telling a story visually in a film or television presentation. Lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angles, film selection, lens options, depth of field, zoom, focus, colour, exposure, and filtration are all part of cinematography. Here, we will provide you with complete details regarding Cinematography, its courses, eligibility, entrance exams, job profiles and much more. Read on to know more about the courses and how to make a career in the field of Cinematography.

Cinematography Eligibility Criteria

As mentioned above, candidates can pursue Cinematography at UG, PG and other levels as well. A foundation degree is not required to get enrolled in a certificate or diploma programme, but determination and commitment will always take a long way. However, a degree or certificate that demonstrates some experience in the field is usually a plus. A degree in subjects like Mass Communication & Media or Film making and more is relevant to the field.

Cinematography Courses

Candidates interested in having a career in the field of Cinematography can pursue the programme at certification, diploma, dual diploma and degree level. The time duration for the courses can be as short as 3 months and as long as 3 years. Popular courses under the programme are given below:

Note: Apart from the courses mentioned above, there are various colleges that offer proper degree courses like B.Sc in Film Making, M.Sc in Film Making and more.

Also Read:

• Cinematography colleges in India

Cinematography Colleges

• Film & Television Institute of India, Pune: Offers a Certificate Course in Electronic Cinematography and Diploma in Cinematography
• Whistling Woods International, Mumbai: Offers Advanced Diploma in Film Making with Cinematography and BSc in Filmmaking with Cinematography
• Asian Academy of Film and Television: Offers MSc Cinema+PGD in Cinema and BSc Cinema+ Diploma in Cinema
• Center for Research in Art of Film and Television, Delhi: Offers a Diploma in Cinematography
• Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai: Offers PG Diploma in Film, TV and Digital Video Production

Cinematography Entrance Exams

Generally, a candidate can directly apply for the programme by visiting the official website of cinematography colleges. But, there are a few entrance exams of a few institutes or colleges through which the admissions are conducted:

• KIITEE (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam)
• NIMSEE (NIMS Entrance Exam)
• XIC OET
• FTII JET

Skills Required For Cinematography 

Besides practical experience, there are a host of other skills and qualities that a cinematographer must possess. Some of them are listed below:

• Networking Skills
• Technical Expertise esp. Camera and Film production process
• Flexible Creativity
• Written and Visual Storytelling
• Strong Communication Skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Team management skills

Cinematography Syllabus

The subjects taught in a Cinematography course vary according to the level of the course. Although the topics mentioned below are broadly covered in almost all the subjects:

Cinematography Job Profiles & Top Recruiters

Unlike in the past, when the film industry was the only option, cinematographers can now work in TV and web series, film development units, studios, and video businesses. Not only in India, but also worldwide, they have a plethora of work opportunities. Short films, web series, TV shows, documentaries, and other forms of media have also provided opportunities for aspiring cinematographers. Some of the main job profiles are stated below –

Director of Photography: The director of photography collaborates with the film director and is in charge of the visual aspects of the production. Their main responsibilities include deciding on a film's visual style, lighting and composition, and camera angles.

Video Editor: As a film/ video editor, you will be required to manage raw camera footage, sound effects, graphics, and more to create a final film or video. It is a very crucial job in the post-production process, and the quality and timeliness of the final output will be dependent on your abilities and work.

Cinematographer: The camera and lighting team are overseen by a cinematographer, also known as a Director of Photography. They're the ones in charge of the look, colour, lighting, and framing of each and every shot in a movie.

Other than the profiles mentioned above, a cinematographer can also work as a Cameraman, Videographer or as Freelancer, working independently for various projects.

Candidates can work with various production houses like Yashraj Films, Dharma Productions, Balaji Telefilms, India Today, Doordarshan etc.

Read More:

• Filmmaking
• Film & TV

FAQs on Cinematography

Q. Is the role of a Director similar to that of a Cinematographer?

Q. Which are the popular colleges/ universities offering Cinematographer courses?

Q. Is a career in Cinematography a good choice?

Q. What is the average Cinematographer salary in India?

Q. Is Cinematography a right field choice for me?

Q. What are the basic roles and responsibilities of a Cinematographer?

Q. Which are the top and most important elements in Cinematography?

Q. Who are the top most cinematographer in India?

Q. What job opportunities are available as a cinematographer?

Q. Which are the basic and major topics covered under the Cinematography course at all levels?

Q. What is the standard time duration of a Cinematography course in India?