FILM MAKING SYLLABUS (Complete & Structured)

MODULE 1: Introduction to Cinema

• History of world cinema
• History of Indian cinema & regional industries
• Language of cinema (visual grammar)
• Film genres & narrative styles
• Understanding audience psychology
• Film appreciation & analysis

MODULE 2: Screenwriting

• Idea development & loglines
• Three-act structure
• Characters & arcs
• Plot, conflict, theme
• Dialogue writing
• Writing for short films, ads, feature films
• Screenplay formatting (Final Draft/Celtx)
• Writing beat sheet & treatment

Assignments:

• Write a 3 pg short film script
• Write a 10–15 min screenplay

MODULE 3: Direction

• Role of director
• Script breakdown & visualization
• Shot division & storyboarding
• Blocking actors
• Directing actors & performance psychology
• Building a directorial style
• Working with the crew
• Practical: directing a short scene

MODULE 4: Cinematography

• Basic camera operation
• Types of cameras (DSLR, Mirrorless, Cinema Cameras)
• Lenses & focal lengths
• Exposure, ISO, Shutter, Aperture
• Composition rules
• Types of shots & angles
• Camera movements (dolly, gimbal, crane, handheld)
• Lighting basics (3-point, natural, cinematic lighting)
• Colour theory & visual mood

Practical:

• Shoot a 1-minute sequence using different shot types

MODULE 5: Production (Filmmaking On-Set)

• Pre-production planning
• Scheduling & budgeting
• Casting & rehearsals
• Location scouting
• Props, art direction, production design
• Sound recording (boom, lav, ambient)
• Managing a film crew
• Safety, permissions, on-set discipline

MODULE 6: Editing & Post-Production

• Basics of editing (continuity, pacing, rhythm)
• Editing software: Premiere Pro, FCP, DaVinci
• Sound design & Foley
• ADR (dubbing)
• Colour correction vs colour grading
• VFX basics for filmmakers
• Titles, graphics & credits

Assignment:

• Edit a short scene
• Add music & colour grade

MODULE 7: Sound & Music

• Sound as storytelling
• Dialogue recording
• Foley & SFX
• Background score creation
• Music rights & licensing
• Sound mixing & mastering

MODULE 8: Production Design

• Set design principles
• Colour palettes
• Props & costume design
• Creating visual identity of a film

MODULE 9: Film Business & Distribution

• How film industry works
• Pitching & pitching tools
• Preparing a film budget
• Film festivals & marketing
• OTT & theatrical distribution
• Producer’s role
• Legal aspects: copyrights, contracts

Make a SHORT FILM

• Make a complete 5–20 minute short film
• Students handle:
  • Script
  • Direction
  • Cinematography
  • Editing
  • Sound
  • Final output
• Screening & evaluation

TOP FILM DIRECTION SKILLS

1. Storytelling Skills

A director must understand:

• Narrative structure (3-act, non-linear, episodic)
• Character development & arcs
• Theme, subtext, symbolism
• Visual storytelling (show, don’t tell)

Why it matters:
Directors translate a script into a meaningful emotional journey.

2. Visual Thinking

The ability to see the film in your head before shooting.
Includes:

• Shot design
• Composition
• Colour palette
• Lighting style
• Camera movements
• Mood creation

 This forms your directorial signature.

3. Script Breakdown

A director must know how to:

• Identify scenes, beats, emotional shifts
• Highlight props, makeup, costumes, VFX
• Decide tone & pacing
• Convert script to visual plans

4. Communication Skills

Directing = Talking clearly with your team.
You must communicate with:

• Actors
• Cinematographer
• Production designers
• Sound team
• Editor
• Producers

 Simple, clear vision = Better teamwork.

5. Actor Direction

This is one of the most important skills.
A good director must know:

• How to read performance
• How to guide emotion levels
• How to reduce overacting / underacting
• Improvisation techniques
• How to give notes respectfully
• How to make actors feel safe & confident

6. Technical Knowledge

You don’t need to be a master technician, but you should know:

• Camera basics
• Lenses
• Lighting types
• Sound basics
• Editing principles
• Continuity rules

 Enough to make the right creative decisions.

7. Leadership & Management

A director leads the entire set. Skills include:

• Decision-making
• Pressure handling
• Delegation
• Problem-solving
• Maintaining discipline
• Knowing when to compromise
• Time management

8. Creativity & Innovation

Directors must think beyond the obvious:

• Unique shot ideas
• New storytelling methods
• Fresh ways to portray emotions
• In-camera tricks
• Symbolic imagery

 Inventiveness is what makes your film stand out.

9. Pre-Production Mastery

A great director plans everything before shooting:

• Storyboards
• Shot list
• Location planning
• Set design input
• Rehearsals
• Mood boards
• Costume tests
• SFX/VFX planning

10. Editing Sense

Directors must understand:

• What coverage is needed
• How scenes will cut together
• Rhythm of performance
• How to simplify in the edit
• What to remove

Great directors think like editors.