Cinematography Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: B.A., Diploma, M.A., B.F.A., B.A.(Hons)
What is Cinematography
Cinematography - Movies and documentaries are the biggest sources of entertainment and also knowledge in the present times. These movies, documentaries or film projects would not have been possible if there were not cinematographers. Cinematographers, also known as directors of photography, capture videos, movies or short films. All motion pictures that we see today are possible because of cinematographers involved in the photography and film industries. The film and television industry are growing rapidly and with that the prospects for cinematographers are also growing in India and abroad.
CINEMATOGRAPHY COURSE HIGHLIGHT
Parameters | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
Cinematographer Courses | B.A. in Cinematography | M.A in Cinematography |
| BVA in Cinematography | M.Sc. in Photography and Cinematography |
| B.Sc. in Photography and Cinematography | Postgraduate Diploma in Cinematography |
| Undergraduate Diploma in Cinematography |
|
| Advance Diploma in Cinematography |
|
| Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Cinematography) |
|
| Bachelor of Film and Television Technology (Cinematography) |
|
Minimum Duration | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Maximum Duration | 4 Years | 3 Years |
Admission Criteria | At least 50 percent total Marks in 10+2 level exam | At least 50 percent aggregate Marks in undergraduate level exam |
Minimum Fees (approx.) | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 50,000 |
Maximum Fees (approx.) | Rs. 8,00,000 | Rs. 12,00,000 |
Minimum Salary (per month) | Rs. 6,000 per month | Rs. 12,000 per month |
Maximum Salary (per month) | No upper limit for salary | No upper limit for salary |
Cinematography Course Job | Assistant Director, Assistant Producer, Assistant Manager, Professor, Laboratory Assistant, Film Editor, Cameraman, Cinematographer, Video Editor | Director, Producer, Project Manager, Motion Control Operator, Director of Photography, Videographer, Camera Production Assistant, Professor, Film Editor, Cameraman, Cinematographer, Video Editor |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Cinematography
Candidates wanting to study cinematography can get admission at UG and PG level including diploma and certificate courses. Most of the colleges offering these courses conduct entrance exams and have certain eligible criteria which must be fulfilled in order to take admission –
For UG courses
- Candidates should have completed 12th standard examination with not less than 50 per cent from a recognized board in India.
- Students may have to appear for entrance exams and clear personal interview/ group discussion rounds.
For PG courses
- Students seeking admission in postgraduate courses in cinematography must have passed graduation level exam in related discipline with not less than 55 aggregate per centage or equivalent score from a recognized college/ university in India.
- Students may have to appear for entrance exams and clear personal interview/ group discussion rounds.
For cinematography diploma courses
Students who want to take up diploma courses in cinematography should have passed higher secondary level with not less than 50 per cent from a recognized board or university in India. SC/ ST students need to have at least 40-45 per cent in +2 level.
Scope of Cinematography in India and Abroad
Cinematographers make motion pictures possible. Every movie that you see on the big screen involves a cinematographer. The big role played by cinematography in the film and media industry has led to a huge demand of successful students with cinematography background. With the emergence of high technology in film and media industry, the course teaches how to manage and use high technology like drones, ultra HD technology, high-tech cameras, 3D technology and many others.
Cinematographers working on different projects and movies can get national and international claim for their work and make a big name. Most of the cinematographers start from the bottom as assisting technician and assistant to directors and producers. It is only after they have acquired knowledge and practice, they get their own independent projects in which they work in coordination with the directors, producers, light technicians, and set designers.
Course Fees Cinematography
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
2.12 Lakhs
B.F.A. in Cinematography at Mewar University, Chittorgarh
|
1.06 Lakhs
B.A. in Cinematography at Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha, Cuttack
|
79.50 Lakhs
B.Sc. in Cinematography at Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
|
2.69 Lakhs
B.F.A. in Cinematography at Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak
|
| PG |
65.00 K
P.G.D in Cinematography at JECRC University, Jaipur
|
2.68 Lakhs
P.G.P in Cinematography at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
|
51.00 Lakhs
M.A. in Cinematography at Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
|
2.68 Lakhs
P.G.P in Cinematography at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
|
| DIPLOMA |
39.40 K
Diploma in Cinematography at RIMT University, Gobindgarh
|
1.06 Lakhs
Diploma in Cinematography at Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha, Cuttack
|
2.00 Lakhs
Diploma in Cinematography at Symbiosis School of Photography, Pune
|
1.06 Lakhs
Diploma in Cinematography at Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha, Cuttack
|
Course Subjects
Some of the subjects/topics that cinematography course comprises of are –
Film Dimension | Film Packaging | Processing and printing | Films in Motion Pictures | Screening of Films |
Cameras for Motion Picture | Transfer of Film to Video | Tele-Cine | Various Camera Tests | Different Types of Shooting Formats |
Different Types of Film Cameras | Cinema Projection | Digital Film Production | Aerial Photography | Shooting in Snow |
Shooting through Mirrors | Underwater Shooting | Rigging the Camera | Web Designing | Visual Effects |
Demo Reel | Introduction to 3D | Introduction to CGI | Audio and Video Editing | Digital Art Media |
Cinematography Analysis | Colour Theory | Film History and Theory | Exponometry | Sensitometry |
Film and Digital Laboratory | Optics | Workshops on Cinematography | Film and Digital Camera Techniques | Digital Postproduction |
Batteries for Motion Picture Camera | Various Section of Motion Picture Lab | Colour Negative and Intermediate Film | Colour Film Printing | Colour Correction |
Careers in Cinematography
Cinematographers are known as the directors of photography and if there were no cinematographers, we would never have motion pictures, documentaries, and movies. The entertainment industry has boomed so much that it has opened up opportunities for job profiles related to the industry and therefore, the same has happened with cinematographers. With growing independence in the mass communication field, students who have completed this course successfully are involving themselves in private and independent projects, while some are getting jobs as camera assistant, video editors, and cinematographers in existing production houses, studios and projects.
Students also liked
Upcoming trends
Technology is widening its aspects every day. New methods and techniques are all the time in talks when it comes to camera and filming. New ways of directing and capturing photographs in motion have been added to discuss in the course. New cameras and the ways of handling them have also been introduced in studies. In addition to these, new researches on lighting, optics, colour correction, printing and digital media are also being discussed.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles
After successfully completing cinematography courses, students are introduced to a wide variety of career choices – from cinematographers, camera persons to film editors. Students can take up different career options according to the specialization in their cinematography courses. Let’s look at some popular career options with job descriptions -
S.No. | Job profile | Job Description
|
1 | As a cinematographer in a project, you have to capture the motion picture with perfect lighting, sound and visual effects. | |
2 | Assistant technician | As an assistant technician, you have to help directors and producers in handling cameras and provide other technological assistance. |
3 | Camera production assistant | Setting up and positioning cameras. |
4 | Camera operators | Operating the camera as per the requirement of the cinematographer/director/producer. |
5 | Motion control operator | Work with cameras in different ways to produce special visual effects. |
6 | Editing videos in order to add sound and visual effects and cutting the video wherever needed. | |
7 | Editing the film in sequence, adding/deleting sound and visual effects, removing and adding sequences. | |
8 | Teach cinematography as a subject in colleges and universities. |
Top Recruiters
1. Film Projects
2. Television Production Houses
3. Film Production Houses
4. Film and TV Academies
5. Photo Studios
6. Natural Photography Companies
7. Event Management Companies
Average Salary
Average Salary
Job Profile | Salary per annum approx. |
Cinematographer | Rs. 1,00,000 - Rs. 15,00,000 |
Camera Production Assistant | Rs. 80,000 - Rs. 1,00,000 |
Video Editor | Rs. 2,00,000 - Rs. 5,60,000 |
Motion Control Operator | Rs. 80,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 |
Camera Assistant | Rs. 1,20,000 - Rs. 3,20,000 |
Lecturer | Rs. 3,20,000 - Rs. 8,00,000 |
**The salary figures mentioned anywhere in this article is just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Cinematography
To complete a cinematography course successfully and pursue a great career, a student should have the following skillset -
Information on Film Technology: Since the course is primarily based on film technology, students must have good knowledge of it. Deep knowledge of topics related to film technology will not only help him in getting good academic results, it will also help in building practical knowledge.
Analytical Skills: A cinematography student must develop analytical skills for analyzing situations and studying methods and processes in full detail.
Creativity: A student studying cinematography must be creative so that he can use his creative mind in coming up with new ideas for film and photography.
Attentiveness: No subject can be handled without attention. If students pursuing cinematography courses need good grip on the subject, then they will have to acquire full attention so as to not lose any minor detail as well.
Good Training and Practical Skills: A cinematography student must train himself and practice the use of different technologies and computer systems if he wants to master it. Lack of practice and experience will not polish practical skills which are most important.
Good Communication Skills: A cinematography student should develop communication skills that will not only help him in coordinating with his team but will also help him in capturing important frames that are able to connect with the audience.
Course Curriculum for Cinematography
Cinematography curriculum is mostly related to photography skills and studies related to film technology. Topics like camera lighting, video editing, videography, cinema projection, optics, visual effects, television camera operation, motion pictures, everything about cameras, film dimensions are at the very core of cinematography and film studies.
Popular Cinematography Entrance Exams in India
Popular Cinematography Colleges in India VIEW ALL
Galgotias University
- Fees: ₹ 200000
.jpg)
JECRC University, Jaipur
- Fees: ₹ 65000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can you specify the eligibility requirements for BVA in Cinematography?
Answer :
A student must pass 10+2 level with at least 40-50 percent marks and must have Physics and Chemistry in 12th standard.
Question: Can a student apply for BA Cinematography if he had Commerce in +2 level?
Answer :
Yes, any student from commerce stream can apply provided he passes his +2 level with not less than 50 percent of marks.
Question: Is there any age limit for applying to undergraduate courses in cinematography?
Answer :
There is no such age limit prescribed for UG courses in cinematography. You must have completed your 10+2 level with more than 50 percent marks.
Question: What colleges in India offer cinematography courses?
Answer :
Some of the best colleges for cinematography courses are-
CRAFT Film School, Asian Academy of Film and Television, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Whistling Woods International, MIT School of Film and Television Pune and many more.
Questions related to Cinematography
Showing 13 out of 13 Questions
37 Views
i want to apply cinematography how??
If you want 100% practical knowledge in cinematography then school of Cinematics is good for you
Answer later 135 Views
Bsc in photography and cinematography colleges?
4th Aug, 2022
Hello!
These are some of photography and cinematography colleges in India-
- CMR University, Bangalore
- Xavier Institute of CommunicationsMahapalika Marg, Mumbai.
- MGR Government Film and Television Institute, Chennai.
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai.
- Bennett University, Greater Noida.
- Asian Academy of Film And Television, Delhi.
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
- Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata.
- IIMM - International Institute of Mass Media, Delhi.
- Mindscreen Film Institute, Chennai.
Hope this helps.
93 Views
Can you recommend any course which can go along my interest? Here are my interest 1. Photography 2. Marketing 3. Cinematography 4. Business
3rd May, 2022
Hi there,
There are various courses through which you can excel in any of these skills but for that you must hold interest in the same untill you get some results.
See, if you opt photography then for sure you will have limited options such as diploma in photography and several courses like this. If you choose marketing then it will give you better results, you can select BBA course, B.com (//B.com) course and several courses like this as it will have opportunities in future as well.
The case when you select cinematography, see this is a wonderful skill and by adding it with a degree will be the best. You can add cinematography skill with any course of your choice because you can learn cinematography anywhere.
by selecting business you are free to choose those course who are related to accounts and commerce fields such as b.com, bba etc.
Hope you find this information useful!
Good luck!!
75 Views
contact number of this college for cinematography
18th Feb, 2022
The contact number of Government film and television Institute is 080 2846 6768. There is another number as well available which is 08028 446672. The address of Government film and television Institute Bangalore is hessarghatta post Bangalore 560088. The official website of Government film and television Institute Bangalore is www.filminstitute bangalore.com.
Read more about Government Film and Television Institute Bangalore by clicking on mentioned below link:
86 Views
when does the cinematography college start
Student Expert
19th Feb, 2022
Hello,
You have tagged government film and television institute, bangalore which offers diploma in cinematography for a period of three years in full time mode, the details pertaining to the release of application form will be informed at the official website at http://www.kea.kar.nic.in/ or http://www.dte.kar.nic.in/, you can stay updated at the official website regarding admission schedule of this year, admission is based on the merit of the qualifying examination for 50% seat intake, and rest of 50% seat intake is for reserved categories, visit the official website at http://dte.karnataka.gov.in/Institutes/filmtv/Admissions to know more details regarding this.
