POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA COURSE IN FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION

This 2 year PG film making course introduces the students to the world of film and video production. It offers 4 core areas of film making which are Film Direction & Screenplay Writing , Digital Cinematography, Motion Picture Editing (Film Editing) and Sound Recording & Design, allocated to the students as specialization according to their flair, keenness and aptitude. During the film & video production course, students work on diverse platforms such as Celluloid, Video and HD for an all-round understanding of technical work flow required for each format.
(Please click on each specialization link to know more)

This film production course is spread over 4 semesters, out of which the first semester is common, where every student individually gets an opportunity for hands-on practice in fundamental aspects of audiovisual storytelling. The next two semesters of the film & video production course are dedicated to the area of chosen specialization of the student. They eventually join together to produce two short films. The fourth semester of the film making course is dedicated towards production of the final short films and preparation of the dissertation paper.

The film production course has many common modules on cinema aesthetics and inter-disciplinary understanding and practice of other forms of audio-visual arts that run throughout the course. The film making course also integrates a unique module, called Insights for development of various personal and sensorial faculty within the students. This prepares them to find their unique form of creativity and hone it to excel in their chosen career. (For more details click on the Common Modules link)

The film production course also incorporates several study tours for team building, industry interaction, attending film festivals and practical sessions on Film Direction & Screenplay Writing, Digital Cinematography, Motion Picture Editing and Sound Recording & Design.
(For more details click on the Study Tours link).

Semester I

Semester I of the film and video production course is common for all students, when inputs are given on concepts in basic areas of film making such as camera operation, lenses, lights, sound recording, editing, cinematic continuity, scripting, narrative, interviews. Every student gets practical experience in these subjects during the film production course, through focused projects to get an overall perspective on the different elements of film making. At the end of the semester, a counselling session is organized for each student to help them get into the specialization semesters of the film making course.

Film Appreciation

Film watching is crucial for learning film making. Throughout the first three semesters of the film & video production course, it is mandatory for the students to watch a minimum of three films per week collectively. Film appreciation classes are held during every week of the film making course to introduce diverse facets and perspectives through which films can be analyzed for their technical as well as aesthetic content.

Art Appreciation

Cinema constantly incorporates other forms of arts to create new ways of storytelling. This module runs through the first two semesters of the film making course, introducing the students to other forms of artistic expression through analysis, critiquing and practice. This develops a strong understanding of audio and visual material, necessary to excel in film making.

Insights

Insights is a unique module created by SACAC for its students that helps them find and develop their inner faculties. Students of the film production course learn attributes both of leadership and teamwork, which are very important for them in their career. This subtle learning is made interesting by integrating activities like theatre, observation tours, painting, sketching etc.
(Please visit the Teaching Philosophy section to know more)

Projects

In the first semester of the film & video production course, all mandatory projects are individual in nature. From then on, each semester of the film making course has one project in which students from all specializations join together for production of short films. Every one contributes their own specific skills towards the production, thus showcasing their understanding of the craft and artistic excellence.

Thus students spend a considerable amount of time together during each semester of the film production course to get a comprehensive understanding of the film making process. Each short film project is evaluated collectively for its aesthetic value, besides individual assessment of each team member for their individual proficiency and contribution. The project in the fourth and final semester of the film & video production course requires every student to submit a dissertation paper that elaborates their contribution to the film.

The film and video production course ensures that students get broad exposure to the world of cinema during their tenure in the programme. This is done in a gradual way through multiple study tours throughout the film making course. This exposure helps them to develop confidence and maturity required to build networks with like-minded people across the country.

Trip to Puducherry and Auroville

This trip includes sessions from the Insights module of the film production course which help the class to develop teamwork skills that are vital in the film making profession. The tour also includes structured activities to enhance writing and visual perspectives. This tour works at the personal level of the student to build individual excellence for a collective activity.

Attending film festival

Every year, students of the film making course attend the International Film Festival of Kerala, Trivandrum to watch the best of world cinema. This is a rigorous exercise that involves watching cinema from morning till late night for eight long days, exposing them to the diverse possibilities of storytelling through this medium.

Trip to Prasad Labs, Chennai

This trip gives students of the film and video production course a thorough understanding of the workflow of film making, from shooting on celluloid to the digital theatrical release with surround sound. The students produce a film on celluloid using the in-house facilities at Prasad Labs under the guidance of faculty. They also oversee the entire post production process, both visual and sound, in celluloid as well as when shot on HD.

Others trips

During the tenure of the film production course, students also attend other film festivals in Delhi. This also gives them opportunity to interact with visiting senior and fellow filmmakers. They also take short outstation trips together for creative projects.

Please note: Travel, lodging & boarding expenses for all trips have to be borne by students. The facilities are basic, clean and reasonable. The course bears the cost of additional faculty, facilities and equipments.