FAQ - Cinematography
 
1. Except CRAFT, Which are the other top film schools for pursuing Cinematography Course in India ?

The Followings are the list of best film schools for pursuing cinematography course in India. 
1. Film and Television Institute of India,(FTII) Pune
Law College Road,Pune - 411 004(Maharashtra)
IndiaTel No.: +91 - 020- 25431817 / 25433016 / 25430017
www.ftiindia.com 
Programs: 3 year Post-Graduate Diploma Course in film cinematography

2.Satyajit Ray Film Institute, Kolkata
E.M. By-Pass Road,P.O.: Panchasayar,KolKata: 700094
India.Tel No: (033) 2432 - 8355 / 8356 / 9300
www.srfti.gov.in
Programs: 3 year Diploma course in cinematography after graduation
3. Film & Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai
CIT Campus,Chennai 600113.India
Programs: 3 year Diploma course in film cinematography after graduation.

4. The L V Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai
28, Arunachalam Road, Saligramam,
Chennai - 600 093, India. 
Programs: 2 year Full-Time Post Graduate Diplomas in Film

5. The Whistling Woods International Institute for Film, Television & Media Arts, 
Mumbai.Film City, Goregoan
Mumbai 400065,India
www.whistlingwoods.net
Programs: 2 year course in Film and video cinematography.

1.2.3 are government organizations  4.is non-government organization and 5, are private organizations. All are equally good having national reputation.

2. Can you suggest me the list of film institutes offering cinematography course in India?

The above mentioned list  of institutes offer cinematography course too .

3. I am keen on joining two year programme master degree programme in any film institutes in delhi NCR offering cinematography course . do you also offer two year programme?

We offer one year diploma programme after 10+2.

4. I am interested in joining film institutes in delhi NCR for cinematography course which offer three years of degree in film and video cinematography, can you suggest me such a film school ?

We have no knowledge of such film schools in delhi NCR offering cinematography course You need to consult book : mass media institutes ,SAP publication which list all other film institutes based in delhi NCR. We strongly suggest you need to make survey of all such film schools in delhi NCR offering cinematography course and speak to their students for any more details to get better insight about their film schools .

5. Your film school is located in Delhi NCR which offer one year Cinematography Specialization course, can you help me in finding one which are based in Calcutta?

We know one, which offer three years film cinematography course in SRFTII, Film and Television Institute of India, FTII Pune.

6. I am interested in joining film schools offering short-term course in cinematography in delhi NCR .do you also offer short term course in cinematography?

There may be top film schools offering short term course in cinematography  in delhi .we donot offer short term courses in cinematography. However if you are looking for specialization in cinematography course, you have to do full time one year course.

7. Hi I am keen to learn aesthetic sense in cinematography rather than video /film camera. how is CRAFT equipped on that front?

All the video / film lighting DOP has to develop the aesthetic sense of cinematography and not just to know camera .we provide all kind of exercises to develop the sense.

8. What are the cinematography facilities offered for your cinematography students?

Students learn cinematography via various professional exercises .our cinematography 
specialization students learn cinematography by lighting various situations.

9. Can you suggest the list of mass media colleges offering mass communication course in delhi NCR where one can do specialization in video cinematography?

All mass media colleges offering cinematography as a part of their  combined three year courses where you will practice cinematography during final year projects. So far we know no any institutes offer three years of cinematography specialization. all these well-known colleges are part of I.P UNIVERSITY

10. which are the key words I need to search in google for various film schools offering cinematography course?

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11. What was Cinematography training course all about?

Cinematography training course is all about creating cinematographers for indian film industry. It is about teaching how to capture the exact look and feel the film crew is shooting for. It’s about bringing imaginary picture into reality. Getting a feel for light, focal lengths, points of view, angles, and knowledge of available cameras, lenses, cranes, dollies and other gizmos is essentially what cinematography training course is all about.

12. What all do the best cinematography schools teach in their institutions?

Most of the best cinematography schools have thought out cinematography study programs. They primary focus is making sure that their students are thorough with cinematography basics. In fact this is the only reason why they become the best cinematography schools at the first place. Usually cinematography classes in these best schools for cinematography cover all of the technical aspects of cinematography (both practical and theory). Below you will find various cinematography basics, topics and areas covered by these well known cinematography programs.

* Lighting for motion pictures
* Television lighting techniques
* Digital cinematography
* Directing and cinematography
* Post-production techniques
* Film criticism
* Makeup for film and television

13. What is so different about Craft’s Cinematography workshops?

We at Craft being a cinematographer school, frequently organizes Cinematography Workshops. These workshops are usually designed for students who want to make a career in film production and want to know if they should choose graduate cinematography school after 12th or a regular college. These cinematography workshops also attract film industry employees who want to complete their specialization in the film industry. These cinematography workshops are different from other workshops as they teach cinematography basics and are known for carving out anyone into a good cinematographer. 

A cinematography workshop is like the first stepping stone to get in the film industry. Then after this the next step is to take up a full time cinematography major course which goes beyond cinematography basics. Here is where cinematography students will have the opportunity to write, shoot and direct their own projects. The purpose of these short films is to learn about the different facets of filmmaking. These classes usually focus on the details and practical cinematography training.

14. What is a Cinematographers job in a film?

A Cinematographer, is also called the director of photography or camera operator, he/she works closely with the director of the film to capture the exact look and feel the crew is shooting for.  A feel includes things like lighting, focal lengths, points of view, angles, and knowledge of available cameras, lenses, cranes, dollies and other gizmos also.

15. How important is a Cinematographers job or role in a film?

Yes, surely a cinematographer job plays one of the most important part of a film. As a talented cinematographer brings life to the film, gives more beauty to the location in the movie than what it looks actually. There are many Hollywood and Bollywood cinematographers have made movies that are best known for their cinematography.

If the cinematography job is excellent, it will enchant the audience to view the full movie with same enthusiasm, otherwise audience might soon lose interest, because of dull cinematography, and not-so-clear picturization. In Indian film Industry we place a director and cinematographer at the same level as both their roles are equally important.

16. What kind of courses in Cinematography are available at Craft Film School?

CRAFT offers cinematography education to graduates and post graduates who want to make their career in cinematography. We have a variety of courses in cinematography and you may choose to join any of them which suits your needs. You may join our full time or part time cinematography school if you are a undergraduate or a post graduate. We also have online cinematography program that are more focused on cinematography studies, specifically focus on your basic cinematography training techniques and other cinematography class essentials.

Please find below the list of various cinematography programs offered by craft:
- Full time cinematography school program
-Part time Diploma Courses in cinematography study
-e- learning cinematography program
-Distant learning cinematography program
-Weekend cinematography study programs

17. Name the top Cinematography schools in the world today.

You will find a huge number of cinematography universities or institutions around the world ,offering cameraman courses to learn cinematography. They conduct these courses at the diploma, short term courses, certificate and postgraduate degree level. The cameraman courses or cinematography degree courses consist of camera and lighting, electronic cinematography, sound recording, etc. In the below given list of top cinematography schools you will find various kinds of courses being offered like some offer cinematography masters degree or post graduate degree in cinematography, while some have options for both cinematography degree courses, or none of the cinematography degrees and instead offer diploma courses. Among this mixed bag of cinematography degrees ,cinematography major diplomas ,e- learning cinematography workshop offered by universities we have made a list of top cinematography schools in the world today. 



American Film Institute - http://www.afi.com/
New York Film Academy - http://www.nyfa.com/
Vancouver Film School - http://www.vfs.com
The London Film School - http://www.lfs.org.uk
The Los Angeles Film School - http://www.lafilm.com/
Oxford Brookes University Film Studies - http://ah.brookes.ac.uk/filmstudies/
San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking - http://www.sfdigifilm.com/
London Film Academy - http://www.londonfilmacademy.com
New York Independent Film School - http://www.nyfilmschool.com
NYU Department of Film and Television - http://www.nyu.edu/tisch/filmtv

18. Is it necessary to get cinematography training before taking up a cinematographers job?

Yes, Certainly cinematography study is essential for getting a cinematographer job. In fact cinematography education is the first step towards your cinematographer career and can play the most important role in getting you a cinematographers job. 

Cinematographers work as cameramen in the feature films and documentary films. They are typically hired by film studios. A cinematography major bachelor's degree or other cinematography study courses provides a essential base for the student to work at a cinematographers job To gain experience in the industry, cinematographers often begin their cinematography career as a production assistant or assistant cameraman.

Young Students usually take up any of the cinematography major courses from the top cinematography schools, to acquire technical knowledge of the area. To learn more about camera techniques and concepts of the film should filmmakers have to give several years to learn cinematography and gain experience with cameras and lighting. Most cinematography film students participate in film internships, while other students of the production and Performing basic lighting and the camera begins under the supervision of experienced film production.

For making a better career in cinematography one must develop a good eye for detail and the ability to visualize and conceptualize the scenes, while films are in production. For which you must get proper cinematography education in order to understand the film theory and gain real life experiences with producers, camera person and other operators. Another reason why Cinematography colleges is recommended to upcoming cinematographers is to prepare them for future travel, strict production schedules and irregular working hours.

19. What kind of cinematography jobs are available in the industry today?

At craft, after keeping in mind all the aspects of cinematography we have designed a broad based cinematography workshop. In this field, Graduate cinematography students from any cinematography university must be prepared to work in lower-level production jobs and work their way up to the respective job positions with more responsibility and artistic endeavor.

We have listed some of the cinematographer job designations below
* Grip 
* Gaffer 
* Assistant director 
* Camera operator 
* Focus puller 
* Director of photography

20. Are there any cinematography universities in India which offer cinematography degrees?

No unfortunately in India, there are no cinematography universities that offer cinematography degree courses like cinematography masters degree, PG degree in cinematography or graduate cinematography degree courses. For all these cinematography degrees you will have to go abroad and join one of the cinematography universities offering degree in cinematography. We have compiles a list of best schools for cinematography which you can refer to if you are planning go abroad for courses offering cinematography degrees

21. Name some well known Cinematography masters of Indian film industry.

A lot of top cinematography schools in India and Abroad have produced masters in cinematography. There are various of cinematographer career graphs and cinematographer school (s) which have left their mark in the industry. A few have redefined the importance  and definition of cinematography. Some of the bollywood’s well known cinematographer career makers or masters in cinematography are given below:

Mahesh Aney - Swades
Ashok Mehta  - Moksha   
Anil Mehta      - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Santosh Sivan - Dil Se

22. Name some cinematography colleges offering cinematography degree courses.

You will find a huge number of cinematography colleges or institutions in India ,offering cameraman courses to learn cinematography. But unfortunately, none of them offer cinematography major degree courses like masters in cinematography course, PG degree cameraman course or graduate cinematography degree courses. For all these cinematography master class degrees you will have to go abroad and join one of the cinematography university or cinematography college offering degree cameraman course. We have compiles a list of best schools for cinematography which you can refer to if you are planning go abroad for cinematography studies especially for cinematography master class degree course.

American Film Institute - http://www.afi.com/ 
New York Film Academy - http://www.nyfa.com/ 
Vancouver Film School - http://www.vfs.com 
The London Film School - http://www.lfs.org.uk 
The Los Angeles Film School - http://www.lafilm.com/ 
Oxford Brookes University Film Studies - http://ah.brookes.ac.uk/filmstudies/ 
San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking - http://www.sfdigifilm.com/ 
London Film Academy - http://www.londonfilmacademy.com
New York Independent Film School - http://www.nyfilmschool.com 
NYU Department of Film and Television - http://www.nyu.edu/tisch/filmtv

23. Usually what is the duration of a cinematography class and how many students are there in one cinematography class.

The cinematography master class timings vary from semester to semester. You can count on roughly 12 hours in a week including cameraman course classes, labs or group work. Additional hours may be taken after regular cinematography classes for projects.

24. Is the cameraman courses different from courses in cinematography?

Cinematographers usually work as cameramen in the feature films and documentary films. They are typically hired by movie studios. A bachelor's degree cameraman course or cinematography master class courses provides the necessary base for the student to work as a cinematographer. Upcoming Directors of photography or Cinematographers learn cinematography in a cinematography college get to acquire technical knowledge of the area. To learn more about camera techniques and concepts of the film should filmmakers usually join several years to cinematography college for training and experience with cameras and lighting. Most cinematography class film students participate in film internships, while other students of the production and Performing basic lighting and the camera begins under the supervision of experienced film production.

25. Give us some cinematography tips before we join the industry.

For all those who are looking forward to making careers in cinematography here are some things you should keep in mind as they will later help you in tour cinematography careers. 

Next time you're watching your favorite TV show or movie, take a look at the camera angles the Director of Photography is using; they're a lot more varied than you probably think. Let's take a look at a few ways better digital cinematography can get your productions out of the doldrums.



a. Observe and try high angle shots


b. Observe and try low angle shots


c. Experiment with Bubble Level


d. Mount It, Move It and understand their meanings

e. Try and keep you camera steady


f. Spin It Around and look at various directions from your camera to decide a better looking shot

g. Use a Crane and experiment with other mounts


h. Understand the meaning and usage of Point of View shot

i. Try Hidden camera shots to experiment



Cinematography tips-

Before starting your cinematography careers or taking up cinematography jobs or may be before even joining a cinematography careers course you must start experimenting with the camera angles, movements, gadgets etc.

 Break yourself of the habit of putting the camera at eye level. Your eyes are stuck at the top of your body, but your camera isn't. Today's small, lightweight and inexpensive camcorders can go places where professional cameras can not go without very expensive equipment and oftentimes large crews of people. 
By considering a scene from various angles when you first see something and then thinking of innovative and unusual ways to show visuals to your audience, you'll engage and entertain them while telling your story. Hope these cinematography tips were helpful. Best of luck with your careers in cinematography

26. What is the definition of cinematography?

Cinematography is the act of lighting and photographing the images. Its history includes aesthetic elements, such as how a sentence, or the location may lit to enhance the drama. Also important are technical elements which extend the expressive power of the image and the environmental impact of the cinematic experience by watching, for example, the diversity of the composition by masking the screen or later provided by using methods to increase the average Panorama opportunities.

27. What is the usual career path for cinematography?

Cinematographers Work as cameramen in the feature films and documentary films. A bachelor's degree in cameraman courses or cinematography training courses provides the necessary base for the student to work as a cinematographer. To gain experience in the industry, cinematographers often begin their cinematography career as a production assistant or assistant cameraman. Budding Directors of photography usually studying a degree program in film studies or in any of the cinematography training courses, to acquire technical knowledge of the area.

To learn more about camera techniques and concepts of the film should filmmakers have to get several years of cinematography training and experience with cameras and lighting. Most cinematography college students participate in film internships, while other students of the production and Performing basic lighting and the camera begins under the supervision of experienced film production.

28. Who are the faculty members of cinematography programs?

All the teaching faculty members in our cinematography college are academically qualified and have an excellent industry experience. We also have many visiting faculty members who have a brilliant videography career or cinematography career and can help our students with careers in cinematography.

29. Do you offer degree in cinematography?

No, As explained earlier, we don’t have a degree option in any of the cinematography course in India.

30. What kind of cinematography class exercises do you give to students in cinematography program?

In our cameraman course we take up various cinematography studies activities which enhances your creativity and imagination skills. All our cinematography education exercises focus on improving creative thinking and handling clients along with gaining important contacts.

31. Is there any cinematography universities in India or abroad is the only option left for students who want to join cinematography programs from cinematography university only.

Just the way there are no degree cinematography course in India , there are no cinematography universities in India. For proper cinematography universities you will have to look at outside or else you will not find any cinematography course in India that is university based

32. Do you offer distant learning cinematography program also?

Yes, we offer Distant learning cinematography classes. For more details you will have to go to our distance learning courses section.

33. Do you have provision of people joining weekly cinematography workshops instead of joining a regular fill time cinematography school ?

We frequently organize workshops for cinematography or cameraman education in india which are taken by eminent personalities from the industry. These cameraman education workshops usually either for the beginners or advanced students. Yes, In some special cases we do allow students to attend a specific cinematography workshop. Please contact us for more details.

34. Can you provide us with the list of India’s best cinematography schools that provides its students with cinematography masters degree?

Several cinematography colleges offering cinematography course in India are
Chennai Film School (Tamil Nadu),
Film and Television Institute of India (Pune),
Satyajit Ray Film Institute (Mumbai), 
Center for Research in Art of Film and Television (Delhi), 
Digital Academy (Mumbai), 
Adarsh Film Institute (Bangalore),
Asian Academy of Film & Television (Noida), 

Apart from these prominent institutes, there are several other institutes in India, which are offering courses in cinematography.

35. Do you have graduate cinematography programs only or cinematography masters program also?

Just like most other cinematographer school (s) Craft also offers cinematography studies for both undergraduate and graduate students. If you want to have a career in cinematography we would recommend you to join cinematography classes as early as possible i.e. UG cinematography course in india. All cinematography colleges including the best cinematography schools would agree that the sooner you start the better your videography career (career in cinematography) would be.

36. Can you give us some examples of people with well known cinematography careers?

Some of the best schools for cinematography course in India and Abroad have produced cinematography careers masterpieces. There are various of cinematographer career graphs and cinematographer school names which have left their mark in the film industry. A few have even redefined the importance and definition of cinematography. Some of the bollywood’s well known careers in cinematography or videography career idols  are given below:

Anil Mehta     -  Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 
Mahesh Aney - Swades
Ashok Mehta  - Moksha   
Santosh Sivan - Dil Se

37. What would you suggest us to go for a Cinematography Degree and diploma courses in cinematography?

If you are planning to go for masters in cinematography (degree course) we wouldn’t discourage you, but any of the cinematography university degree courses are not available in any indian university. So you have no choice but to go for cinematography career study courses in abroad that offer cinematography classes with degrees. But, If you think cinematography studies is more important than a degree or diploma, then, craft might be the place for you. In India there are many videography career colleges that offer 6 months to 1 year cameraman education diploma courses which is enough time to make their students - masters in cinematography.

38. What are the cinematographer job prospectives after you complete your cameraman education courses?

At craft, after keeping in mind all the aspects of cinematography we have designed a broad based cinematography school course. In this field, Graduate cinematographer school students from any cinematography university must be prepared to work in lower-level production or cinematography jobs before actually doing a cinematography job for a film. In the film industry each student has to start his/ her career in cinematography from a small position and work their way up to the cinematography job positions with more responsibility and artistic endeavor. We have listed some of the cinematography job designations below:

    * Grip
    * Gaffer
    * Assistant director
    * Camera operator
    * Focus puller
    * Director of photography.

Final thought

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you think we can be of any help to you.

For more details call us at: 01132416868, 01132916868 or email your queries at: naresh.sharma@log2craft.org