About the department

The Direction and Screenplay Writing Department coordiniates the 2 semesters of the Integrated Programme. The Department also conducts the 4 Semesters of Specialisation which include theoretical and practical inputs in Film Language and Syntax, Film History, Film Theory, Screenplay Writing and Produc­tion Design. The Department teachers engage with students on a one on one level and mentor them through all the stages of their student film projects.


We strive to provide our students with optimum expo­sure to different forms and genres of Cinema – be it Fiction or Documentary Cinema. In addition to our regular academic inputs, we also invite guest film­makers to conduct film workshops with our students and to inspire them. The intent is to encourage our students to always be open to and embrace new and innovative praxis and ideas. The Department strives towards achieving not only greater technical and craft expertise for our students but also attempts to help them acquire an aesthetic sensibility, a greater understanding of and sensitivity towards societal issues. We hope to provide our students with a sup­portive environment where they can freely explore the film medium and move towards finding their own unique voice.

Course objective

SEMESTER I AND SEMESTER II : Integrated Programme

Theory and practical classes will enable the student to achieve comprehension of the creative collaboration required of the existing 6 academic departments (Direction & SPW, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Recording and Design, Producing for Film & Television and Animation Cinema) in filmmaking.


SEMESTER III

The department adapts a praxis, where through focused theoretical classes, hands on practical sessions, individual mentoring and workshops with outside experts the student gains experiential understanding of the salient aspects of filmmaking.


SEMESTER IV

Each student of the department has to work with the student crew, pitch and execute a long take exercise to create cinematic spaces any where in the campus including the available sets in the studio floors and a short film to be made on given parameters of shooting indoor (on set) as well as outdoor.


SEMESTER V

In the first part of the semester two workshops are arranged, one on playback and how the same can be used effectively in narratives and the second one is on promotional and advertising filmmaking practices. Students then receive intensive inputs on research and development of non-fiction cinema and make an observational documentary. Rest of the semester then is on developing the thesis film screenplay.


SEMESTER VI

Each student along with a students’ crew make a thesis film. The film can be set anywhere in India and the unit has to source all the materials including equipment and other logistics from outside. This gives the experience of real filmmaking

Faculty & Academic Support Staff

Learn More About Them
Facilities
  • Apple iPad – 5 Nos. (for Director’s Digital Viewfinder with Artemis software)
  • Director’s Viewfinder – 4 Nos. (Analogue)
  • Sony PXW FS7 Camera – 5 Nos.
  • Canon 7D Mark II Digital Camera with 28 mm, 50 mm & 85 mm Prime Lenses for each set – 5 sets.
  • Panasonic P2 Camera HPX-172 En – 3 Nos.
  • Panasonic P2 Camera HVX-250 En – 2 Nos.
  • Tripod: Sachtler – 20 Nos., Libec – 3 Nos.
  • iMac Editing Set-up – 8 Nos.
  • ZOOM Portable Audio Recorder – 5 Nos.
  • Boom Mike – 4 Nos.
  • Boom Rod – 6 Nos.
  • Lapel Mike – 5 Nos.
  • Computer Laboratory with 10 Nos. Computer
  • Classroom with AV projection facilities and surround sounds – 3 Nos.
Image displaying department's activities