Film Production courses cover various aspects of filmmaking like Direction, Production, Cinematography, Lighting, Editing, Post-Production, etc. These courses are especially for students who have a keen interest in the film making and related fields.
Film Production courses in India are delivered in all levels of programmes, certificates, diplomas, PG diplomas, bachelor’s, masters and doctorate programmes too. Certificates programmes are the most preferred form of learning new skills for working individuals within a short span of time.
- The duration of certificate courses, online and offline, is a few hours to 6 months.
- Diploma and PG diploma courses take 1 to 2 years to complete.
- Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degree programmes are specialized programmes and completed over 3 years and 2 years respectively.
The top job profiles, graduates from Film Production courses, can work as Director, Producer, Director of Photography, Editor, Lighting Technician, Runners etc.
Film Production Course Highlights
The highlights of Film Production courses are as follows.
| Type of Courses |
|
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Average Fees |
|
| Online Courses | Available |
| Types of Online Courses | Certificates |
| Top Job Prospects | Director, Producer, Director of Photography, Editor, Lighting Technician, Runners etc. |
| Average Salary |
|
Certificate Film Production Courses
Certificate courses in Film Production are available in online and offline modes. They are either free of cost or a small fee is charged for a certificate of completion.
- Online certificate courses are completed in a few hours and can take up to 6 months.
- Online certificates are available in a number of specializations in Film Production.
- Certificate courses can be completed quickly and are perfect to pick up new skills while working.
The average starting salary that a certificate degree holder can earn in Film Production is between INR 1.9 to INR 3 LPA.
Online Certificates Film Production Course
The following certificate courses can be pursued and completed online.
| Certificate Name | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator1 | Udemy | 5 hours 17 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television2 | Michigan State University, Coursera | 93 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Building your Screenplay3 | University of Cambridge, edX | 4 weeks | Free/ INR 14,682 for a certificate |
| Introduction to Production Design for Film and Screen4 | AFTRS, FutureLearn | 3 weeks | Free |
| Learn to Storyboard for Film or Animation5 | Udemy | 1 hour 52 mins | INR 6,400 |
Offline Certificates Film Production Course
In the offline mode, the following certificate Film Production courses are available.
| Certificate Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate Course in Film & Video Editing | Alagappa University | INR 2,500 | 6 months |
| Certificate in Digital Film Making | Amity University | INR 30,000 | 1 year |
| Certificate in Photography and Videography | Pondicherry University | INR 10,200 | 6 months |
| Certificate in Acting and Direction | Punjabi University | INR 17,928 | 3 months |
How to get admission in Certificate Film Production Course?
Certificate Film Production courses admit candidates on merit basis only. There is no fixed admissions structure for online and offline certificate courses.
- Certificate courses are completed in a few hours to 6 months.
- Applicants must have completed their class 10th or 12th standard examinations.
- Some online platforms take time to evaluate applications before granting admission.
Colleges offering Online Certificates Film Production Course
The ratings of online certificate courses by past students are as follows.
| Student Rating | Institute Name | Online Platform | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 | NA | Udemy | INR 8,640 |
| 4.6 | Michigan State University | Coursera | Free Enrolment |
| 4.9 | AFTRS | FutureLearn | Free |
| 4.6 | NA | Udemy | INR 6,400 |
Colleges offering Offline Certificates Film Production Course
In the offline mode, India provides the following certificates in Film Production courses.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Alagappa University | Karaikudi | INR 2,50014 |
| 37 | Amity University | Gautam Budh Nagar | INR 30,000 |
| 58 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry | INR 10,20015 |
| 64 | Punjabi University | Patiala | INR 17,92816 |
Diploma and PG Diploma in Film Production Courses
Diploma and PG diploma Film Production courses are opted for when candidates do not have the time to pursue a full-time degree programme. Both programmes are the same but differ only in terms of eligibility criteria and duration.
- Diploma courses are completed in 1 year while PG diploma courses are completed in 2 years.
- Eligibility criteria is class 10th or 12th pass out for diploma courses while a bachelor’s degree for PG diploma courses.
- Specializations for diploma courses are Cinematography, Direction, Video Edition, etc.
The average starting salary diploma holders can earn is between INR 2 to 4 LPA.
Top Diploma Film Production Courses
The top diploma courses in Film Production provided by Indian universities are as follows.
| Diploma Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Video Production & Editing | Pondicherry University | NA | 1 year |
| Diploma in Film Direction | Mysore University | INR 11,000 | 1 year |
| Diploma in Cinematography | Alagappa University | INR 3,500 | 1 year |
| Diploma in TV Production & Basics in Film Making | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | INR 30,000 | 1 year |
Top PG Diploma Film Production Courses
The popular PG diploma courses in Film Production are as follows.
| PG Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG Diploma in Media Studies: Film and Television | University of Calcutta | INR 15,000 | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Indian Film Studies | Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 18,50027 | 1 year |
How to get admission in Diploma Film Production Courses?
Admissions to diploma and PG diploma Film Production courses universities on a merit basis. No entrance examination scores are required to be submitted as part of the admissions processes.
- Diploma courses and PG diploma courses are completed over 1 year and 2 years.
- Diploma courses require their applicants to have completed class 10th or 12th
- PG diploma applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Colleges offering Diploma Film Production Courses
Diploma Film Production course provider universities secured the following ranks in NIRF’s university list.
| Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mysore University | Mysuru | INR 11,000 |
| Alagappa University | Karaikudi | INR 3,500 |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | INR 12,000 |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Aurangabad | INR 30,000 |
Colleges offering PG Diploma Film Production Courses
The above PG diploma course provider universities have secured the following ranks.
| Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata | INR 15,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | INR 18,500 |
Bachelor Film Production Courses
Bachelor’s degree programmes are full-time degree programmes that can be pursued after completing class 12th in any stream.
- The duration of the bachelor’s programmes is 3 years.
- The bachelor’s degrees one can earn is either Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Vocation.
- Admissions are done on a merit basis with no entrance examination score required.
The average starting salary a bachelor’s degree holder can earn is between INR 3 to 5 LPA.
Top Bachelors Film Production Courses
The best bachelor’s degree in Film Production courses are as follows.
| Bachelor Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Film Production | Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment, Mumbai | INR 16,64,000 | 3 years |
| BA Film and TV Production | Amity University Jadavpur University University of Calcutta Kerala University Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Lovely Professional University |
INR 18,000 to INR 1.06 lac | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Visual Communication | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | INR 2 lac | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Digital Filmmaking | Jain University | INR 1.26 lac | 3 years |
How to get admission in Bachelors Film Production Courses?
Admissions are done on a merit basis for bachelor’s Film Production courses. Some universities might conduct entrance examinations for admissions.
- The duration of bachelor’s degree programmes is 3 years.
- Candidates must have completed their class 12th pass out examinations.
- An aggregate score of at least 50% and above is sufficient for admissions.
Colleges offering Bachelor's Film Production Courses
NIRF has ranked the above bachelor’s degree provider universities in its universities list.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | INR 2 lac |
| 5 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata | INR 2,400 |
| 7 | University of Calcutta | Kolkata | INR 7,812 |
| 23 | Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram | INR 18,000 |
| 24 | Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Bhubaneswar | INR 1.39 lac |
| 37 | Amity University | Gautam Budh Nagar | INR 1.06 lac |
| 51 | Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar | INR 43,000 |
| 78 | Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | INR 98,000 |
| 85 | Jain University | Bengaluru | INR 1.26 lac |
Master Film Production Courses
At the master’s degree level, one can either earn a Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree in Film Production. Master’s level programmes in Film Production are specialized degree programmes.
- The duration of a master's programme is 2 years.
- Applicants need to possess a bachelor’s degree in Filmmaking or another related degree to be admitted into a master’s degree programme.
- Master’s programmes act as the base to research programmes after completing a master's degree programme.
The average starting salary a master’s degree holder can earn is between INR 4 to 6 LPA.
Top PG Film Production Courses
The following are the top Master's Film Production courses in India.
| PG Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Film Studies | Amity University Jadavpur University Manipal Academy of Higher Education Mahatma Gandhi University |
INR 5,000 to INR 1.15 lac | 2 years |
| MA Art and Aesthetics | Jawaharlal Nehru University | INR 1,260 | 2 years |
| M.Sc. in Visual Communication | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | INR 1.1 lac | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Film and Electronic Media Studies | Madurai Kamaraj University Lovely Professional University |
INR 6,000 to INR 78,000 | 2 years |
How to get Admission in Masters Film Production Courses?
Admissions to Masters film production courses are done on a merit basis and through entrance examinations. Each university conducts its own entrance examination for admissions.
- The duration of a master’s course is 2 years.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Film Production to pursue a master’s degree.
- An aggregate score of 50%, at the bachelor's level, is sufficient to secure a seat in the programme of choice.
Colleges offering Masters Film Production Course
NIRF prepares annual ranking lists for MHRD. In its university's list, the above mentioned master’s course providers secured the following ranks.
| Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | INR 1,260 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | INR 1.1 lac |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | INR 4,940 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal | INR 1.25 lac |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam | INR 20,200 |
| Amity University | Gautam Budh Nagar | INR 1.15 lac |
| Madurai Kamaraj University | Madurai | INR 6,685 |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | INR 78,000 |
Doctorate Film Production Courses
Doctorate level degrees in any field are the highest level of degree one can earn in India. For Film Production courses, the doctorate degree one can earn is either an M.Phil or a Ph.D. degree.
- The duration of the doctorate degree is anywhere between 3 years to 5 years.
- Applicants for doctorate degrees must have a master's degree in the same field and also work experience.
- Admissions are done through entrance examinations and through personal interviews.
The average starting salary the doctorate Film Production courses graduates can earn is INR 5 to 7 LPA.
Top PhD Film Production Courses
The top doctorate degrees in Film Production in India are as follows.
| Doctorate Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil Media Studies | Jawaharlal Nehru University | INR 1,391 | 3 years |
| Ph.D. Film Studies | Jadavpur University Punjabi University |
INR 40,000 to INR 1,20,000 | 3 years |
How to get admission in Doctorate Film Production Courses?
Admissions into doctorate level programmes are done on entrance examinations. Entrance examination scores are forgiven by some universities for candidates who have relevant work experience.
- Universities invite applications for doctorate programmes as and when seats open up.
- After qualifying for the entrance examination, candidates are invited for personal interviews.
- One has to submit their research proposals for the research during the interview.
Colleges offering Doctorate Course
As per MHRD’s rankings list prepared annually by NIRF, the university's list has the above doctorate colleges in the following ranks.
| Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | INR 1,391 |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | INR 20,000 |
| Punjabi University | Patiala | INR 48,834 |
Film Production Courses Job Profiles
The top job profiles candidates can work as after completing a Film Production Course are as follows.
Director
Directors can be hired to bring a story from conception to hiring of actors to editing and broadcasting of the film. Their work is similar to that of a project manager in organizations.
Starting Salary: INR 3 LPA
Skills Required:
- Creative and flexible
- Leadership skills
- Technological skills and knowledge
- Storytelling capabilities
Producer
Film Producers are primarily responsible for securing funds for scripts and movies. They go through all available scripts, secure funds, write and shoot films and shorts, work with writers, and also take part in the editing process.
Starting Salary: INR 5.7 LPA
Skills Required:
- Knowledge of film productions
- Managerial and leadership skills
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and able to change
Director of Photography
A Director of Photography or a Cinematographer manages the camera and look of the film. They work with the film director, camera crew and lighting department to help develop the right image and mood for the film.
Starting Salary: INR 2.70 LPA
Skills Required:
- Expert knowledge and experience in handling cameras
- Knowledge of lighting
- Ability to work with a crew
- Eye for detail
Editor
Film Editors start their work after the shooting of the main film is done. They cut and stitch together the film into the finished product. They work with the director and the producer to bring their vision into life.
Starting Salary: INR 5 LPA
Skills Required:
- Attention to detail
- Concentration and ability to work on their own
- Time management skills
- Dedicated and organized
What Skills are Required in Film Production Courses?
Candidates who are interested in working in filmmaking can look into enrolling in film production courses that can add to the skillset of the candidate. The following are skills that one can look into learning.
Storytelling
The sign of a good filmmaker is to effectively tell a story. Luckily the art of good storytelling can be learnt through online classes.
Top Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storytelling to Influence | Udemy | 48 mins | INR 3,840 |
| Digital Storytelling: Filmmaking for the Web | University of Birmingham, BBA Academy, FutureLearn | 4 weeks | Free |
| VIDEO STORYTELLING. Creative Excellence Class | Udemy | 4 hours 4 2mins | INR 8,320 |
Syllabus
| Introduction | Knowing what story to tell |
|---|---|
| Scriptwriting | Using cameras |
| Creativity | Shooting the story |
| Editing to tell the story | Conclusion |
Job Profiles
- Content Writer
- Scriptwriter
- Producer
Video Editing
The last step of film production is editing it. Editing skills in software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro is needed. There are various online courses that aim on teaching shortcuts and techniques are taught.
Top Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Premiere Pro CC: Video Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro | Udemy | 9 hour 50 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Mastering Final Cut Pro | LearnQuest, Coursera | 40 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Fundamentals of Digital Image and Video Processing | Northwestern, Coursera | 36 hours | Free Enrolment |
Syllabus
| Video Editing with Premiere Pro CC | Downloading video to edit |
| Importing and organizing | Adding, inserting, and arranging clips |
| Editing techniques and shortcuts | Clip speeds |
| Inserting texts, shapes etc. | Adding video, audio and stills |
Job Profiles
- Film Editor
- Video Editor
- Producer
Cinematography
Cinematography includes taking care of the camera, setting the composition of any scene, lighting, lens, filters, angles, and also the movement of the camera. All above mentioned work is done in conservation with the director and producer.
Top Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography Course: Shoot Better Video with Any Camera | Udemy | 3 hours 14 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Cinematography 101: Absolute beginners course | Udemy | 1 hour 13 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide | Udemy | 6 hour 4 mins | INR 8,640 |
Syllabus
| What is cinematography | Camera Basics |
|---|---|
| The right exposure | Composition |
| Adding movement to shots | Lighting |
| Lighting techniques | Colour correcting |
Job Profiles:
- Director of Photography
- Cinematography
- Camera Operator
- Producer
Screenwriting
Screenwriting is the practice of writing out scripts for movies, films, video games etc. Most screenwriters work on a freelance basis. They create dialogues, write backstories, develop plots etc.
Top Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Introduction to Screenwriting | University of East Anglia, FutureLearn | 2 weeks | Free |
| Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television | Michigan State University, Coursera | 93 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Inspirational Screenwriting. The #1 Screenwriting Course! | Udemy | 2 hours 52 mins | INR 6,400 |
Syllabus
| Introduction | Story |
|---|---|
| Characters and images | Blueprint of the story |
| Constructing the scene | Character arc |
| Sequence writing | Writing a screenplay that sells |
Job Profiles
- Screenwriter
- Content Writer
- Writer
- Producer
Comparison of online Film Production Courses, fees, and rating
The best online courses in filmmaking are as follows.
| Course | Provider | Duration | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator | Udemy | 5 hours 17 mins | 4.4 |
| Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television | Michigan State University, Coursera | 93 hours | 4.6 |
| Building your Screenplay | University of Cambridge, edX | 4 weeks | NA |
| Introduction to Production Design for Film and Screen | AFTRS, FutureLearn | 3 weeks | 4.9 |
| Learn to Storyboard for Film or Animation | Udemy | 1 hour 52 mins | 4.6 |
| Inspirational Screenwriting. The 1 Screenwriting Course! | Udemy | 2 hours 52 mins | 4.5 |
| Cinematography Course: Shoot Better Video with Any Camera | Udemy | 3 hours 14 mins | 4.4 |
| Mastering Final Cut Pro | LearnQuest, Coursera | 40 hours | 4.5 |
| Digital Storytelling: Filmmaking for the Web | University of Birmingham, BBA Academy, FutureLearn | 4 weeks | NA |
Comparison of online platforms offering Film Production Courses
There are a number of platforms that provide quality filmmaking courses. The top two platforms have been compared below.
| Parameters | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Name | Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator102 | Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television103 |
| Fees | INR 8,640 | Free enrolment |
| Student Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Enrolment | 45,142 | 24,756 |
| Duration | 5 hours 17 mins | 93 hours |
| Created by | Julian Melanson | Michigan State University |
Film Production Courses FAQs
Ques. Can I learn Film Production courses Online?
Ans. Yes. There are various online certifications and diploma courses in Film Production.
Ques. Which is the best Film Production Free Online Course in India?
Ans. There are a number of online providers of online courses in India. The top online platforms are as follows.
- Udemy
- Coursera
- Upgrad
- FutureLearn
- edX
Ques. What is the duration of Film Production Courses?
Ans. The duration of the course will depend on the course chosen. Certificate courses can be completed in a few hours while diploma and PG diploma courses take 1 to 2 years. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees take 3 years, 2 years, and 3 years respectively.
Ques. How much does it cost to do a Film Production course?
Ans. Certificate courses are often free of cost. Among other courses, the highest course fee is charged by bachelor’s level programmes at INR 2 lac.
Ques. Should I go for a Film Production weekend course or should I look for a job in Film Production and learn from the experience?
Ans. For any job in Film Production, it is recommended to pursue a certificate or a degree first. Employers lookout for relevant degrees and diplomas before hiring people.
Ques. Is it worth pursuing a Film Production course?
Ans. Yes, Film Production is a demanding and rewarding programme. If one has the passion to work in the industry, they must opt for this course.
Ques. What is the average salary after completing a Film Production course?
Ans. The highest average salary earned by Producers is near INR 5.7 LPA.
Ques. Do I get a scholarship to pursue Film Production certifications?
Ans. Yes. Certain websites providing Film Production courses do have financial aid.
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