FAQ's For Post Graduate Courses

Q. What is the Duration of the Post Graduate course?
A. The Duration of each of the post graduate course is 1 year inclusive of project time.

Q. Do we get any Mid Term Break and other holidays during the 1 year programe?
A. There is a whole week given as a Mid Term break in between the two semesters. There is also a list of authorised holidays by DA Management.

Q. Can one select the electives after joining the course or after the 1st Term?
A. It is mandatory to select the elective at the time of submitting the application. The question paper for on-line test may be different for different electives.

Q. What is the qualification I need to have for joining the PG course?
A. The Candidate applying will have to be Graduate in any stream. Admission to any DA Post Graduate courses will be based on eligibility norms as defined from time to time.

Q. How do I know I have cleared the entire requirement for joining the course?
A. The list of successful candidates will be declared and put up on the website and you will also be informed through email.

Q. What if I have not yet graduated but I am planning to appear for my Final Year graduate Exams? Can I apply for admission?
A. If you are a successful candidate for the course but the result of your final year graduation examination is not declared, you will be given a ‘Provisional Admission’ upon payment of admission fees.You will be required to submit proof of passing the graduation exam within one month of batch start. If you fail to submit the required proof within this time period, your Provisional Admission will be cancelled and out of the fees paid by you, the full amount of service tax plus 25% of the fees will be deducted and the balance amount will be refunded within one month from getting the proof of faliing in the gradutaion exmination along wih the application for refund.

Q. Can I change my elective once I enroll?
A. Yes.This may be permitted at the discretion of the management provided :

1. The request is received by the Academy within a maximum of two weeks after commencement of the course;

2. There is a seat available in the new elective chosen by the student, and

3. The student passes the fresh interview for the new elective chosen by him/her.

Q. Do you accept International students?
A. Yes we do.

Q. What will I get on successful completion of course?
A. If the student successfully completes course and all other formalities for certification are completed, then the student would be given their certificates. Students will also be given one copy of only the final edited version of their final film as their demo reel which will carry the water mark of Digital Academy - The Film School all across the film.

Q. Who are the faculties with Digital Academy? Or What is the experience and qualification of DA faculties?
A. Our faculty - include Full time faculty, Visiting Faculty, Assistant Faculty and Guest lecturers. The full time faculty provides guidance and learning continuity. All our faculty are well qualified and experienced industry professionals and many of them have won awards. Any one or more of our experienced faculty can be assigned to a course batch.

Q. Do you provide outstation students with boarding and lodging facilities?
A. We have a few local estate agents on our panel who could help our students get accommodation at a reasonable cost. Thus we provide assistance for comfortable and affordable accommodation through estate agents. The cost depends on the prevailing rates in different areas and locations of the city and students can select the place which suits their taste and budget. Students can also opt for flat sharing so as to reduce costs.

The ultimate decision on costs and accommodation type etc. would be as per agreement between agent, the owner and the student. Food expenses may vary depending on eating habits. The institute is situated in MIDC, Andheri in Mumbai. Please note - Travel time would depend on the proximity of the accommodation to the institute and the student may get accommodation very close [depending on students' budget] or else may have to opt for easily available public transport - as per distance and budgets.

Q. Do I need my own equipment to participate in the program?
A. Digital Academy prides itself on its infrastructure and makes available to students all equipment for making their own Films in the premises of the Academy – as per the course requirement and institute norms. Right from shooting floors to cameras to editing studios to sound recording, every aspect of Film Making is covered and supplemented within the academy. Students are given required equipment as available in the institute, as per the syllabus.

Q. Do you provide any scholarships?
A. At present DA does not offer any scholarships. However the facility is provided to pay the fees in 2 installments.

Q. Can we get any loan facilities?
A. DA can forward reference of banks which may help students with loan facilities, as per their terms. Please do contact our counselors for more information.

Q. Are there any additional hidden costs for making the films or courses?
A. There are no hidden costs for any of the courses. Digital Academy-The Film School provides its studio floors, equipment and post-production facilities for - the making of the films [course project] indoors. The studio floors are well equipped with props in-house. Students can use these facilities and available props [as per rules] which are normally sufficient to complete their project films. However, for any special requirements that the student might have, he or she will have to get things at their cost. The Academy could however help the student with sourcing the same at cost actuals upon request.

Q. How long has DA been around? What are the affiliations DA has?
A. DA started in the year 2002 - with the aim to bring Film and Television Education to the fore as an area of career opportunity for the cinematically inclined. DA has successfully trained students – many of who have been well placed in the industry. We are associated with the University of Westminster who accredits our Post Graduate Diplomas in Film and Tv Direction, Sound Recording and Engineering, Cinematography and Film and Television Editing . We are also associated with the University of Mumbai to conduct the Post Graduate Diploma in Films and Television.

Q. Why should I choose Digital Academy?
A. Our intensive hands-on curriculum is designed to put you on the fast track and get you onto a career path you are passionate about. Our experience of 11 years, enables us to know what employers want and hence we can equip you to accommodate their professional requirements. Our placements have been our strength and we are proud to see our students continue our legacy.
DA students have an edge as -

Our core strength remains in the fact we offer well structured, intensive, hands-on courses and with well equipped facilities - all teamed under one roof.

State of Art Infrastructure - Digital Academy is spread over a vast area of 40,000 sq. ft., with facilities like chroma shooting floors, sound, dubbing and editing suites, an auditorium, well equipped classrooms, a mini-theatre, a well-stocked library etc..

Our courses are well- designed by award winning experts in the field. Students work on Projects at the end of their course Our student teacher average ratio is 1:15, as it gives students room for interaction with instructors on a personal level.

Our faculty is handpicked from the entertainment industry's renowned professionals, many of whom have won national and international awards.

Assistance to find accommodation – We assist for comfortable and affordable accommodation through estate agent/s. Placement assistance at the end of successful completion of course.
Master classes & Workshops - conducted by professionals and celebrities from the field.

Q. Can I get my admission cancelled and get the refund once I have paid the fees?
A. As a policy DA does not encourage cancellation of admissions as it deprives other eligible students from taking admissions. However, under very special circumstances, the Management may use its discretion and allow cancellation of admission upon request from a student. In such cases, the rules for refund will be as under :

1. Any part of Service Tax will not be refunded.

2. If the request for cancellation is received at least 2 weeks before course commencement date, then 50% of the amount received towards fees will be refunded.

3. If the request for cancellation is received after the above period, but at least 3 days before course commencement date, then 25% of the amount received towards fees will be refunded.

4. If the student does not clear the graduation examination or submit the proof thereof within the stipulated period of one month, then 75% of the amount received towards fees will be refunded within one month after submission of the request for refund along with the proof of not clearing the graduation examination.

5. For an international student, if the Visa is refused by the Indian authorities after taking admission and paying the full fees, then upon furnishing the visa rejection letter from the Indian authorities, 75% of the amount received towards fees will be refunded.

6. Under no circumstances any refund will be considered / given if the request for cancellation is received after the aforesaid deadline.

Q. Will I get Placement Assistance on completion of course?
A. If the student successfully completes the course and all other formalities for certification are completed, then the Indian student would be eligible for assistance for placement.

Q. Are the credits transferable?
A. Yes the credits are transferable. The transfer of the credits into the programs of other institutions will be determined by the respective institutions. Each institution would make its own decision in relation to how their programme is written and the general rules of the institution.

FAQ's For Certificate Courses

Q. Are your affiliated to any University/ College or any other organisation?
A. We are affiliated with the University of Mumbai. We conduct their Post-Graduate diploma in Film Making course.
We are associated with the University of Westminster who accredits our Post Graduate Diplomas in Film and Tv Direction, Sound Recording and Engineering, Cinematography and Film and Television Editing.

Q. What is the balance between the theory and practical portion of the syllabus?
A. . The courses are designed by award winning professionals and the right balance of practical and theory is maintained as per the course.
An approximate ratio of practical work to theory is about 60:40. Certain courses do have more theory as required by subject and syllabus. To be able to carry out the project hands on you ought to be well versed with the theories. Hence theory cannot be ruled out at all. In fact it is considered the foundation of your education. In other words "No action is possible without thought and no thought is complete without it being acted upon".

Q. Are there any books given on the related subjects?
A. Film education is not textbook based but is a wholesome experience that involves both your sense and sensibility. Hence, no single book can encompass the enormity of the medium. We provide basic books to start off in the particular course that the student enrolls for. Our style of education is more project based where students are facilitated to use books as references. Files are required to be kept that include lectures and notations made while working on the project. Students are encouraged to use our well-stocked library.

Q. Who are the faculties with Digital Academy?
A. Our faculty - include Full time faculty, Visiting Faculty, Assistant Faculty and Guest lecturers. The full time faculty provides guidance and learning continuity. All our - faculty are well qualified and experienced industry professionals, many of whom have won awards. Any one or more of our experienced faculty can be assigned to a course batch

Q. Does Digital Academy have any other branches?
A. We currently offer courses only from - our center in Andheri-east, Mumbai, India.

Q. What are the criteria to earn a certificate at Digital Academy?
A. Digital Academy issues a Certificate of Competency based on certain criteria, such as
1) Minimum attendance as per the terms of institute - for theory and practicals.
2) Appraisal of projects.
3) Faculty judgement.
4) Passing Written & /or Practical Tests /Exams.
5) All fees / dues paid and all materials belonging to the institute [as books, cds etc. - if taken by the student] - are returned.

Q. Do you provide outstation students with boarding and lodging facilities?

We have a few estate agents of repute on our panel who could help our students get decent accommodation at a reasonable cost.

Thus we provide assistance for comfortable and affordable accommodation through estate agents. The cost depends on the prevailing rates in different areas and locations of the city and students can select the place which suits their taste and budget. Students can also opt for flat sharing so as to reduce costs.

The institute assists in introducing the estate agent to students and thereafter - the ultimate decision on costs and accommodation type etc. would be as per agreement between agent and the student

Food expenses may vary depending on eating habits.

The institute is situated in Andheri east MIDC in Mumbai.

Please Note - Travel time would depend on the proximity of the accommodation to the institute and the student may get accommodation very close [depending on students’ budget] or else may have to opt for public transport - as per distance and budgets.

Q. Do you offer Degrees and Diplomas ?
A. We also offer a Post Graduate diploma course in Films and Television in association with the Mumbai University.
We also offer a Post graduate courses in Film and Television Direction, Cinematography, Sound Recording and Engineering as well as Film and Television Editing. These courses are conducted by us and are accredited by the University of Westminster, UK.

Q. Do I need my own equipment to participate in the program?
A.Digital Academy prides itself on its infrastructure and makes available to students all equipment for making their own Films in the premises of the Academy – as per the course requirement and institute norms. Right from shooting floors to cameras to editing studios to sound recording, every aspect of Film Making is covered and supplemented within the academy. Students are given required equipment as available in the institute, as per the syllabus. However - For any additional requirements that the student might have, he or she will have to get things at their cost. The Academy could however help him with sourcing the same at cost actuals upon request

Q. How many students are there per class?
A.Our average class size is restricted to 20 students to ensure personal attention and guidance.

Q. Can I change my certificate course mid way?
A. No, you cannot change your course mid way. You would have to complete the course you have enrolled for. Also no breaks are allowed during the course. In exceptional cases a student may be allowed take a break due to genuine unavoidable circumstances, only if authorized by prior written permission by the Center head and Director. The fees however are non refundable and non transferable. In case of installments, all installments due have to be paid before going on break or as per actual due dates.

Q. Can I do multiple certificate courses simultaneously?
A. Yes, you can. Digital Academy – The Film School offers certificate courses during various times a day, alternate days and weekends. If the schedules for two courses you wish to join do not coincide, then you can join for more courses than one. Please communicate with our student advisor for more details

Q. What are the qualifications required for admission in the courses?
A. The candidate has to have an education of minimum 12th grade to enrol for any of our certificate courses. Please note – a personal interview and exams may be conducted for the Sound Engineering and Recording course, as this course contains technical topics – so as to ensure the student joining course is suitable for that course.
The candidate has to be a graduate and follow other terms as required, to enrol for the PGDFT course offered by University in collaboration with Digital Academy.
For Admission in the Post graduate courses in Film and Television Direction, Cinematography, Sound Recording and Engineering as well as Film and Television Editing. accredited by the University of Westminster, UK, please see the admissions and eligibility section of the Post Graduate courses section.

Q. Is there any entrance exam required to enroll in your courses?
A. No we don’t have entrance exams for our certificate courses; for we believe that every student has the right to our education. All we need the candidates to have is passion, enthusiasm and love for the subject they decide to pursue. However the only exception for this is:- Sound Recording and Engineering course where we may conduct personal interviews and exams, as this course contains technical topics – so as to ensure the candidate joining course is suitable for that course. For admission to the PGDFT course offered by Mumbai University in collaboration with DA, the interested candidate needs to follow eligibilty criteria and terms as required, to enrol for the course.
For Admission in the Post graduate courses in Film and Television Direction, Cinematography, Sound Recording and Engineering as well as Film and Television Editing accredited by the University of Westminster, UK.

Q. Do you provide any scholarships?
A.Our courses are competitively priced and hence we do not provide any scholarship facilities. However, we provide a concessional fee program to the physically challenged.
For Indian students we provide installment facility without any additional fee or charge [0% interest] to enable them to pay their fees comfortably.

Q. Can we get any loan facilities?
A. We do not have any arrangements with any banks for educational loans, but we do help you by giving you a 'bonafide student’ letter once you have reserved your seat which could help you get a personal loan. However, for Indian students we provide installment facility without any additional fee or charge [0% interest] to enable them to pay their fees comfortably.

Q. How do I know which programme / course is the right one for me?
A. Our student advisors / counselors will be more than glad to assist and guide you further in your career goals. We also suggest that you explore and research about the subjects that you find interesting or are curious about.

Q.Are there any additional hidden costs for making the films or courses?
A. There are no hidden costs for any of the courses. Digital Academy-The Film School provides its studio floors, the available - equipment and post-production facilities for - the Making of the films [course project] indoors. The studio floors are well equipped with props in-house. Students can use these facilities available [as per terms] as required for their project films. However - For any additional requirements that the student might have, he or she will have to get things at their cost. The Academy could however help him with sourcing the same at cost actuals upon request.

Q. Is there any background or experience required to be a Film Maker?
A. No, there is no background or experience as such that is required to be a Film Maker. It is only individual passion, perseverance, sincerity and love for the medium that has taken people to the peak of the entrainment centres. We expect the candidate wishing to join any of our courses to have a 12th [board] pass qualification or an equivalent qualification. Please check the Post graduate courses section for admission criteria

Q.Why should I choose Digital Academy?
A. Our intensive hands-on curriculum is designed to put you on the fast track and get you onto a career path you are passionate about. Our experience enables us to know what employers want and hence we can equip you to accommodate their professional requirements. Our placements have been our strength and we are proud to see our students continue our legacy.

DA students have an edge as -

• Our core strength remains in the fact we offer intensive, hands-on courses and with well equipped facilities - all teamed under one roof.

• State of Art Infrastructure - Digital Academy is spread over a vast area of 40,000 sq. ft., with facilities like chroma shooting floors, sound, dubbing and editing suites, an auditorium, well equipped classrooms, a mini-theatre, a well-stocked library etc.

• Our courses are well- designed by award winning experts in the field.

• Students work on Projects at the end of their course

• Our student teacher average ratio is 1:15, as it gives students room for interaction with instructors on a personal level.

• Our faculty is handpicked from the entertainment industry's renowned professionals, many of whom have won national and international awards.

• Assistance to find accommodation – We assist for comfortable and affordable accommodation through estate agents.

• Placement assistance at end of successful completion of course.

• Master classes & Workshops - conducted by professionals and celebrities from the field.

Q. What kind of placement assistance does Digital Academy provide?
A. Digital Academy has a dedicated placement cell which gives placement assistance to students [Indian citizens] of the Academy on successful completion of his/her course.
We do our best to help place our students on successful completion of their courses. We help them prepare resumes and groom them on how to handle interviews. Our well placed network with various production and post production houses has enabled us to place students - who today are on the pathway to success.

Q. Where would we be sent for interviews?
A. There are hundreds of production and post production houses in Mumbai catering to the making of Software content for the Entertainment Industry. Depending on course taken and successful completion of the same, there will be Job opportunities in the entertainment industry, including - Film, Television and Advertising industries. Producers of TV Content, Filmmakers, Documentary Makers, Government Departments, upcoming production houses of Corporate India are all places of possible employment.

Q. What is the salary one can expect in the initial stages?
Salaries at initial stages would depend on requirement and as per industry norms. Students can expect to earn a good income (upwards of Rs. 20,000/- p.m.) into the second year of their employment. Of course the salary also depends on the field chosen and student’s performance and industry norms.