Certificate in Filmmaking

Certificate by Institute of Moving Images Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi View Contact

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Learn: Film Making

Category: Film Making & Television

Age Group:	Above 18-   Years
Eligibility: (Pre-requisites)	- Minimum age of 18 years. - 10+2 / HSC / A-Level or equivalent level of education. Graduation is preferred.
Medium of instruction:	English

First and foremost a filmmaker is a storyteller. Filmmakers are confronted with a number of visual, dramatic and technical challenges. The goal of our Certificate in Film making program is to empower students to artfully tell their stories.

Our six month Certificate Film making is a vocational multi-disciplinary course, specializing in short narrative fiction film making. It is an intense six month program in which the aesthetic, technical and craft skills of film making are taught at appropriate professional level. It takes you through the complete film production process while teaching you the art and science of film making through classroom lectures, workshops, extensive practice and complete production of films, covering a curriculum in six months which might otherwise take twice or more to complete.

Multi-skilling is a buzz phrase today
Our film school's teaching is built on the conviction that film professionals who know all the jobs on the set are more creatively resourceful, effective and employable. In the short tenure of six month of our Film making Certificate course, each student in addition to writing, producing, directing and editing 6 projects independently, also assists other members of their crew in 15 film productions as:

Script:

• Screenwriter

• Script Editor

Production:

• Producer

• Production Manager

• Production Assistant

Directing:

• Director

• 1st Assistant Director

• 2nd Assistant Director

• 3rd Assistant Director

• Script Supervisor

Cinematography:

• Director of Photography

• Camera Operator

• Focus Puller

• Clapper/Loader

• Camera Assistant

• Gaffer

Sound:

• Sound Recordists

• Boom Operator

Editing:

• Editor

• 1st Assistant Editor

• Sound Designer

This provides everyone with extensive film making experience, resulting in a constant sense of excitement and collaboration. Students continuously learn from each other and also from the immense range of practical and aesthetic problems the different films offer.

It is this integration of many kind of knowledge that distinguishes the Institute of Moving Images from any other film school.

This makes our graduates stand out from their industry colleagues with a single specialization of same duration course.

In our certificate program, on the one hand, students with a primarily technical bent of mind find insights into their work through a better understanding of the more interpretive practices and very often discover their unexpected potential and self confidence as writers or directors.

On the other hand, writer's and director's range and sense of the possibilities of the art is immeasurably increased by their enhanced technical competence. This lays solid foundation for their future work in the professional world.

Hands-on experience on latest cutting edge equipment
Our all student films are shot on actual locations. The equipments which our Film making Certificate course student uses are comparable to that of the leading Film Schools in India provide for the production of their student films.

Each student gains a thorough proficiency with different camera types including Sony DV & HDV for camera work and editing experience on non linear AVID Xpress Pro. The final Certificate films are made on Sony broadcast level cameras and post production on Final Cut Pro.

At the conclusion of the course, students final films are celebrated in the IMI screening- open to Press, crew, friends and family. Students retain the copy of digital master tape of their finished film to include in their demo reel- the ultimate calling cards. Upon successful completion of the program, each student receives a Certificate in accordance with industry expectations. The students are also offered work experience opportunities on IMI Diploma films.

IMI's Certificate Film making program simply gets the ball rolling for the people considering serious full time career move into film making and want to build a strong foundation for working way up in the entertainment industry. Students gain fast track entry for Assistant jobs in Film & TV industry. They also get employed by Television Channels as a senior member of their in-house creative/production team.

Who Should Apply

Those seeking fast paced, intensive learning

• Can commit six days a week for six month

• Have sincere passion for the art of cinema and filmmaking

• Willing to work with other artistes

• Have spirit of collaboration and inquisitiveness

• People considering serious full time move into filmmaking

• Want to build a strong foundation for working way up in the industry

• Looking for openings in Television Channels as programmer/executive producer

• Looking for sound basis for going on to specialized course in Filmmaking

• Applicant of all nationalities and background with minimum age of 18 years (average mid 20s)

Admission Criteria

• Students applying to Institute of Moving Images come from a wide-spectrum of educational backgrounds. What we are essentially looking for is raw talent and new voices with something to say. Graduation is preferred. However, minimum eligibility is a 10+2 / HSC / A-Level or equivalent level of education

• No previous experience of filmmaking required. However, a strong instinct for the grammar of visual story telling is preferred

• Admission purely on merit. Applicants merit & creative potential are evaluated on the basis of their response to three aptitude test questions listed on the admission form and performance at interview. For more detail, go to Admission requirement page

• The need to follow and understand the intensive course of lectures and high pressure of group work make it imperative that all students have a satisfactory knowledge of English language
  
  

Course Curriculum

The curriculum of the Filmmaking Certificate course is identical to that of the first semester of our Diploma Program.

IMI mission is to inspire students with the experience and knowledge they need to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Our course content is geared around delivering multi-skilled and well rounded people in the industry. The components of the course include the technique of story telling through Screenplay writing, Directing, Cinematography & Editing. From the first day of the class, students are behind the camera. Students will learn about and explore the numerous visual, dramatic and technical challenges that directors face.

The program equips students with artistic and technical knowledge of filmmaking, while giving them the opportunity to develop their creative talent through tightly scheduled film exercises, placing them under same strict time constraints they will encounter in the professional world and thus, teaching them discipline and efficiency.

Comprehensive and rigorous practical training in Filmmaking

Course Outline
Term One- A Foundation in Filmmaking
The first term is dedicated to the principle of learning how to think an idea as images. The center of the term is the film exercises, which provide the platform for basic teaching in camera skills, exposure control and lenses, practical on Sony DV & HDV camera, sound recording exercises and editing on Avid Xpress Pro.

In parallel, you will learn film theory and its grammar, story construction, stages of script development, directing syntax, shot breakdown, visual continuity and production designing through lectures, extensive hands-on workshops and immediate directing experience.

For us, learning by doing means requiring each student to make a series of short films.

This takes them through the entire process of filmmaking. Their work is constantly assessed critically by their teachers who are industry professionals. The student applies the experience gained through this process to the next project, and the learning process continues.

Students work in units of five with each student works on 15 film projects, 3 of which he or she directs him or herself on series of assigned topics.

These film exercises serve as a practice and foundation for more complex and ambitious group projects in the second term where students take all the aesthetic decisions, solving problems similar to those faced by professional units.

Term Two- Advanced Techniques
In second term, the requirements and expectations from students are very high. There are an important series of directing actor workshops and working with actors is a major component of these. Students will have to cast and work with professional actors for their projects. They will also have to practice basic production management skills: organizing location permissions, securing props and costumes.

Their aesthetic, technical and craft skills of filmmaking techniques are further honed in the core areas- developing drama script, sequence construction, shooting strategies, theory & practical for location & indoor lighting, camera operation, recording sync sound on location, different editing style, laying multiple sound tracks and sound mixing- drawing upon a rich pool of international and national award winning films crossing themes and genres i.e. drama, comedy, thrillers, documentaries.

By the end of two terms, students finish close to 20 short films, 6 of which are independent projects. This is in parallel and intersecting with the classes which cover theory and filming strategies.

Classes
Film Theory
The class surveys the theory and grammar of cinema. A lecture series and critical workshop defining the elements that make narrative filmmaking effective and important. In it students will have a forum to stretch and exercise creative powers, practicing new found filmmaking evaluative skills.

Overview of 35mm SLR stills cameras
This is essentially the study of Camera basics- Using SLR stills camera to demonstrate body shutter, view finder, film transport mechanism.
Lenses: focusing, focal length and aperture.
Film stock: size, reversal/negative, speed (ISO), daylight & Tungsten
Use of Camera: choosing the lens, framing, focusing, setting the exposure
Exposure: what is it?
Aperture, shutter speeds, film sensitivity, how it is measured? Incident light, TTL meters.

Screenwriting
The subject is designed to give in-depth understanding of how to create a balance between creative exploration and practical industry skills. It is study of the foundation of filmic storytelling, story structure, character, pattern of script development, format and genre. In the beginning of second term, students jump in to writing and rewriting a 15 minute short film script. Students discuss their writing in workshops round table discussions with faculty and classmates. And gradually expand their story telling ability by studying feature scripts, TV script, shorts, sketch comedy and more. Through many productions during the semester, students learn to write to deadlines, to work alone and as part of a writing team and to write effectively.

Politics, Society & Cinema
The subject explores impact of politics on society historically. Film as the voice of a society and its ideas are examined in the popular films, advertising, ethics, censorship and globalization from psychological, political and sociological perspectives. The use of in-class discussion, lecture and screen studies of early days of Hollywood through global cinema in the silent and sound eras, and new cinema of the "third world".

Producing the Documentary
The producer of the documentary often has the private creative voice of the project. In this sense, students are the producers of all the film they make during the course. This class introduces students all the professional procedures of documentary and non-fiction filmmaking. Students have to practice basic production management skills including production scheduling, budgeting, obtaining location permission, organizing crew and production needs, copyrights and distribution.

Behavioral Science
The class introduces students to the psychology of self-evaluation, self-motivation, self awareness and self focus. It provides proven methods in adapting to new environments and reducing anxiety. Students are also introduced to technique of time management, organizational skills, active listening and producing effective presentation.

Documentary Craft
Student will explore the history and evolution of non-fiction filmmaking technique as it applies to students own projects. Individual and group projects are introduced; various interviewing techniques and shooting strategies are devised for different genre of documentaries. The film exercises are screened and criticized by the instructor and students in Documentary craft class.

Students participate in workshops that emulate a working film production environment, as they become director and actor utilizing their scripts and talents.

Camera and Lighting
The subject introduces students to the art and operation of various camera types including traditional film formats and advanced high definition by providing an in-depth overview of terminology, camera structure and camera operation. In hands-on classes and production workshops, students learn to operate and maximize the functions of DV, HDV, DVCAM and film cameras. Subjects covered include composition, focal length, shutter speeds, apertures, frame rates, filters and scene menus.

Lighting classes introduce students to type of light, contrast ratio, colour temperature. It gives demonstration and practical exercise in lighting techniques including basic electrics, health & safety, clamps and stands, diffusion and reflectors.

It further teaches students how to make use of available and natural light on outdoor locations as well as traditional studio lighting for indoor situation.

Sound Recording
The subject trains students in all the essential elements of sound recording and designing. They gain knowledge of live-sync sound, microphone technique & boom operation, role of sound effect, track laying, music and film mixing.

Editing
The subject examines non-linear online editing techniques, video formats, engineering, digital video effects and compositing using multiple platforms. Students study editing theory, editing software, basic engineering for post production, digital video effects, compositing, color correction and edit lists with Avid Xpress Pro. Sound designing technique, Music and effect track laying and mixing is also covered.

At the end of the course, teachers guide them through the process of editing their final projects on Final Cut Pro.

Music
Music is the communicating link between the screen and the audience. At IMI, we take music seriously and recognize its importance as a dramatic tool and an integral part of the physical experience of cinema. Our music consultant in his class give students a comprehensive view of the ways music can be used in film, a composure's requirements, instruction in music copyright law and assistance with finding right music for each project.

Screen Studies: Director Strategies
Each week a director or a group of documentry films are selected and analyzed from the point of view of the complex pattern of directing strategies it reveals, set in the context of technical possibilities, the directors other work, and the possible & impossible options presented by film, cultural and social history. Across six month, there are more than 100 different classes.

Final Project
By the end of semester, students are exposed to various facets of advanced Documentary filmmaking including on traditional film or high definition video. Students develop and produce their own projects using advanced technology and their final documentaries are celebrated in the IMI screening- open to Press, crew, friends and family.

Students retain the copy of digital master tape of their finished films to include in their demo reel and are free to submit their work to film festivals in India and abroad.

Upon successful completion of the program, each student receives a Certificate in accordance with industry expectation.

 

The Certificate Filmmaking program at IMI start twice a year which means you can choose when it is best for you to begin your film education. The dates below represent the day instruction start for the program. Students come from all over the Asian countries to attend IMI program, so start dates fill up quickly. Applications are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Course dates

June intake 2014

Last date to apply : 15th March 2014

Interview Date : 02nd June 2014

Course Commencing : 30th June 2014

Course Duration : 6 months +  1 month internship

Class Timing: The classes are held Six days a week
10AM to 5PM - Classroom instructions & Screening

Students are expected to work additional hours daily, outside the normal teaching hours including on weekends for on-location shooting or editing exercise.

Certificate Features

• 6 month / Six days a week

• Certificate program- total 900 hrs of tuition

• Vocational multi-disciplinary course

• Filmmaking Certificate program recommended for practical training in Filmmaking

• Documentary Certificate program should appeal to creatively vigilant and social minded

• Comprehensive & rigorous education

• Fast paced, intensive learning

• Small group with excellent tutor-student ratio

• Average 15 students

• No prior experience of filmmaking required

• Practical training by industry professionals in all key discipline of Filmmaking process

• Each student works on close to 20 films projects

• Sony DV & HDV for camera work

• Editing experience on non linear AVID Xpress Pro

• Independently makes 6 short films/documentaries and crewing in 15 other films in supporting roles

• Professional assessment and feedback

• The final Certificate film on Sony broadcast level camera and Documentary on DVCAM.

• Post production on Final Cut Pro

• On successful completion of course, a Certificate & demo-reel of final film are awarded

• Selected films/documentaries submitted to festivals

• Work experience opportunities on IMI

• Diploma films

• Students gain fast track entry for Assistants jobs in the entertainment industry

• Builds a strong foundation for working way up in the Film & TV industry

• Opening in TV channels for Filmmaking students as in-house creative/production team

• Documentary students start full time independent career

• Documentary students also get employed as an assistant producer in News Channel or as an assistant in Reality Television

 

Welcome to the Admission Process at IMI.

Institute of Moving Images is open to applicants of all nationalities and background with minimum age of 18 years who are seriously interested in the field of professional filmmaking.

The average age of students is in their early twenties, but the range is wide and we welcome applications from older students also.

To be eligible for the admission in any course at IMI, graduation is preferred but not mandatory.

IMI admission policy recognizes that there will be some outstanding applicants with backgrounds in other disciplines and work experience including those without standard graduation degree. What we are essentially looking for is raw talent and new voices with something to say.

The general category of applicants apply for admission in IMI are those who have not yet had any production experience but who have a history of creative interest in film, theater, writing, painting or in still photography.

Admission is purely on merit.

Applicants merit & creative potential are evaluated on the basis of their response to aptitude test questions listed on the admission form and their performance at interview.

The entire admission process at IMI is free of stress and straightforward as possible.

Just browse the pages step by step.

To avoid any last minute rejections of your application for technical reasons, please go through all the pages carefully before filling the "Application Form for Admission."

Classroom - Full Time (Group Size: Below 16 - )
When	Duration	Where	Remarks	Price
30th June, 2014 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)	6 Months (Total 900 Hrs)	All Venues	Class Timing: The classes are held Six days a week... more Class Timing: The classes are held Six days a week. Students are expected to work additional hours daily, outside the normal teaching hours including on weekends for on-location shooting or editing exercise.	Price On Request

Classroom - Crash/Intensive (Group Size: Below 16 - )
When	Duration	Where	Remarks	Price
30th June, 2014 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)	6 Months (Total 900 Hrs)	All Venues	The classes are held Six days a week. Students are... more The classes are held Six days a week. Students are expected to work additional hours daily, outside the normal teaching hours including on weekends for on-location shooting or editing exercise.	Price On Request

Pune, Shivaji Nagar (Head Office):- MA Building, Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics Campus (Deemed University), 846 Shivaji Nagar, Pune - 411004, Maharashtra, India


Pune, Deccan Gymkhana (Branch):- MA Building, Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics Campus (Deemed University) BMCC Road Deccan Gymkhana, Pune - 411004, Maharashtra, India


Kolkata, Ballygunge (Branch):- Alliance Francaise du Bengale (Indo-French Cultural Centre) 217, A.J.C. Bose Road, Beck Bagan Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Mumbai, Dadar West (Branch):- Ravindra Natya Mandir, P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy Next to Siddhi Vinayak Temple Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

New Delhi, Mandi House (Branch):- Shri Ram Centre of Art & Culture, Shafdar Hasmi Marg Near Mandi House Metro Station Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi, India

Institute of Moving Images

Though we are the Filmmakers of today, you are the Filmmakers of the future. Our primary mission is to do everything in our power to launch you - the next generation of Filmmakers, into the Filmmaking business with a profound sense of excellence, a brimming self-confidence in your abilities and a passion for movie-making poetry.

Institute of Moving Images is an intimate and innovative film school for high standard of practical training in all key areas of filmmaking with latest equipments. It is very independent film school run by non-profit Moving Images Educational Trust, recognized by Government under Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950.

Located inside a sedate green, sprawling campus of a reputed university in Pune, IMI provides an interesting backdrop for concentrated study of filmmaking and to shoot student exercise films.

We select only those students who are the raw talent and genuine potential. We have very high expectation of our students and demand 100% commitment from each of them.

Today, we can proudly say many of our alumni are employed in prestigious Film Production Companies & Television Channels. But the fact remains that no one is ever hired in the film industry on the basis of mere paper qualification. This is our faculty of high profile, award winning and established film professionals, who often come straight from their movie set; teach students how to succeed in this
competitive field since they know better how the film industry works.

Success in film industry is a matter of right skills, attitude & confidence- this is what IMI provides to its students.