Cinematography is a promising career path that can be pursued through Diploma, Post Graduate, or Certificate courses. These courses offer students an opportunity to thoroughly understand the essential elements of cinematography, including lighting and lensing, and develop their skills in basic-level shooting. Additionally, students will get exposure to various digital cameras that have recently transformed the film industry. Cinematography involves working closely with the director and allows for creative collaboration in the filmmaking process.

The world of cinema has always been an attractive career option for many creative minds. Cinematography, the art of visual storytelling through film, plays a crucial role in the success of any film. Aspiring cinematographers require specialized knowledge and practical training to excel in their field. A Post Graduate Diploma in Cinematography is a specialized course that prepares students for cinematography's technical and artistic aspects. India is home to several renowned institutes that offer a PGD in Cinematography. 

In this article, we will look at the top 10 institutes in India for PGD in Cinematography.

Top Institutes in India for PGD in Cinematography

Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is a premier film and television education institute in India. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, it was established in 1960 and is known for its excellence in cinematography, film direction, editing, sound design, and acting.

The three-year PGD in Cinematography offered by FTII is one of its most sought-after courses. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the art and craft of cinematography. It covers all aspects of filmmaking, including camera work, lighting, composition, and visual storytelling.

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata

The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) is another premier film and television education institute in India. Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, it was established in 1995 and is named after the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray. The institute offers a two-year postgraduate program in cinema, including a cinematography specialisation.

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking, with a focus on cinematography. The curriculum covers various aspects of cinematography, including camera work, lighting, composition, and visual storytelling. Students also have the opportunity to work on practical projects where they can apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.

Whistling Woods International, Mumbai

Whistling Woods International (WWI) is a private film school in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was founded by Indian filmmaker Subhash Ghai in 2006 and has quickly become one of India's most famous film education choices. WWI offers a two-year postgraduate program in cinematography designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of cinematography.

The program's curriculum at WWI includes both technical and creative aspects of cinematography. Students learn about camera techniques, lighting, composition, colour theory, and post-production processes such as colour grading and visual effects. The program also covers film history, theory, and criticism, providing students a broad understanding of cinema as an art form.

National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

The National Institute of Design (NID) is a premier design institute in India that was established in 1961. With campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru, NID is known for its excellence in design education across various disciplines. The institute offers a two-year postgraduate program in Film and Video Communication designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of filmmaking.

The curriculum of the program at NID includes both technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. Students learn about scriptwriting, visual storytelling, camera techniques, lighting, sound design, and post-production processes such as editing and colour grading.

Annapurna International School of Film and Media (AISFM), Hyderabad

AISFM is a private film school in Hyderabad that offers a two-year PGD in Cinematography. The curriculum includes technical and creative aspects of cinematography, including camera techniques, lighting, and post-production. The faculty comprises experienced professionals from the film industry, and students get exposure to industry-standard equipment and facilities. The institute has state-of-the-art facilities, including sound studios, editing rooms, and a post-production lab.

Digital Academy - The Film School, Mumbai

Digital Academy is a private film school in Mumbai that offers a one-year PGD in Cinematography. The curriculum includes training in camera techniques, lighting, and post-production. The faculty comprises experienced professionals from the film industry, and students get exposure to industry-standard equipment and facilities. The institute has state-of-the-art facilities, including sound studios, editing rooms, and a post-production lab.

Ramanaidu Film School, Hyderabad

Ramanaidu Film School is a private film school in Hyderabad that offers a one-year PGD in Cinematography. The curriculum includes training in camera techniques, lighting, and post-production. The faculty comprises experienced professionals from the film industry, and students get exposure to industry-standard equipment and facilities. The institute has state-of-the-art facilities, including sound studios, editing rooms, and a post-production lab.

Ramanaidu Film School is a respected institution in filmmaking and offers a unique learning experience to students passionate about cinematography. The institute is known for its focus on creativity, innovation, and technical excellence. It is an excellent choice for aspiring filmmakers who want to learn from experienced professionals in the industry.

L.V. Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai

L.V. Prasad Film and TV Academy is a private film school in Chennai that offers a one-year PGD in Cinematography. The course covers both technical and creative aspects of cinematography, including camera techniques, lighting, and post-production. The faculty comprises experienced professionals from the film industry, and students get exposure to industry-standard equipment and facilities. 

Candidates are evaluated on their visual and creative abilities, technical skills, and knowledge of film and cinematography. L.V. Prasad Film and TV Academy also offer scholarships to deserving students, making them accessible to a broader range of applicants.

Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida

AAFT is a private film school in Noida that offers a one-year PGD in Cinematography. The course covers both technical and creative aspects of cinematography, including camera techniques, lighting, and post-production. 

The program at AAFT covers all aspects of cinematography, from camera operation and lighting to post-production and visual effects. Students learn the technical skills needed to operate cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment and the creative skills needed to compose shots, use colour and light to tell a story and work collaboratively with directors, producers, and other crew members.

The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the history and theory of cinema, as well as the practical skills needed to succeed in the industry. Students can access state-of-the-art facilities, including sound stages, editing suites, and equipment such as cameras, lighting, and grip gear.

Matrikas Film School, Delhi

Matrikas Film School is a private film school in Delhi that offers a one-year PGD in Cinematography. The faculty comprises experienced professionals from the film industry, and students get exposure to industry-standard equipment and facilities. 

The curriculum at Matrikas Film School covers all aspects of cinematography, including camera operation, lighting, shot composition, and post-production. Students learn to operate different types of cameras and lenses, use lighting to create mood and atmosphere and compose shots that effectively convey emotion and narrative.

The program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication skills in the film and television industry. Students learn to work effectively with directors, producers, and other crew members and gain practical experience working on real-world projects.

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Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Some institutes may accept candidates with a diploma or certificate in filmmaking.
• Age Limit: The minimum age limit for admission to most institutes is 21 years. However, some institutes may have different age limits.
• Work Experience: Some institutes may require candidates to have prior work experience in the film or related industry. The duration of work experience required may vary from institute to institute.
• Entrance Exam: Most institutes conduct an entrance exam to evaluate the candidate's aptitude for filmmaking. The exam may include a written test, a practical test, and an interview.
• Portfolio: Candidates may be required to submit a portfolio of their previous work or a showreel showcasing their skills in cinematography.

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