Nine Months Course in Cinematography

Nine Months Course in Cinematography - May 2025

Photography knowledge is a prerequisite for taking up the SIX MONTHS COURSE IN CINEMATOGRAPHY and the three months Preparatory Course for Cinematography broadly deals with Digital Photography and this is essential to take you to the next level DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY.

As a Cinematographer, you should have a good artistic eye for photography, or in other words, be able to frame shots and recognize good, as any photographer would. Knowing the technical basics of photography -how to make lighting work to your advantage, how to use lenses, and how exposures work and specific photography equipment and techniques.

Keeping up with ever-changing advances in Imaging technology and knowing when to shift to or drop in new technology.

The Three months’ foundation course will broadly deal with:

The foundation course, an opportunity for aspiring candidates who have a passion and desire for photography, to gain a deeper appreciation of one's creativity, explore effective avenues of Photography, discover and develop skills for better image projection, tricks, and techniques of effective photography. The course is designed for a wide range of audiences ranging from individuals with interests in Photography to any professional willing to explore what goes into the creation of beautiful images, Heritage images. You will receive an in-depth study of composition; concepts and techniques, helping you create and capture your creative vision through your lens. We will review everything from equipment and exposure settings, to how to find those stunning places and "work" a scene. During the course, we will cover all aspects of Storytelling, landscape, Heritage, street photography, Portfolio, and a lot more.

The Philosophy behind the course has been to awaken the creative personality hidden in many people who have not had the opportunity to explore Photography/ Cinematography as a career. These are people, who love taking pictures but have been baffled by the technologies involved in digital photography/Cinematography, or those who are inspired by the beauty of what they see but are frustrated that they cannot transform that experience into a great picture. The course is meant to guide such people and give them a start in the right direction.

On successful completion of the three months Preparatory Course for Cinematography/Digital Photography, you will continue to learn CINEMATOGRAPHY commencing August 2025.

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Other Activities during the Preparatory Course

Learn about:

Light sources & Lighting
Creative Photography
Digital Image correction
Digital workflow

Assignment Works Involve

People & Portraiture
Street Photography
Travel Photography
Fashion Photography
Product Photography

Cinematography - Six Months Course in Cinematography

Subjects Covered

Photography Optics
Imaging Technology
Lighting & Exposure
Study of Movie Cameras (Film & Digital)
Digital Cinematography
Elements of Film Direction, Screenplay, Sound, Editing and Film Production

Other Activities during the Course

30 selected feature films will be screened and discussed
About 30 practical sessions which involve lighting practice and operation of Film and Digital movie cameras will be conducted

Assignment Works Involve

Perspective Study
Architecture & Light
Landscape/ Portraiture Photography
Composition
Continuity Exercise
Art & Photography
Scene Exercise
Outdoor Lighting control with grips
Day & Night Lighting Practice
Night Time Photography
3D Practical
Animation & Time-lapse Photography
Crane & Dolly Practice
Guided outdoor Motion Picture practical (in locations away from Chennai) *

Course Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the course, prospective candidates must have successfully completed either their 12th standard education or hold an undergraduate degree in either science or arts.
Full frame sensor DSLR Camera with Lens-24-70, 24-105, 28-85, or 50mm or 35mm (at least one of these five)
OR
Cropped Mirrorless Camera with Lens - 18-55 mm or 50 mm lens or 35 mm lens (at least one of these three)
Tripod
Memory card: 32 GB or higher capacity
Pen drive: 32 GB or higher capacity
A laptop with sufficient specifications to effectively run both Photoshop and Light room
On the date of joining please bring along with you a set of around 10 of your best images loaded on a Pen drive for review and these images should have been taken recently

Application Guide for Nine Months Course in Cinematography - May 2025

Application form can be downloaded from http://www.mindscreen.co.in/pdf/application-form.pdf

Application received ON FIRST COME FIRST BASIS will be called for a one-to-one interview and if seats are full, your application will be considered for the next batch.
Selection strictly on Merit and Performance in the one to one interview. Seats are limited and students would be shortlisted on first cum first serve basis.
Completed legibly filled-in application form along with a recent passport-size photograph and a DD for Rs.2500/- towards registration fees to be drawn in favour of MINDSCREEN FILM INSTITUTE, Chennai
Filled in Application can be couriered or handed over in person to : MINDSCREEN FILM INSTITUTE (MFi) 4, Ranga Lane, Ranga Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004
You have the option to download the application form, complete it, scan the filled form, and send it via email to mindsecreen@mindscreen.co.in. Additionally, you can make the registration fee payment of Rs.2500.00 online and then share a screenshot of the payment reference through WhatsApp to 9841612595.
Those who wish to remit the registration fees online may:

Visit https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/icollecthome.htm
On the SBI COLLECT HOME PAGE select Educational Institutions and type MINDSCREEN FILM INSTITUTE
On the MINDSCREEN FILM INSTITUTE, please choose Payment Category and select COURSE FEE ONLINE PAYMENT or REGISTRATION FEE ONLINE PAYMENT fill in all relevant details in the page
Once you complete the above you will be redirected to Verify Payment Details. Choose you’re your payment method as mentioned in the page and proceed accordingly.
Once the payment is done, kindly WhatsApp the screenshot to 9841612595
Payments: For NEFT / RTGS
MINDSCREEN FILM INSTITUTE
Current Account No.: 67012167471
Bank Name: STATE BANK OF INDIA
Branch: ALWARPET - CHENNAI
Branch code: 70570
IFSC: SBIN0070570
For Payment Scan the QR Code
We will not be responsible for any consequence arising due to furnishing incorrect/ incomplete details or failure to provide the required details.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT THE REGISTRATION FEE WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
Proof of academic credentials (photocopies) and work experience to be enclosed. Originals to be presented during the personal interview stage. Preference will be given to candidates, who have attended at least one International Film Festival in India /Abroad.
A statement of purpose in 200 words indicating reasons for interest in the course & career in Filmmaking & Direction to be enclosed with the application form.

Course Fee, Terms & Conditions

Upon selection, the concerned candidate is expected to pay the following sum as mentioned your Selection/ Admission Letter:Rs.729800.00

A) To be paid on or before 10 days from the receipt of Selection letter.

B&C) Balance payable on or before 20 days from the receipt of Selection letter.

*Note: Once the fee is paid by you and in the event of your inability to join the course for any reason then the Admission fee + GST will not be refunded

Subject to availability of Locations, Permission & Time

A	Admission Fee*	Rs.50000.00
	Partial Tuition Fee	Rs.200000.00
	TOTAL	Rs.250000.00
	Add GST 18%	Rs.45000.00
	PAYBALE ON or BEFORE.*	Rs.295000.00
B	Balance tution payable	Rs.360000.00
	Add GST 18%	Rs.64800.00
		Rs.424800.00
C	Security Depoist (Refunable)*	Rs.10000.00
	PAYBALE ON or BEFORE.*	Rs.434800.00
	TOTAL FEES PAYABLE (A + B + C)