Screenwriting and Film Direction Duration – 1 Year (12 Months) from January 2025
One Year Screenwriting And Film Direction
Screenwriting
As legendary screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière once said, “The script of a film is not the final stage of literature but rather the first stage of film”. In cinema, the script is the blueprint, the foundation upon which everything else is built. Unlike other forms of writing, screenwriting is a craft tailored for the language of images and sound.
But how does one effectively write for films?
It begins with ideas, images, and stories—the driving forces that likely brought you here. However, having a great story isn’t enough. The journey from story to screen involves many steps: How do you pitch your idea? How do you shape it so the audience feels exactly what you want them to feel? Mastering the art of screenwriting requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of cinematic language. Our Screenwriting program focuses on transforming aspiring writers into effective screenwriters by blending storytelling with the fundamentals of film grammar. Students will learn to think cinematically—grasping key elements such as shot composition, editing rhythms, montage, cinematic time, and lensing, all of which influence how stories are told on screen. Through intensive practice, students will evolve their narrative abilities and gain the tools they need to create compelling, emotionally resonant scripts. The one-year Course promises to transform your passion for storytelling into the skill set of a competent and convincing screenwriter, ready to bring stories to life on screen.
Film Direction:
Many renowned filmmakers, cinematographers, and musicians have succeeded without formal training, proving that there’s no single path to mastering the art of filmmaking. However, some of the greatest names in cinema also received formal education and went on to make history. At our institute we believe that, for those seeking structured training from seasoned professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience; you are in the right place.
The role of a Director
While it may be simply defined as "an individual who directs," the truth is far more complex. Unlike other technical roles such as a cinematographer, editor, or sound designer, the director’s job is often more abstract and multi-faceted. A director not only guides the actors’ performances but is also responsible for managing the energy and morale of the entire crew. They are the visionary, the leader, and the creative glue that binds the entire production process together. To thrive in this role, a director must possess strong leadership skills, technical proficiency, and—above all—a clear vision. Developing these attributes takes time and practice, and that’s exactly what our one-year program in Direction is designed to offer. Through numerous hands-on filmmaking exercises, students will work closely with teams, honing their directorial abilities while simultaneously learning essential theory and practical skills that will sharpen their creative sensibilities and technical know-how.
The One-Year Course in Screenwriting and Film Direction is structured into four comprehensive semesters. Each semester focuses on key areas to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the film industry. The subjects covered include:
Semester 1: (January 2025 to March 2025)
Semester 2: (April 2025 to June 2025)
Semester 3: (July 2025 to September 2025)
Semester 4: (October 2025 – December 2025)
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The final project must be entirely self-funded by the student. This requirement ensures that students take full responsibility for managing their film projects, from budgeting to execution, fostering independence and practical decision-making. Throughout the process, the institute will provide production guidance, offering mentorship and support to help students bring their creative vision to life while navigating real-world production challenges.
The latest lights and other accessories will be provided by the institute for the following key exercises to enhance the learning experience:
- Continuity Exercise
- Planned Sequence (One Take)
- Dialogue Exercise
For the following exercises, students may choose one to develop as part of their portfolio:
- Music Video
- Ad Film
- Experimental Film
- Non-Fiction Documentary
This structure is designed to encourage creativity, resourcefulness, and hands-on practical experience in various forms of filmmaking, allowing students to explore and refine their unique artistic style.
After the 12-month course period students will be awarded the Course Completion Certificate and if a student fails to meet at least one of the below mentioned criterion then, they will not receive Course Completion Certificate
- Final Fiction
- Pitch Bible for a desired Feature Film
This system ensures that students are recognized based on their level of achievement and commitment throughout the course.
Candidates who have completed their graduation in any discipline or possess at least two years of experience in the film industry are eligible for admission
The concerned candidates should have creative skills like writing for a short film or doing a short play. Their work should have been appreciated or awarded. Preference will be given to candidates, who have proven skills publishing their written works at any level or for short films.
Candidates should demonstrate prior knowledge in Indian Cinema as well as International. Candidates should possess high level of communication and writing skills irrespective of language and enthusiasm to convey ideas, ability to absorb and to respond to information quickly.
HDSLR with Tripod
Laptop with
External HD - 500 GB minimum
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.
| 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.350000.00 |
| Add GST 18% | Rs.63000.00 | |
| Rs.413000.00 | ||
| C | Security Depoist (Refunable)* | Rs.10000.00 |
| PAYBALE ON or BEFORE.* | Rs.423000.00 | |
| TOTAL FEES PAYABLE (A + B + C) | Rs.718000.00 |
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
