I want to be a filmmaker. What the pre-requsites needed for me to get into a film school?

Hello Anwar

When you are seeking a career in film Industry after 12th, one should start with area of interest in this field like drama, direction, production, animation or cinematography. To choose these options one needs to understand where one belongs, that is on screen or off screen.

Filmmaking is the process of direction and production of films for cinema or television. It involves various features like storytelling, direction, screenplay, cinematography, casting of actors, deciding the budget and location to shoot etc. A documentary, advertising, promotional films, video album or video games are also included in filmmaking.

IS FILM MAKING YOUR CUP OF TEA?

Filmmaking is an art of bringing an imagination live. This can be done only when a person has a strong set of mind as this career requires a lot of struggle. As the film world is full of opportunities you can avail for a number of graduate degree and diploma courses as per your interest. It is to be kept in mind that career films and media is not about glamour, name, and fame one need to be very clear about the line of work in this stream. A career in filmmaking involves a lot of slogging and constant re-skilling and retraining.

Many times filmmaking can be opposite to direction but it is a fact that not all directors are filmmakers reason being they may not be involved in other aspects of creating the film. The process of filmmaking is not easy as it takes a lot of passion, creativity and technicality. It needs clarity of thoughts too so that character turned out well as planned.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSE:

• For the undergraduate course in filmmaking, one need to pass 10+2 with science/arts as the subjects depending on the course one is taking.
• Few institutions conduct their own entrance exam for Post-graduate courses.
  
• The admission will be strictly on the basis of merit in the qualifying examination and the entrance exam.
• Some schools/institute conducts an interview round as well.

Critical Skills Required in Film Making:

1. Software use in Filmmaking.

While doing a different course in filmmaking, many institutions involve working on software. These soft wares are the part of the course that gives extra benefit in getting jobs. The software is mandatory to learn if one is pursuing editing course. During their program the students will learn:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe premiere (digital film editing)
• Final Cut Pro (digital film editing)
• Adobe after effects (Motion Graphics and Composting)
• Avid Media Composer (Digital Film Editing)
• Final Draft (Script Writing)

2. Personality skills:

• It is important that one possess a good eye for details.
• Excellent creative skills to execute ideas.
• Leadership qualities play a decisive role as leaders are quick problem solver.
• You should have clarity in thoughts and be able manage as per the demand of the situation.
• technicalities demand you to be comfortable in working with updated technology.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AFTER 10+2

Duration – 3 years

• B.Sc. in Film
• BA in journalism and Mass communication(Film Making )
• B.Sc. in cinematography
• B.Sc. in post-production
• B.sc. in cinema
• B.Sc. in sound editing
• Bachelors in Digital Film
• Bachelors in Visual Effect

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING FILM MAKING COURSES:

It is a kind of challenge that students and their family faces at the time of selecting filmmaking institutes. Unlike other institutes of arts, business and sciences we cannot rank the film and media institutions. This makes difficult in the selection of schools.

it is suggested to focus on quality education, alumni networks, and quality faculty while choosing your college. There are many colleges with quality education and top-notch placement.

The lists of some top colleges in filmmaking are as follows:

1. Asian Academy of Film and TV

In Asian Academy, SCHOOL OF CINEMA offers the following BACHELOR DEGREE COURSES :

B.Sc. (Cinema) + Diploma in Acting

B.Sc. (Cinema) + Diploma in Cinematography

B.Sc. (Cinema) + Diploma in Direction

B.Sc. (Cinema) + Diploma in Post Production

B.Sc. (Cinema) + Diploma in Sound Editing

In Asian Academy, SCHOOL OF ANIMATION offers the following BACHELOR DEGREE COURSES :

B.Sc. (Animation) + Diploma in 3D Animation

B.Sc. (Multimedia) + Diploma in Multimedia

B.Sc. in Game Design & Development

2.Film and Television Institute of India:

It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. It is a member of CILECT (International Liaison Centre of Schools of Cinema and Television). This Institute offers only Post-graduate and Diploma programmes. After you finish your Bachelors, this is the best institute for further studies.

3.Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute

Named after the  legendary film maestro Satyajit Ray, the Institute has emerged as a national center of excellence which offers post-graduate program in Cinematic studies. It is one of the finest institute.

4.Film an

Hi! Anwar,

General requirements to get into a film schools are:

Here are five tips to help you focus in the right direction as you explore how to get into film school:

It’s not enough to have great ideas or artistic vision. Film schools want students who can communicate in a clear, compelling way. Learn the art of storytelling. Learn the technical aspects of language and grammar. You don’t need to be a screenwriting expert. That’s why you’re going to film school. However, admissions reps want to see that you’re able to write. If writing isn’t your strong suit, take a class or two.

It might be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that academics don’t have anything to do with your creativity or aptitude for a filmmaking career . And you may be right, at least in part. Nevertheless, grades matter. Especially when spaces in prestigious film schools are limited and competitive, your academic performance will be a factor in whether you make the cut. So, words to the wise: don’t coast through chemistry class just because you don’t think you’ll use it later.

You have life experience and something to say. You’ll bring your own unique perspective to the film school that is lucky enough to have you. And that’s exactly what film schools want to see. What sets you apart from other applicants? What’s your story? Embrace life experiences. They can make your stories richer and deeper. Travel to faraway places, or get involved in your own community. If you don’t think you have anything to say, film school admissions representatives won’t either.