Course Overview
The Foundation Course in Cinematography is a 3-month program designed to build a strong base for aspiring cinematographers who want to begin their journey in film, television, OTT, and digital media. The course introduces students to the essential principles of camera, lighting, and visual storytelling.
The program focuses ondeveloping core technical and visual skills—including composition, exposure, lighting techniques, and camera movement—while also nurturing an understanding of how images create meaning and emotion.
With a strong emphasis on practical learning, students engage in photography exercises, lighting setups, camera movement drills, and guided shoots. By the end of the course, students complete a short film project (fiction or documentary), preparing them to step into the industry asassistant cinematographers or pursue advanced training.
Course Highlights
Strong Foundation for Cinematography Careers (Key Focus): Designed to prepare students for entry-level roles such as Assistant Camera (AC), camera trainee, and lighting assistant in film, TV, and OTT productions.
Basics of Visual Composition: Learn framing techniques like rule of thirds, depth, contrast, and visual balance through hands-on photography exercises.
Understanding Exposure & Camera Fundamentals: Master aperture, shutter, ISO, depth of field, and light measurement techniques including incident and reflective metering.
Photostory & Visual Thinking: Develop storytelling skills through structured photo-based narrative exercises.
Introduction to Professional Camera Systems: Hands-on exposure to cameras, lenses, and basic grip equipment like trolleys and panther setups.
Lighting Fundamentals & Classical Techniques: Learn the art and craft of lighting, including three-point lighting, Rembrandt, and butterfly lighting styles.
Camera Movement & Lensing Basics: Understand how movement and lens choices impact storytelling and mood.
Green Screen & Basic Production Techniques: Introduction to chroma key workflows and practical ad shoot exercises.
Hands-On Practical Training: Majority of sessions include practicals—ensuring strong real-world skill development.
Final Film Project: Shoot a 5-minute fiction or documentary project,building your first cinematography portfolio piece.
Career Opportunities
This program prepares students for entry-level roles and further specialization in cinematography:
Assistant Camera (AC) / Camera Trainee
Lighting Assistant / Junior Gaffer
Production Assistant (Camera Department)
Freelance Photographer / Videographer (Entry-Level)
Content Creator (Visual-Focused)
It also acts as a stepping stone to advanced programs, enabling students to build technical confidence, understand on-set workflows, and begin their journey toward becoming professional cinematographers.