About Motion Picture Photography

Motion Picture Photography is a core cinematography course designed to ground students in the visual and technical foundations of filmmaking. As one of the most essential crafts in the cinematic process, cinematography transforms narrative ideas to visual language. Further this course is formulated for emerging professionals and serious students of cinema who seek to master the aesthetic, narrative and mechanical dimensions of the moving image.

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on practice, students will examine the intricate relationship between camera movement, lighting, composition, lens choice and color design. They will learn to interpret a script visually, collaborate with directors, and make creative choices that serve story, mood and character. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the technical mastery and artistic vision required to craft evocative, visually coherent narrative across formats – from feature films and documentaries to commercial and experimental cinema that reflects developed eye for lighting, framing, and storytelling through the camera.

As part of this course, students will benefit from exclusive workshops led by highly proficient cinematographers with substantial experience in feature films, television, or commercial production. These sessions are design to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world industry practice, offering invaluable insights into the creative and professional demands of the cinematography field.

Recent Guest Faculties Include:

  • Adinath Das
  • Soumik Halder
  • Sirsha Roy
  • Subhankar Bhar
  • Indranil Mukherjee
  • Goutam Ghosh

Students from previous batches are employed in news and sports channels like ABP News, Star Sports, Doordarshan, Lok Sabha TV, Zee, Star Jalsa, Colors Bangla etc. some are working independently in the Mumbai and Kolkata Film and Television Industry.

Subhankar Bhar with Cinematography Students

Course Objective

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Translate Script to Screen Visually
    Interpret written material into visual concepts by designing shot lists, lighting schemes, and camera movement plans that reflect narrative intent.
  • Achieve Technical Mastery of Camera Systems
    Demonstrate proficiency in using professional digital cinema cameras, understanding sensor behavior, codecs, formats, and image control tools such as waveform, histogram, false color as well as color correction and grading.
  • Craft Cinematic Lighting Designs
    Design and execute lighting setups that create depth, mood, and continuity, while mastering color temperature, contrast ratios, diffusion, and motivated lighting techniques and so on
  • Collaborate as a cinematographer
    Function effectively within a film crew, understanding the roles and responsibility of the camera and lighting departments, while communicating clearly with directors and key collaborators.
  • Apply Composition and Movement with Purpose
    Use framing, focal length, Depth of field, blocking, and camera motion to reinforce dramatic beats and emotional subtext in a scene.
  • Develop an Individual Cinematic Voice
    Explore stylistic approaches and aesthetic influences to begin forming a personal visual Identity as a cinematographer

Course Duration

2 Years Divided into 4 Semesters.

Total No. of Seats

9

Eligibility Criteria

  • Graduation or Equivalent.
Apply For Admission

Course Facilities

  • Fully Equipped Shooting Floor: A specious and acoustically Treated shooting floor is available for Practical exercise and semester projects.
  • Camera and Lens Arsenal: The department maintains a wide range of digital cinema cameras, complemented by an extensive collection of cinema prime and zoom lenses.
  • Lighting Equipment: A comprehensive selection of lighting tools including tungsten and Led lights.
  • Industry Interaction and Workshops: Regular workshops and guest lectures by proficient cinematographers and technicians are conducted to bridge academic learning with practical industry insights.

Sirsha Ray with Cinematography Students

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Editing

Sound Design

Animation Creation And Direction

Development Communication