Syllabus for Certificate in Film Direction and Scriptwriting

1. Direction

• Creative Role of a Director: Vision, idea formation, and expression in cinema; understanding process and value system.
• Director’s Functions: From idea to script, pre-production, production, and post production; the director as the organizer and creative decision-maker.
• Cinematic Art Forms: Forming ideas through image, sound, time, and space; exploration of Mis-en-scene and montage.
• Tools of a Director: Shot elements, camera movement, and image construction; role of sound in continuity and design.
• Narrative Cinema: Understanding screen grammar, linear and non-linear narratives, and fiction vs. non-fiction films.

2. Screenplay Writing

• Classical Creative Writing: Plot, characterization, and structure (Exposition, Complication, Crisis, Climax, Resolution).
• Fiction Writing: Sources of ideas from life, novels, short stories, and plays; importance of research in screenplay writing.
• Screenplay Structure: Scene, sequence, act structure (Three-Act Structure); spatial and temporal elements in narrative.
• Construction of Scenes: Outline, treatment, drafts, and technicalities in scene/sequence construction.

3. Cinematography

• Light & Colour: Understanding light spectrum, primary/secondary/tertiary colours, and psychological effects of colour.
• Visual Qualities of Lenses: Normal, wide, and telephoto lenses, depth of field, and image formation.
• Angles and Movements: Visual communication through angles (eye level, high, low, bird's eye view), and shot transitions (cut, dissolve, fade).
• Basic Photography: DSLR camera anatomy, image sensors, and exposure; creative possibilities with camera and movement.
• Mood Creation: Lighting and colour to create different moods (sad, happy, horror, etc.).

4. Film Appreciation

• Film and the Arts: The relationship between cinema and other art forms; analysis of f ilm structure, sequencing, meaning, and value.
• Film Genres: Understanding various genres including documentary, experimental, animation, and fiction.
• History of Cinema: Evolution of cinema, silent films, Indian cinema history, and important filmmakers (Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, etc.).
• Film Movements: Italian Neo-realism, French New Wave, New German Cinema, Indian New Wave, and contemporary films from Asia and Latin America.

5. Production Management

• Film Production Basics: Objectives, planning, budgeting, and functions of producers and production managers.
• Production Phases: Pre-production, production control, and post-production planning.
• Budgeting: Relationship between cost, time, and film budget.

6. Film Business

• Finance & Distribution: Sources of film finance, distribution, and exhibition strategies.
• Censorship & Formalities: Understanding censoring and official production requirements.
• Industry Structure: Public and private sectors in the Indian film industry.

7. Editing

• History of Editing: Evolution from analog to digital editing; continuity editing and film grammar.
• Editing Principles: Timing, pace, rhythm, and parallel action; understanding spatial and temporal continuity.
• Sound Editing: Sync tracks, ambient tracks, and the role of music in editing; basic understanding of titles, VFX, and transitions.

8. Audiography

• Sound Basics: Physical and subjective aspects of sound; channels of sound in cinema (speech, music, effects).
• Sound Design: Modern techniques, signal processing, and creative sound use in f ilms.
• Production Techniques: Pre-production, production, and post-production audio techniques; theatrical release formats and projection technologies.

9. Film Production Techniques

• Camera Movements: Types of movements (steady shots, tilting, panning, dolly shots, crane shots).
• Mise-en-scène: The spatial composition of shots, lighting, and environmental settings for effective storytelling.

Practical Workshop (10 Days)

• Full-day, hands-on experience with guidance from Malayalam film industry experts. Application of theories and techniques in real-world filmmaking scenarios.

• Kamal – Director

  A renowned Malayalam film director known for his innovative and emotionally rich storytelling.

• Baijuraaj Chekavar – Director

  A respected director recognized for fresh perspectives in both mainstream and parallel cinema.

• Vidhu Vincent – Director

  A Malayalam director known for her socially conscious films, often featuring strong female protagonists.

• Dr. Sidharatha Siva – Actor/Director

  A multifaceted filmmaker involved in both acting and directing, known for his experimental approach to filmmaking.

• Umesh Omanakuttan – Script Writer

  A versatile scriptwriter, recognized for his sharp writing and deep understanding of characters and social dynamics.

• A. K. Sajan – Script Writer & Director

  A well-known scriptwriter and director known for his compelling narratives blending social themes and engaging characters.

• Sajan Kalathil – Cinematographer

  A respected cinematographer noted for his visually stunning work and mastery of framing, lighting, and emotional storytelling.

• Noufal Blathur – Screenplay Writer

  A talented screenplay writer known for his innovative narrative structures and sharp dialogue.

• Sundar Das – Director

  A Malayalam film director recognized for his successful ventures across different genres, with a focus on commercial filmmaking.

• Mitta Mc – Makeup Artist

  Manoj Kannoth – Editor A skilled film editor recognized for his seamless and impactful editing, maintaining the rhythm and engagement of a film.

• Manjulal K.V. – Filmmaker/Writer

  A writer and filmmaker known for his character-driven narratives with subtle humor and emotional depth.