Diploma in Cinematography is a 1-year undergraduate diploma course that includes subjects like Camera Shots and Techniques, Professional Photography, Video Editing and others.
Diploma in Cinematography is an undergraduate diploma course with 1-year duration that focuses on various cinematography techniques, planning and coordinating a film, types of camera angles, etc. The minimum qualification required to pursue a Cinematography Diploma course is 10+2. The job roles offered for the graduates of the Cinematography Diploma course in India are Cinematographers, Video Editors, Cameramen, etc.
Diploma in Cinematography Course Details
The following table gives the complete details of the Cinematography Diploma courses in India:
| Diploma in Cinematography Course Highlights | |
| Degree | Diploma |
| Full Form | Diploma in Cinematography |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Minimum Percentage | Pass in 10+2 |
| Average Fees | INR 50,000 to 2 lakh |
| Similar Options of Study | Diploma in Filmmaking |
| Average Salary | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Cinematographers, Video Editors, etc |
What is a Diploma in Cinematography?
Diploma in Cinematography course prepares students to get well-equipped with filmmaking technology, visual effects, camera shots, etc. The syllabus for Diploma in Cinematography includes subjects such as Films for Motion Pictures, Motion Picture Cameras, Cinema Projections, Types of Shooting, etc.
Diploma in Cinematography Admission 2023 is open to students who have passed their 10+2 exam from any recognized Institution. Some colleges like J.S. University, Shikohabad also offers this course after the 10th class. The average fees for Diploma in Cinematography course vary from INR 50,000 to 2 lakh.
As there is a huge technological advancement in the filmmaking process and the quality of digital films, the scope of Diploma in Cinematography is suitable for graduates. Director of Photography, Videographers, Cameramen, etc are some of the promising job roles offered to students.
Why Choose Diploma in Cinematography?
Diploma courses in Cinematography clearly explain all concepts related to visual storytelling to students. Candidates will learn about what goes into film and television production and the artistic value of an image. Given below are some salient points why students should choose Cinematography Diploma courses in India:
- India’s Media and Entertainment Industry is expected to reach Rs. 4,30,401 crores (US$ 53.99 billion) by 2026.
- According to a report by Deloitte, India produces the highest number of movies in the world (Almost 2,000 films every year).
- Students will understand the methodologies involved in editing and hone their skills in producing a short film.
- Students will also build various networks and may collaborate with film personalities on many projects.
- Film dimensions, processing and printing, lighting principles, etc are taught in detail to the candidates.
Who Should Study Diploma in Cinematography?
Candidates passionate about learning the art and digital filmmaking process can study the Diploma Cinematography course. The course benefits those who wish to study further in filmmaking or seek a job at a film media institute.
| Compare Diploma Cinematography with similar courses | Career Options After Diploma Cinematography course |
Cinematography Diploma Course Eligibility
Students who have passed their 10+2 exam are eligible for Diploma in Cinematography course. Given below are some eligibility requirements for Diploma in Cinematography course:
- Most colleges have not set any minimum percentage criteria.
- Though students should be a minimum of 18 years to study this course, some institutes also admit those who have passed the 10th grade.
Diploma in Cinematography Admission
The admission process for the Diploma in Cinematography in India is mainly on a merit basis or personal interview depending on the type of university. Given below is the procedure for Diploma in Cinematography Admission:
- Candidates can visit the website and apply online after the announcement of the course application.
- All documents should be uploaded correctly during registration.
- The students must visit the respective college for offline registration and complete the application form by attaching the required documents.
- Candidates can then get admitted to their choice of college after attending PI.
- Students get admitted into various colleges on first-cum-first basis.
Top Diploma in Cinematography Colleges with Fees
The average Diploma in Cinematography fees varies from INR 50,000 to 2 lakh. The fees also differ according to Diploma in Cinematography colleges. Given below is a list of some top colleges offering the Diploma Cinematography course:
| College Name | Average Tuition Fees |
| Asian Academy of Film and Television | INR 68,305 |
| National Institute of Film and Fine Arts | INR 70,000 |
| IIFA Multimedia | INR 1,50,000 |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | - |
| St. Pauls Institute of Communication Education | INR 95,000 |
| FA School of Media and Films | - |
| Craft Film School | INR 1,50,000 |
| Cinecraft Academy | - |
| Sixteen By Nine Media | INR 65,000 |
| Government Film and Television Institute | INR 12,810 |
| MGR Government Film and Television Institute | INR 45,000 |
| Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute | INR 30,000 |
| Biju Pattanaik Film and TV Institute of Orissa | INR 23,500 |
| Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts | INR 40,000 |
Also, Check: Cinematography Colleges in India
Diploma in Cinematography Syllabus and Subjects
Diploma in Cinematography course teaches various essential subjects related to Film Making Video Production, Video Editing, etc. The subjects taught in the course may differ from one college to another. Given below is a list of some core subjects taught in the course:
- Introduction to Cinematography
- Camera and its Operations
- Types of Shooting
- Basics of Camera and Light
- Studio and Production Control Room
Semester-Wise Diploma in Cinematography Syllabus
Diploma in Cinematography Syllabus covers various topics on basic sciences, pathology, traumatology, etc. Diploma in Cinematography duration is 1 year. Given below is the syllabus for First and Second Semester Diploma in Cinematography.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Basics of Production | Introduction to Direction for Films |
| Basics of Camera and Light | Advance Camera and its Operations |
| History of Cinema | Studio and Production Control Room |
| Acting for Stage, Films | Multimedia and Content Development |
| Filmmaking and its Component | Specialisation -2 |
| Specialisation - 1 | Project work |
Diploma in Cinematography Specialisation Courses
Some of the specialisation subjects taught in the Cinematography Diploma courses in India are listed below:
- Script Writing
- Lighting
- Professional Photography
- Video and Broadcast Technology
- Motion Picture Photography
- Film Editing
- Film Make-up
Diploma in Cinematography Subjects in Detail
Various topics covered in the Diploma in Cinematography course are given below:
| Diploma in Cinematography Subjects | Topics Covered |
| History of Cinema | Brief history of World and Indian cinema, Latest Trends and changes in Cinema, Silent films, Classic Bollywood, Legends of Indian Cinema, Watching and discussing classic world cinema, etc. |
| Film Making and its Components | Film Production Management, Business of Film‐Pre production, production & post-production, Cast & Crew, Decor/Setting, Framing, Scale, etc. |
| Film Dimension and Packaging | Negative and positive perforation, Edge marking, A-winding and B-winding, 16mm film winding, Edge No, Corse and Camera Spool etc. |
| Motion Picture Cameras | Various parts of Motion picture cameras, Perforation Loop, Pressure Plate, Camera motors, Slow motion and Fast motion, threading of film, etc. |
| Types of Film Cameras | ARRI-535.B, Aspect Ratio, ARRI-435, 16.SR-II, PANAVISION, ARRI-2C, etc. |
| Introduction to Direction for Films | Artistic Identity and Drama, Analyzing a Screenplay, Production, Director’s Preparation for Directing an Action Scene, Choosing a Location, Staging, Camera Style, etc. |
| Multimedia and Content Development | Creating interactive content, Applications of Multimedia, Designing, Planning and Delivery of Multimedia Applications, Designing for Digital Content, etc. |
Diploma Cinematography Course Comparison
Students usually compare Diploma in Cinematography courses with other courses related to filmmaking. Some comparable courses can also help the students gain knowledge on the same.
Diploma in Cinematography vs Diploma in FilmMaking
Given below are the key differences between Diploma in Cinematography and Diploma in Film Making courses:
| Parameter | Diploma in Cinematography | Diploma in Film Making |
| Type | Diploma course | Diploma Course |
| Duration | 1 year | 1 year |
| Entrance Exam | - | FTII Entrance Exam, SRFTI Entrance Exam, etc |
| Focus Area | The course aims to teach students about various camera techniques in the depiction of a film | The course aims to teach students about the process involved in making a full film |
| Job Opportunities | Videographer, cinematographer, etc | Director, Camera Operator, etc |
| Average Salary | INR 3-6 LPA | INR 4 LPA |
Also, Check: Film Making Courses after 12th
Courses After Diploma in Cinematography
Students can get questions like “What to do after Diploma?”. There are ways for them to enhance their skills in photography and film production. They can do another course after their Diploma in Cinematography course. Given below are some courses:
- PG Diploma in Cinematography/Film Technology
- BA/BSc in Cinematography/Film Technology
- MA/MSc in Cinematography/Film Technology
- Online Certifications in Filmmaking
Career Options After Diploma Cinematography course
Several job roles are offered to students of Diploma in Cinematography course in the television and film industries. Given below is a list of popular firms or areas that offer Diploma in Cinematography jobs:
- Film Studios
- Television Studios
- Corporates
- News Studios
- Film Institutes
- Doordarshan
- Universities
- Weddings
Diploma in Cinematography Salary in India
The average Diploma in Cinematography salary for graduates in India is INR 3-6 LPA. However, the salary changes according to the job profile and experience. Salaries offered by some top companies for Diploma in Cinematography are:
| Company | Lowest Salary (INR) | Average Salary (INR) | Highest Salary (INR) |
| Ministry of Home Affairs (1 to 3 yrs) | 0.3 LPA | 4.6 LPA | 9.6 LPA |
| ZEE Entertainment Enterprises (1 to 6 yrs) | 2.3 LPA | 3 LPA | 4.2 LPA |
| Reliance Industries (4 to 8 yrs) | 5.9 LPA | 6.6 LPA | 8 LPA |
| Raj Television Network (3 to 13 yrs) | 2 LPA | 4 LPA | 5 LPA |
| Film and Television Institute of India (2 to 8 yrs) | 4 LPA | 5.2 LPA | 6 LPA |
| YouTube (0 to 8 yrs) | 0.2 LPA | 2.6 LPA | 8 LPA |
| Doordarshan (1 to 8 yrs) | 1.5 LPA | 2.9 LPA | 4.4 LPA |
| TV 9 (2 to 6 yrs) | 2.2 LPA | 4.2 LPA | 5.2 LPA |
| India Today Group (2 to 11 yrs) | 2.5 LPA | 3.8 LPA | 5.4 LPA |
| Unacademy (0 to 4 yrs) | 3.5 LPA | 4.7 LPA | 6.5 LPA |
[Source: Ambition Box]
Skills to Excel in Cinematography Diploma Course
Candidates are required to have the below skills to perform well in the Cinematography DIploma courses in India:
- Photography
- Camera handling
- Analytical Skills
- Creativity
- Communication skills
- Attention to details
- Film Technology
