A career in Film Making - Everything You Need to Know!

Film-making combines storytelling, direction, screenplay, cinematography, finalising the cast, estimating the budget, deciding the shooting locations, aesthetics, and much more. And who are filmmakers? No, they aren't just directors. They are the creative minds that bring ideas to life while developing an emotional connection with their audience – filmmakers are responsible for every element that goes into filmmaking.

From the production phase to release – Filmmakers are responsible for every process involved in creating a movie. In short, their role includes –

• Scripting – Film-making involves effective communication – seamless delivery of the idea or story to the audience. Filmmakers can get their story from several places – they either write it themselves; based on a real idea, hire a writer to develop the script, buy one from a screenwriter, or adapt the idea from a book or play.
• Financing – The idea and script are the foundations on which filmmakers estimate the film's budget. It's a financial roadmap for converting the script into an actual movie, for example, paying the crew, renting equipment and studios, finalising the location, and much more. Based on the budget, filmmakers can decide on financial sources for the additional cost – whether from their own pockets, third-party funding, etc.
• Casting – Who will convey the story effectively to the audience? The cast – it's the filmmakers' responsibility to find a suitable cast and decide their roles. Guiding and supporting the actors throughout the movie is also the filmmakers' responsibility.
• Getting the people – The movie doesn't end with hiring the actors. It also involves hiring makeup artists, choreographers, musicians, editors, directors, marketers, stunt performers, and everyone required to produce and create the film
• Pre-Production – Selecting film locations, getting props, establishing the shooting schedule, and coordinating with the cast and crew are some of the phases involved in pre-production (before the actual shoot commences). The filmmaker must ensure that all aspects of producing the film are in order.
• Production - This is the actual implementation of the script – the phase of actual filming. Here, the filmmaker is responsible for managing the cast, ensuring everything is within the budget, scheduling scenes, and, most importantly, creating a movie in the intended style and format.
• Post-Production – The technical phase managed the editors, special effects, lights, music, and much more. Here the filmmakers bring out the real essence of the movie to make it ready for release.
• Release – Taking care of the release and managing its phases are also the filmmakers' responsibility. These include deciding the release date, coordinating with the advertising and public relation team, scheduling the screening, etc. A filmmaker is a medium that weaves all the loops needed for a good movie.

Have you seen the details in a movie? The sound of the river, the curve in a drop of water, it's dripping sound, the background music – the precision of every shot?

That's what a filmmaker requires – an eye for detail.

Apart from this, there are other aspects;

• A clear vision – The filmmaker knows clearly what the audience will see once the movie is out. So, the clarity of what the story is, where it will be heading, how various artists will perform it, etc., are all a part of the filmmaker's responsibilities.
• Creativity – What's a story? A product of creative imagination and the urge to express it by getting all the characters alive – that's what filmmakers do; they breathe life into stories through their creativity.
• Storytelling skills – Often, movies don't make it big because they lack proper delivery. And that's what a professional filmmaker requires – adept storytelling skills to ensure that all the thoughts, dialogues, characters, actions, and scenes, go in one direction and deliver one story.

• Effective communication – You will have a good command of your expressive skills and develop your communication abilities. This is required to make writers, actors, and designers effectively understand your idea as a filmmaker.
• A taste for aesthetics – The detail-oriented film-making career demands visually appealing scenarios, backgrounds, and sets. This is where the factor of aesthetics comes to play – and as you complete your course in film-making, you will automatically develop it.
• Leadership – Filmmaker is synonymous with leadership in developing a film. Filmmakers guide the cast and crew members, including editors, photographers, cinematographers, etc.
• Problem-solving skills – It's no doubt that in the movie-making business, several scenarios will come up that will have to be tackled by the filmmakers. Here's where adept problem-solving skills will ensure that the production goes on no matter what.

With the increasing popularity of media channels, the industry needs new talent, perspectives, and stories. And your dream of working with renowned industry names like Walt Disney, Yash Raj Studios, or Zee Cinema will all come true.

• Which cities across the world provide Film Making opportunities? The best film schools are often found near industry hubs, enabling students to gain practical and real technical knowledge. Some major cities include – Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver.
• Film Making career scope in India – India is the largest producer of films, with Bollywood's value being $2.28 billion (138 billion rupees). The demand for films in national and international markets has risen, which calls for professional filmmakers.

Not just Bollywood but even regional films are gaining popularity. Popular filming platforms include local television channels, advertisements, short films, and media channels.

• Which cities in India help with Film Making careers? Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad provide opportunities to the talented workforce in films, television, and even theatre.

Now that we have understood Film Making's areas and scope, let's understand the most important part – The Degree!

• Problem-solving skills – It's no doubt that in the movie-making business, several scenarios will come up that will have to be tackled by the filmmakers. Here's where adept problem-solving skills will ensure that the production goes on no matter what.

You won't get into the best college or university, but should that stop you from achieving your dream? The simple answer here is – No. If you want something, you get it, and this question bank might help you better with introspection.

The Film Making career offers both commercials and creative and artistic opportunities. You need to find the undergraduate program that suits you and aligns with your passion. Here are some of the major job roles you can pursue –

• Production Designers – They are responsible for taking care of the overall visual appeal of the movie. A production designer coordinates with the director and producers to design and create props, costumes, graphics, lighting, makeup, and more.
• Screenwriters – The film world's novelists, storytellers, and playwrights – are responsible for transforming ideas into stories. Compelling narratives often reach the directors and producers, who decide to turn them into a movie. In certain cases, screenwriters are hired to re-work an existing idea, story, or script for additional dialogues or entertainment material.
• Cinematographers work closely with the directors and share their artistic and creative vision – often behind the camera, taking the actual shots. They are also known as camera specialists, photography directors, or DP. In the case of huge sets of big movies, the cinematographers coordinate with a large group of camera technicians, light operators, and others involved in the shoot.
• Actors - Lead actors, supporting actors, comedians, extras – on-screen talent in the film world whose job is to bring ideas, dialogues, scripts, and the anticipated movie actions to life.
• Film Directors – With a blend of effective communication skills, technical knowledge, aesthetic sense, and organisational abilities, a director's vision creates the movie! They coordinate with the designers, producers, actors, sound engineers, special effect technicians, editors, and everyone involved in the project – their responsibility also extends toward budgeting and financial tracking of the movies. All the daily activities on a set are carried forth under the director's supervision.
• Producers – In literal terms, they produce the movie! They identify the actors and make them sign contracts, hire a director, raise finance, coordinate with off-set activities, motivate and help the directors, and participate in the creative process are some of the responsibilities of a producer.
• Film Editing – They belong to the post-production team, and their job is to coordinate closely with the director to eliminate scenes and retain the required footage for the final movie. Currently, editors work on-set to produce real-time footage to get the final shots ready and the movie running. Apart from the roles mentioned above, there are other roles directly associated with Film Making that you can pursue –
• Historian and Journalist
• Makeup Artist and Costume Designer
• Digital Videographer
• Film Archivist
• Film Critic
• Film Business
• Lighting Designer
• Sound Engineer
• VFX Artist and Animator

The course fee depends on factors like whether you opt for an international college or a college in the country. Other factors include the region where the college is, the lifestyle, the study material and equipment, etc.

The course fee in India ranges between rupees 68,000 – 10, 00,000

Source: https://www.collegedekho.com/articles/top-film-media-schools-in-india-fees-location-and-scope

This also depends on the course you opt for – a diploma, a three-year degree, or a short one-year course.

To understand what you will learn after enrolling in a particular college or institute, you need to check the course curriculum or the syllabus. And, in the case of Film Making, you will stumble across a lot of similar subjects, some of which include –

• Film Theory
• Mathematics
• Film History
• Film Business
• Digital Editing
• Screenwriting
• Soundtrack and Music
• Digital Film Making
• Cinematography
• Lighting

You can pursue a graduate degree in Film Making as soon as you complete your 12th grade in any stream, irrespective of whether science, commerce, or arts.

Let's walk through some Film Making courses –

• Associate Degree in Film Studies
• Degree in Film Making – BA
• Degree in Digital Film Making – BSc
• Digital Film Making – Diploma
• Short Film Making
• Bachelor's Degree in Cinema Studies

Several elements come into play while deciding the money a filmmaker makes;

• The production budgets
• Downtime between projects
• Your network and recognition

The salaries also vary depending on the person's experience, talent, and other intangibles. Furthermore, the pay scale varies from project to project. Initially, you might have to work to earn credits rather than money. The film industry offers one of the most challenging and exciting work environments – You cannot take up this or any career solely for money.

Here's the median income for some Film Making roles –

Sources: https://www.payscale.com/

*Note:Salary estimates are based on salaries submitted anonymously to Payscale by individuals belonging to the respective job titles.

You can earn the money you've always wanted with the appropriate proportion of hard work, determination, and zeal for creativity.

The film industry is a part of the big entertainment and media world, which entails television, music, video games, and other humanity and cultural sectors. It is also spread across other areas of cable television, internet streaming, mobile applications, digital platforms, and telecom and communication industries.

The requirement of filmmakers in other industrial areas has escalated as most of the audience prefers visual mediums.

• Reaching out to the masses – Creative ideas, artistic approach, and effective communication – put together in an enticing visual medium to attract the masses. Whether education or fashion, short films help businesses reach their target audience.
• Researchers, Professors, and Academicians – All require skilled filmmakers to document and record their research and findings.
• Vlogging and Blogging – Who isn't familiar with the demands of the new era likely to impact the future? Yes, Film Making has already spread its wings in social media through vlogs, blogs, etc.

The journey doesn't end with getting admission to film school, and it's rather the beginning that will define your style of walking down the academy awards aisle! Look out for these abilities to stay ahead of the game –

• Identify your style – Where do you see yourself working in the long run? Do you prefer making documentaries, blockbuster movies, short films, commercials, music and artistic videos, or feature films? Once you identify your style, the filmmaking journey gets easier.
• The school’s reputation – The next tip is to develop multiple angles – while working as a filmmaker, you will have to develop several perspectives. For example, imagine yourself as a scriptwriter, actor, crew member, set developer, and, most importantly, the audience; while maintaining your personal creative touch.
• Look at the bigger picture – Photography needs lots and lots of practical expertise – look for a school that offers hands-on as well as theoretical training.
• Watch all movies –Want to be involved in all the class discussions? Watch all the movies, analyse them from every angle, and understand the effort put into cinematography, sound, special effects, acting, directing, and scripting. What's next? Get that bucket full of popcorn and commence the marathon of classics, blockbusters, action, and all others.
• Develop your flair for aesthetics – Observation is the key to getting inspiration for filmmakers. Don't rest your eyes. Let them wander, analyse simple tasks, and note them in your journal. Even a simple walk can give you ample food for thought – keep a record of your ideas, the kind of arrangement that pleased you, and the colours that delivered vibrancy. Your Film Making school will allow you to turn these ideas into films.
• Learn from the success stories – Read about the directors, producers, and artists who have accomplished their dreams in the world of Film Making and learn from their experiences. This will prove advantageous in the long run when you strategise and lay the groundwork for your movie.

• The course duration – What's your aim? Do you want to develop your artistic and creative abilities or enter the industry as soon as possible? According to your preference, you can even opt for liberal arts along with your Film Making course.
• Institute's reputation – If you wish to pursue a degree with high industry standards, look for the institute's accreditation status and certifications. Check the student review, and ask the graduates from that particular institute about their learning experience. Ensure that the school provides hands-on training rather than just theory – remember, Film Making is the art of sharpening the storyteller in you.
• The teaching staff –Often, on the institute's website, you can find a section called faculty – check their experience and contribution to the Film Making industry, and read about their work. This will help you gain an in-depth insight into what the school offers.
• Location and facilities – Check for colleges that provide state-of-the-art facilities. If you're planning to move to another city, don't forget to contact the student council or the institute itself. This will ensure you get the best accommodation in the institute's vicinity.

If you're looking for a media school to kickstart your journey as a filmmaker, you can opt for Seamedu. The institute was founded to bridge the gap between industry and academia. Our experienced faculty, state-of-the-art technology, and meticulously programmed courses will help you pursue a promising Film Making career!

Keep working on your portfolio and build networks. You never know. Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes might be waiting for you

While the information listed here is research-based, we attempt to keep it accurate and reliable. The actuals may vary according to the course curriculum, facility location, an individual’s specialisation, experience, current industry scenario, economic conditions, and other factors. We do not recommend or endorse any views expressed within the third-party information. Employment opportunities or any included salary figures are not guaranteed.