India is one of the largest film-producing countries in the
world, releasing over 2,000 films every year across cinema, OTT platforms,
advertising, and digital media. As storytelling moves beyond theatres into web
series, branded content, and online formats, the demand for skilled filmmaking
professionals continues to rise.
This growth has made filmmaking courses in India more varied
and accessible than ever. Students can now choose from degree programmes,
diplomas, and short-term courses based on how quickly they want to enter the
industry and what skills they want to build. This blog breaks down the best filmmaking
courses in India and helps you understand which options support faster career
growth.
Best
Filmmaking Courses In India After Class 12
Choosing a filmmaking course after Class 12 depends on the
kind of learning environment a student is looking for and how much practical
exposure the programme offers. Since every course differs in structure and
teaching style, understanding the common options available can make the
decision clearer.
1. Degree
Programes
Degree programmes are the best filmmaking courses that offer
structured training in filmmaking, combining creative development with
technical and production skills.
·
B.A. in Cinema (Creative-Focused Option)
The B.A. in Cinema is a three-year programme that focuses on practical learning and
gives students exposure to both the creative and production sides of
filmmaking. Instead of pushing early specialisation, the course allows students
to explore multiple areas before choosing a direction.
Key areas covered in the programme include:
● Fiction films and short films
●
Documentaries
●
Ad films and music videos
● Photo-based storytelling
projects
Along with creative subjects, students also learn how film and media projects are planned and executed. This includes:
● Production planning and
budgeting
●
Coordinating with cast and crew
●
Managing different stages of a shoot
● Basic exposure to media
marketing and branding
As part of the curriculum, students work on a range of
practical projects such as short films, ad films, fiction-based work, photo
stories, and continuity exercises. Working across different formats helps
students identify their interests and gradually build skills through hands-on
practice.
Overall, the course is suited for students who want a strong
creative foundation along with real exposure to production environments,
preparing them for roles in the film and television industry.
●
M.A. in Cinema (Advanced /
Postgraduate Option)
The M.A. inCinema is a two-year postgraduate program designed for students who
already have a background in media or filmmaking and want to deepen their
skills.
The course focuses on how film and media projects are handled in real working environments. Students learn about:
● Script development and
audience understanding
●
Planning and executing shoots
●
Team coordination and project management
●
Budget handling and working within timelines
● Basic concepts of media
marketing and branding
A strong emphasis is placed on practical learning. Students work across multiple formats, including:
● Fiction films and short films
●
Documentaries
●
Ad films and music videos
● Photo-based storytelling
projects
These hands-on projects allow students to apply their
learning, experiment creatively, and build confidence in managing full
productions.
The programme also promotes industry interaction through
experienced faculty and collaborative work. It is well-suited for students
looking to strengthen creative thinking, practical expertise, and professional
readiness for roles in film, television, and digital media.
2. Diploma Courses
If you want to get straight into the work, a diploma is
usually the best short-term course for filmmaking. It’s a shorter programme and
mainly focuses on hands-on learning. It’s good for students who want to start
building skills quickly without committing to a full three-year degree.
Here are some programmes that you can consider:
●
Diploma in Post-Production
This Diploma in Post Production is a one-year course for
students who want to work in editing and post-production. It is mostly
practical and focuses on learning by doing.
Students spend time understanding how
editing and sound are used in films, TV content, and digital videos. They learn
how footage is arranged, how sound is handled, and how a project comes together
in post-production. Some exposure to animation and multimedia tools is also
part of the course
This works well for beginners who
want to enter post-production. Students learn basic editing workflows,
understand continuity, and get used to working within timelines.
● Diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing
Diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing is a one-year
course focused on practical learning in direction and screenplay writing. It is
meant for students who want to understand how film and television stories are
written, planned, and translated onto screen.
Students learn the basics of
screenplay writing along with related areas such as acting, cinematography,
video editing, and sound recording. The course covers how scripts are
structured, how scenes are written, and how written material is prepared for shooting.
It also looks at the visual side of writing for film and television.
This course is commonly
chosen by beginners looking for practical exposure in writing and direction.
● Diploma in Acting for Film & TV
This Diploma in Acting is a one-year course for
students interested in exploring film and television acting through practical
learning and ongoing performance work.
Students receive training in
voice, speech, body movement, and emotional expression. They learn how to
understand a script and perform comfortably in front of the camera. The course
also introduces them to how acting styles differ across various film and
television formats.
The training combines
classroom sessions, demonstrations, studio practice, and repeated exercises.
Students take part in improvisation, rehearsals, and on-camera practice, which
helps them experience how acting works in real filming environments.
This course is best suited for beginners who want hands-on
experience in screen acting and performance-based roles.
●
Diploma in Cinematography
This is a course
for students who want to learn camera work for film and television. It focuses
on how images are captured during a shoot.
Students learn how to use cameras and lights in practical
situations. The course covers digital cameras, lenses, framing, composition,
and basic camera movement. It also looks at how lighting and camera placement
affect a scene.
The course is usually taken by students who want to work in
camera-related roles and prefer hands-on learning.
Conclusion
Choosing the right filmmaking course depends on your career
goals, how quickly you want to build skills, and the kind of learning
environment that suits you best. As filmmaking today is highly practical and
collaborative, programmes that emphasise real production experience, hands-on
projects, and portfolio development tend to prepare students more effectively
for industry roles.
For students looking for the best place for a filmmaking
course, AAFT University offers a learning approach that focuses on practical
exposure, industry-aligned training, and portfolio-driven outcomes across its
degree and diploma programmes. To understand the course structure, facilities,
and exposure in more detail, you can explore the programme information or plan a campus visit,
which can help you make a well-informed choice.
FAQs
1. Which filmmaking course is best
after Class 12?
After Class 12, students can choose between degree programmes
like B.Sc. in Cinema or B.A. in Cinema, as well as diploma and certificate
courses. The right choice depends on whether you want in-depth training or a
shorter, skill-focused option.
2. Is filmmaking a good career option
in India?
Filmmaking can be a strong career option for students who are
creative, persistent, and willing to build skills through practice. With the
growth of OTT platforms, digital content, and advertising, there is an
increasing demand for trained professionals across different roles.
3. Do I need prior experience to join
a filmmaking course?
No prior experience is required to join filmmaking courses at
AAFT University. Most programmes are designed for beginners and start with the
basics before moving into practical training.
4. What kind of practical exposure do
students get during the course?
Students work on studio exercises, shoots, short films, and
other hands-on projects. This helps them understand real production workflows
and build a portfolio alongside their studies.
5. Are filmmaking courses only about
direction and acting?
No. Filmmaking courses also cover areas like
cinematography, editing, sound, screenplay writing, and production planning.
Students are exposed to different roles before choosing a specific area of
interest.
6. Does AAFT University provide
placement support?
AAFT University offers placement assistance and industry
exposure through projects, events, and interactions. While placements in
creative fields depend on skill and portfolio, students receive guidance to
prepare for industry opportunities.
7. Can students from any stream apply
for filmmaking courses?
Yes. Students from science, commerce, or arts backgrounds can
apply for filmmaking courses, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for
the chosen programme.
8. Is a diploma enough to start
working in filmmaking?
A diploma can help students build basic skills and enter the
industry faster. However, degree programmes usually offer broader exposure,
stronger portfolios, and long-term career growth.
