Documentary and Film Making (Practical)

Paper Code: 
24JMC325(A)
Credits: 
6
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to understand ideation, budgeting, and resource management in filmmaking, develop narrative structures and scripts, identify filming locations, master lighting techniques and camera operations, and explore video editing and promotional strategies.

 

Course Outcomes: 

 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

Title

24JMC325(A)

Documentary and Film Making

(Practical)

CO133: Enhance written communication skills- Develop original concepts for film and documentary projects.

CO134: Apply fundamentals of screenplay writing and storyboarding to plan film sequences effectively

CO135: Conceptualise and oversee intricate costume designs and art direction concepts.

CO136: Incorporate sophisticated lighting, camera and VFX techniques to convey complex themes.

CO137: Employ advanced editing techniques to achieve professional-grade audiovisual quality and devise strategic promotion and marketing campaigns.

CO138: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Simulation, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks, Field practical

 

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects, software learning, handling professional cameras still and video both.

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Filmmaking
  • Understanding Ideation and Topic Selection
  • Research Techniques for Documentary and Film Projects
  • Introduction to Budgeting and Resource Management

                                       

18.00
Unit II: 
Pre-production Essentials
  • Crafting Compelling Scripts for Different Formats
  • Developing Screenplays and Understanding Narrative Structures
  • Visualising Concepts through Storyboarding Techniques

 

18.00
Unit III: 
Planning and Preparation
  • Location Scouting and Recce for Effective Filming
  • Costume Design and Art Direction Essentials
  • Structuring Shooting Schedules and Crew Management

 

18.00
Unit IV: 
Production Techniques
  • Mastering Lighting Techniques for Cinematic Impact
  • Camera Operations and Shooting Essentials
  • Introduction to Visual Effects for Enhancing Storytelling
18.00
Unit V: 
Post-production and Promotion
  • Editing Basics and Graphics Integration
  • Mastering Tape and Digital Mastering Techniques
  • Strategies for Effective Promotion and Marketing of Film Projects

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Rabiger, M. (2009). Directing the documentary (5th ed.). Focal Press.
  • Chawdhary, N. K. (2009). How to write film screenplays: Illustrations for aspiring screenplay writers and readers. New Delhi: Kanishka Publishers, Distributors.
  • Dhar, V. P. (2012). The art of movie making: A complete handbook of film technology and terminology. Jaipur: YKing Books.
  • Chatterji, S. A. (2015). Filming reality: The independent documentary movement in India. New Delhi: SAGE.
  • Jayasankar, K. P. (2016). A fly in the curry: Independent documentary film in India. New Delhi: SAGE.
  • Public Service Broadcasting Trust (India). (2006). The open frame reader – unreeling the documentary. New Delhi: Rupa & Co. in association with Public Service Broadcasting Trust.
  • Dix, A. (2010). Beginning Film Studies. Viva Books, New Delhi.
  • Hood, J. W. (2009). The Essential Mystery: Major Filmmakers of Indian Art Cinema. Orient Black Swan Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad.

 

References: 
  • Rosenthal, A. (2013). Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and digital videos. Southern Illinois University Press.
  • Rabiger, M., & Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2017). Directing the documentary (6th ed.). Routledge.
  • Nichols, B. (2010). Introduction to documentary (2nd ed.). Indiana University Press.
  • Rabiger, M. (2010). Developing story ideas: The power and purpose of storytelling. Routledge.
  • Curran, S. (2012). Documentary storytelling: Creative nonfiction on screen. Focal Press.
  • MacKay, R. (2012). Camera & craft: Learning the technical art of digital filmmaking. Focal Press.
  • Rosenblatt, J. (2016). How to make a documentary: A practical guide from concept to distribution. Routledge.
    • Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2010). Film Art: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill
    • Rabiger, M. (2015). Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics. Routledge.
    • Frensham, A. (2017). Screenwriting Fundamentals: The Art and Craft of Visual Writing. Routledge.
    • Holman, T. (2010). Sound for Film and Television. Routledge.
    • Brown, B. (2012). Film Production Management 101: Management and Coordination in a Digital Age. Michael Wiese Productions.
    • Box, H. (2013). Lighting for Cinematography: A Practical Guide to the Art and Craft of Lighting for the Moving Image. Bloomsbury Publishing.
  • Dancyger, K. (2013). The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice. Routledge.
    • Sonnenschein, D. (2001). Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice, and Sound Effects in Cinema. Michael Wiese Productions.

E-Resources

 

Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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