Acting and Film-making Course

  • Save
  • Ask
author
Feb 09, 2024 08:11AM IST

Acting and Film-making Course Overview

Since filmmaking is about creating visuals and acting is an art of expression, there is some overlap between the two professions. Acting is a kind of performing arts where an actor enacts a story for a stage, theatre, or movie. On the other hand, an actor is someone who plays a character in a play. "Film making, like any other art, is a very profound means of human communication," according to Kenneth Lonergan, who defined the genre. "Beyond the professional pleasure of succeeding or the pain of failing, you do want your film to be seen, to communicate itself to other people."

Students who take acting classes learn about various acting styles and techniques. Various acting theories, including those of Meisner, Method, Stella Adler, Kristin Linklater, HB Studio, and others, are introduced to students in class. Students can use their imaginations, create performances, engage in stage combat, improvise their dialects, and learn stage makeup in acting classes, which are open workshops. Students are assigned parts from well-known classics, historical plays, etc. during their final semester.

Acting and Film-making Course Overview

Those who choose to specialise in filmmaking have the chance to integrate their technical film education with a liberal arts curriculum. Students studying filmmaking also study knowledge, literature, theories, graphic arts, and communication. In addition, many universities provide exchange programmes that allow students to interact with professional filmmakers and gain an understanding of the intricacies of international production while completing coursework. In order to become experts in post-production techniques, they also study sound and editing specialisations.

To learn more about acting and filmmaking, continue reading. 

Show Less

Acting and Film-making Course Highlights

Here are some of the major course highlights of Acting and Film-Making courses in India.

LevelDiploma, Certificate, UG and PG Courses 
Duration6 Months - 3 Years
Minimum Academic Requirement

10+2 for UG Diploma

Graduation for PG Diploma/Certificate

Minimum Aggregate Score Requirement45% or more
Subject PreferenceAny Stream
Admission / SelectionBased on Merit / Entrance, Personal Interview and Group Discussion
Average Course FeeINR 15K - INR 10 LPA
Average Initial SalaryINR 3 - INR 8 LPA
Show Less

Why Choose an Acting and Film-making Degree?

Acting and filmmaking offer numerous opportunities to work in creative fields. Candidates can find work in film studios, advertising agencies, production companies, and government agencies, among other places. Not only does one get good pay, but also fame. The professions of acting and filmmaking allow you to express yourself freely. This position allows you to meet creative people who enjoy telling stories. You can travel the world and learn about different cultures. Lastly, it gives an opportunity to expand your perspective.

Show Less

What is an Online Acting and Film-making Degree?

The following list of institutions offers a variety of online acting and filmmaking courses.

In an online Acting and Filmmaking course, you will learn and apply the foundations of Acting and Filmmaking theory in an experiential learning environment with the help of your online peers. 

Online Filmmaking & Acting CourseOffered byDuration Fees
Digital Filmmaking Course in IndiaPearl Academy, West Delhi Campus, New Delhi11 months INR 2,74,000
Explore Filmmaking: from Script to ScreenNFTS via Futurelearn6 weeks Free
Film StudiesCentral University of Kerala, Kasaragod via Swayam 15 weeks Free
Introduction to Film Studies
 
IIT Madras via Swayam3 months Free
Film Education: A User's GuideBritish Film Institute via Futurelearn1 month $ 79

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Show Less

What is the Difference Between Acting and Film-making?

The difference between Acting and Film-making has been tabulated below:

Particulars

Acting

Film making

Stream

Acting is a performing art form that involves using tone, gesture, and movement to bring a fictional character to life for the screen, stage, or television.

Filmmaking is a high art that involves many steps, including ideation, scriptwriting, directing, filming, lighting, sound recording, editing, production management, and screening. The director uses the movie as a vehicle to spread his message to a broad audience. As a painter, the director/filmmaker paints his ideas onto the film's canvas. Still, it's a simple means of reaching a large audience.

Course duration

Overall, 30 hours - 3 Years

6 months - 4 Years

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates with a 10+2 pass (from any stream or subjects) or equivalent can apply to join this course in Acting for Films. Candidates who are taking or have taken qualifying exams (i.e., 10+2) may also apply.

Candidate must have cleared 10+2

Area of Focus

  • Introduction to Acting
  • Memorizing dialogues on the spot
  • Preparing Dialogues
  • Preparing to play real-life characters
  • Research: fictional characters
  • Practically Developing a Character for a Movie
  • "On the set" Film Acting Tips
  • Acting for Camera
  • Acting Exercises Using Observation and Imagination
  • Concentration
  • Script Break Down
  • Voice for Acting - Diction and Speech
  • Body language and eye contact
  • How to Evoke Emotions on Camera?
  • Camera Acting vs Theatre Acting
  • Auditioning Tips
  • Scene Rehearsals, Acting Practice on various short sequences
  • Improvisation
  • Conceptualising a story
  • Scriptwriting
  • Directing
  • Shooting
  • Sound Recording
  • Lighting
  • Editing
  • Production Controlling
  • Screening

Admission

Based on Merit/Counselling after passing the entrance exams for required colleges

Based on Merit/Counselling after passing the entrance exams for required colleges

Average Course Fees (Per annum)

INR 2K - INR 5L

INR 30K - INR 10L

Career Prospects

Actor, Voice Acting, Acting Coach, Background, Advertisements, Arts Administrator, etc.

Cinematographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Director, Director of Photography, etc.

Salary structure

INR 3 – 8 LPA

INR 5 – 8 LPA

Show Less

Types of Acting and Film-making Programs

Acting and film-making courses are offered at many colleges across the nation; these courses range from PG Diploma to PG Certificate programmes. The majority of media and mass communication colleges in India offer PG Diploma/Certificate programmes in filmmaking and acting for interested candidates. These are some options for courses you could take.

Certificate Courses

  • Certificate Course in Production and Direction
  • Certificate Course in Professional Videography
  • Certificate Course in Film Direction and Cinematography, Audiography and Editing
  • Certificate Course in Sound Recording and Reproduction

Diploma Courses

  • Diploma in Audio and Video Production
  • Diploma in Cinematography
  • Diploma in Sound Recording and Sound Engineering
  • Diploma in Direction, Acting, Videography, Film Editing
  • Diploma in Dramatic Arts
  • Diploma in Direction
  • Diploma in film Directing
  • Diploma in Film Making
  • Diploma in Film Editing
  • Diploma in Film Studies
  • Diploma in Film Processing
  • Diploma in Freehand Animation
  • Diploma in Motion Picture Photography
  • Diploma in Photography
  • Diploma in Production
  • Diploma in Scenic Design
  • Diploma in Professional Photography

UG Courses 

  • BA (Hons) Acting
  • Bachelor's in Film Studies
  • Bachelor of Theatre Arts in Fine Arts
  • Bachelor in Theatre
  • BA in Performing Arts
  • BA in Theatre and Performance
  • Diploma In Acting

PG Certificate Courses

  • PG Certificate Courses in Acting for Theatre, Films and TV - 3 to 6 Months Duration
  • PG Certificate Course in 2D and 3D Animation and Multimedia - 3 to 6 Months Duration
  • PG Certificate Courses in Screenplay Writing and Film-Making - 6 to 12 Months Duration

PG Diploma Courses

  • PG Diploma Courses in Direction and Screenplay Writing - 2 to 3 Year Duration
  • PG Diploma Courses in Cinematography - 1 to 3 Years Duration
  • PG Diploma Courses in Acting - 1 to 2 Year Duration
  • PG Diploma Courses in Screenplay Writing - 1 to 3 Year Duration
  • PG Diploma Courses in Editing - 1 to 3 Years
  • PG Diploma Courses in Sound Recording and Design - 1 to 3 Years
  • PG Diploma Courses in Art Production and Direction for Film and TV - 1 to 3 Years

PG Courses

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Video Production
  • Post Graduate Course in Cinema Studies
  • Post Graduate in Film Direction
  • Master’s Degree in Cinema Studies
  • MA/MFA in International Theatre
  • Master's in Theatre and Performing Arts
  • Master of Arts in Acting

The acting and filmmaking colleges in India offer a variety of courses, these being just a handful. The majority of colleges typically offer a specially-designed programme that shapes the students into competent actors and filmmakers because the industry is so varied and dynamic.

Show Less

Acting and Film-making Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are eligible for any course in Acting and Film Making after completing 12th Class in any stream. Given below are some eligibility criteria for Acting and Film Making courses.

  • For Acting and Film-making UG Courses or UG Diploma, candidates with a 10+2 diploma (from any stream or subject) or equivalent may apply to this course in Acting & Filmmaking. Candidates who are taking or have taken qualifying exams (i.e. 10+2) may also apply.
  • In order to be eligible for an acting & film making course, candidates must have scored at least 45 percent in their 12th board exam.
  • Candidates for the PG Course or PG Diploma must have a graduation in any stream or equivalent from a recognised institute.
  • Age Limit: Few institutes, such as NSD, have an age limit ranging from 18 to 30 years.

Note: Please keep in mind that all original documents, certificates, and mark sheets must be submitted at the time of admission. 

Required Skill Set for Acting and Film-Making

A successful career in Acting & Filmmaking requires a number of skills and abilities, some of which are as follows:

  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Leadership skills
  • Team spirit
  • An eye for perfection
  • Patience
  • Concentration
  • Understanding 
  • Memorize 
  • Promotion 
  • Emotional 
  • Intelligent
Show Less

Acting and Film-making Entrance Exams

Several acting and filmmaking colleges offer admission based on interview and merit. However, a few prestigious acting and filmmaking universities admit students based only on their performance on entrance exams. There are state-level and national-level entrance exams. Some of the top Acting and Film-making Entrance Exams are given for well-known colleges and universities below: 

  • FTII JET (Film and Television Institute of India Joint Entrance Exam) - It is a national level exam and generally conducted in the month of May. The candidates  must have a bachelor’s degree in science stream and Physics as the major subject at 10+2 level.  FTII JET is an offline exam and the duration of the exam is 3 hours. The exam is taken to offer admission in courses  such as Post-Graduation/Post Graduate Diploma.
  • NSD (National School of Drama, New Delhi) - NSD is a very popular college that conducts a national level exam for the course in the post-graduate diploma in Film Acting and the duration of the course is three  years. The interested candidates for taking admission in NSD will first have to qualify for the preliminary test and then pass the workshops as conducted by NSD. The exam is conducted in an offline mode and the language used in the question paper is English and Hindi.
  • Whistling Woods Aptitude Test -The Whistle Woods conducts a  university-level exam for students for granting admission to Whistling Woods institute. The exam duration is 2 hours. There are a total  of 4 rounds that the candidates have to face before getting admission in acting and film. The first round is the general aptitude test which has a weightage of 30%, then second round is the creative ability test with 20% weightage, then the third one writing the personal statement of purpose with 20% and the fourth and the final round is the  interview which also has a weightage of 20%.
  • SRFTI  (Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Entrance Exam) - SRFTI college is one of the most prestigious institutes for Acting and film.  This college conducts exams to offer admission in  post-graduate programs. It is conducted in an offline mode and mostly the exam is being held in the month of May. The exam includes sections such as  mental aptitude for 20 marks, creativity aptitude for 40 marks and specific subject for 40 marks. The best part about this exam is that there is no negative marking for the incorrect answer.
Show Less

List of Popular Acting and Film-making Specializations

Popular specialisations offered by Acting and Film-making courses in India are:

  • Scriptwriting
  • Screenplay Writing
  • Direction
  • Cinematography
  • Editing
  • Production Design 
Show Less

Acting and Film-making Admission Process in India

Acting and film-making admission procedures in India can vary slightly from other courses because these courses demand a specific set of abilities and knowledge. To shortlist students for admission, most colleges still administer an entrance exam followed by an interview and/or group discussion. The following are the admissions procedures for Acting and Film-Making programmes in India.

  • Entrance-Based Acting and Film-making Admissions
  • Merit-Based Acting and Film-making Admissions

Though the admission process for acting and filmmaking varies by college, the following are the general steps to admission:

Step 1: Complete the online application for Acting and Filmmaking.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees that may be set if admission is granted on the basis of merit. Candidates for the entrance-level acting and filmmaking programmes must take and pass an exam.

Step 3: Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to the next stages of the selection process, which may include personal interviews, group discussions, or counselling.

Step 4: Once the preceding steps have been completed, candidates must submit all required documents and fees in order to be accepted to the Acting and Film-making admission.

Show Less

Direct Acting and Film-making Admission Process Without Entrance Exam

Most colleges and universities that offer Acting and Film-Making courses use merit-based admissions. The performance of the candidate in a written 10+2 exam, a round of personal interviews, and/or a relevant qualifying exam will determine their Acting and Film-Making admission to the course. Mainly, candidates are shortlisted in such cases based on their academic record as well as their performance in a previous relevant exam.

Show Less

Acting and Film-making Fees in India

Acting and Film-Making course fee ranges from INR 15K - 10LPA. Course fee may vary depending on the Acting and Film-Making colleges. A government-based institute charges less than a private institute because of its facilities and infrastructure. 

Show Less

Acting and Film-making Syllabus/Subjects

Since acting is a type of performing art, one must develop their acting abilities internally. External factors cannot impart these abilities. These more sophisticated abilities are honed in an acting school through a variety of courses. There are many topics covered in an acting course syllabus, some of which are listed below: 

  • Theory of Acting
  • History of Drama
  • Stage Acting on Various Short sequence
  • Acting Practice on a short sequence.
  • Improvisation
  • Acting Practice on various short sequences
  • Dubbing Practice
  • Makeup
  • Acting Practice on various short sequences
  • Improvisation - Creating a role
  • Rehearsal for Diploma Film
  • Acting in Diploma Film Exercises

Many young talents are interested in pursuing Film Making courses in India these days.  Filmmaking can help students prepare for careers in a variety of areas of the film industry. Cinematography, lighting, editing, software, screenwriting, directing, and sound production are all available to students. A film making course syllabus covers a wide range of topics, some of which are listed below: 

  • Initial Story
  • Script Writing 
  • Sound Recording 
  • Shooting 
  • Directing
  • Lighting 
  • Editing 
  • Production Controlling 
  • Screening
Show Less

Top Private Acting and Film-making Colleges in India

The following are a few of the most well-known private Acting and Film Making colleges in India, along with their locations and course fees:

Private CollegesCourse Fee 
FTII, PuneINR 48K - 1.45 LPA
Whistling Woods International Institute of Film, Communication and Creative Arts, MumbaiINR 4.25 - 27 LPA
Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, BangaloreINR 8.54 - 19.16 LPA
AAFT, Noida-
ICE Balaji Telefilms - Institute of Creative Excellence, Mumbai-
Show Less

Top Government Acting and Film-making Colleges in India

The following are a few of the most well-known government Acting and Film Making colleges in India, along with their locations and course fees:

Government CollegesCourse Fee
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, KolkataINR 1.82 lakh
MGR Government Film and Television Institute, ChennaiINR 75 K
Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, University of Mumbai, MumbaiINR 9.96 - 16.64 LPA
Jadavpur University, Kolkata-
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Madhya Pradesh-
Show Less

Career Options After Acting and Film-Making

Following the Acting and Film-Making course, you can work in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, classical dance theatres, music bands, film and television production companies, dance and drama schools, and event management firms, among many others. To be considered for a role in a film, actors can attend auditions and show off their skills with all of their passion and fervor.

There are numerous employment options for candidates with government agencies, production companies, advertising agencies, and movie studios. 

Here are a few different career options for  Acting and Film-Making in various fields.

Job ProfileJob Description
Lead Actor/ActressYou can work as a lead actor in films, television series, web series, theatre productions, or street dramas.
Co-Actor/ActressAs part of an ensemble cast, you can work as a co-actor in multi-starrer films, TV serials, web series, theatre productions, or street dramas.
Supporting Actor/ActressYou can work as a supporting actor in films, television series, web series, theatre productions, or street dramas.
Crowd Actor/ActressInitially, you may be cast as a minor character with a cameo in the production.
Acting InstructorYou can work as a drama or acting school teacher or instructor.
Dialogue InstructorYou could teach dialogue in a drama or acting school.
Stunt ManYou can use your acting skills to perform stunts and teach others how to do them.
Dance PerformerYou can work as a dance performer in both movies and live shows.
Theatre writerA person in this profile writes the screenplay that will be used to entertain the audience.
Assist. Event managerA person in this profile is responsible for managing all events, beginning with organising, arranging, creating an agenda, and arranging resources until the entire event is completed.
ProducerA Producer is the person who provides financial support for the production of a film or the organisation of an event.
Acting consultantThe person in this profile is responsible for advising the client on the best actors to cast based on the story's content and characters.
TeacherA teacher should be skilled in acting so that he can teach his students more effectively.
Script WriterA scriptwriter, also known as a screenwriter, scribe, or scenarist, is a writer who creates screenplays for the entertainment industry. These screenplays serve as the foundation for films, television shows, and video games.
DirectorA Film Director is a creative professional who is in charge of overseeing the artistic aspects of a film production. They are in charge of directing and managing the actors and film crew, as well as interpreting scripts and ensuring that the visual storytelling matches the desired narrative style.
Assistant Production ControllerThey are in charge of manufacturing process planning, coordination, and control. Assistant production managers oversee the production of goods or the effectiveness of services, ensuring that the correct amount is produced at the right quality and cost, and providing administrative support to production personnel.
CinematographerThe cinematographer, also known as the director of photography, is the person in charge of recording a film, television production, music video, or other medium.
Camera AssistantA camera assistant assists the camera operator with the setup and preparation of the camera and equipment for shoots. They also keep equipment and consumables like batteries in good condition between shoots.

Acting and Film-making Top Recruiter

There are various recruiters for Acting and Film-making such as drama companies, film industry, televisions soaps, advertisement, agent companies. The candidates can check some of the top recruitment companies mentioned below. 

  • Space Consultant
  • Green Valley Crest Infraheights PVT. Ltd.
  • E-Capsule
  • Great Coach Solutions PVT. Ltd.
  • Boom Events and Production Management
  • Gurukul Activity Centre PVT. Ltd.
  • SETC Institute
  • Vanvim Media PVT. Ltd.
  • Mangalam Casting

Acting and Film-making Employment Area 

The demand for good actors and filmmakers are steadily increasing due to the versatility of digital entertainment mediums as well as traditional avenues. Listed below are some of the recruiters who provide acting and film making jobs: 

  • Film Production Houses
  • TV Production Houses
  • Web Content Production Houses
  • OTT Platforms
  • Streaming Services
  • Theatre and Drama Companies
  • Government Departments

Acting and Film-making Salary 

There is no set salary for actors/actresses working in any film because their pay is determined by their track record, skill, experience, and popularity. Yet, there is a salary system in place for TV shows and stage dramas. 

The average salary after acting and filmmaking ranges between INR 3 and 8LPA.

Here is an estimate of an individual's monthly income after completing an acting and filmmaking course.

Job ProfileAnnual Income
Movie ActorThere is no upper or lower limit on the amount that can be earned per month, which can amount to crores of rupees.
TV ActorUp to INR 2 crores p.a.
Theatre ActorUp to INR 12 Lakhs p.a.
Theatre WriterUp to INR 4.80 Lakhs p.a.
Event ManagerUp to INR 12 Lakhs p.a.
Acting ConsultantUp to INR 9 Lakhs p.a.
Acting TeacherUp to INR 6 Lakhs p.a.
Dance PerformerUp to INR 7.20 Lakhs p.a.
Script WriterINR 12 Lakhs p.a.
DirectorUp to 95 Lakhs p.a.
CinematographerUp to 8 Lakhs p.a.
Camera AssistantINR 3.78 Lakhs p.a.
TeacherUp to 10 Lakhs p.a.

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Show Less

Courses After Acting and Film-making Degree

Moreover, applicants at the undergraduate and graduate levels have the option to pursue certificate programmes in acting & filmmaking for a short period of time in an area of specialisation of their choice. Popular certificate programmes in acting and filmmaking include the following:

  • Certificate in Digital Film Making
  • Certificate in 3D Animation Film Making
  • Certificate in Stereoscopic Filmmaking
  • Certificate in Ad Film Making
  • Certificate in Production
Show Less

FAQs about Acting and Film-making

What exactly is acting in filmmaking?

Acting is a form of performance art. Actors use dialogue, body language, and facial expressions to portray characters and tell stories. Acting can take place in theatre, film, television shows, commercials, radio, podcasts, and new media, and it can involve improvisation or scripted performances.

Can I pursue an acting course after completing my 12th?

Most acting classes require a class 12th degree. As part of their selection process, some institutes may require specific entrance exams or auditions. Actors must have acting talent, creativity, good communication skills, emotional intelligence, teamwork, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

What is an online degree in Acting & Filmmaking?

You will learn and apply the foundations of Acting and Filmmaking theory in an experiential learning environment with the help of your online peers in an online Acting and Filmmaking course. 

Which institutions provide onlineActing & Filmmaking degrees?

Pearl Academy, West Delhi Campus, New Delhi, NFTS via Futurelearn, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod via Swayam, IIT Madras via Swayam, British Film Institute via Futurelearn, and others offer online acting and film-making degrees.

What is the filmmaking degree?

Students majoring in Film Studies usually get a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Master of Arts (MA ), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are all graduate degrees.

What exactly is BSc filmmaking?

BSc in Digital Film Making opens doors to opportunities in the film industry, advertising firms, gaming industry, cinematography, digital editing, documentary filmmaking, producing 3D animation and visual effects, photography, broadcast journalism, and other fields.

What is the duration of the course Acting and Film-making ?

Acting and Film-making is a 1 year course.

What is the average fee for the course Acting and Film-making ?

The average fee for Acting and Film-making is INR 40,000 per year.

What are the top colleges offering Acting and Film-making courses ?

Following are some of the top colleges offering Vocational courses : Institute of Hotel Management (Mumbai) , Srishti Institute of Art Design and Technology (Bangalore) , St. Xavier's College (Kolkata) , Institute of Hotel Management (Jodhpur) , Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai). You can explore these colleges on our website to check if they offer Acting and Film-making or not.
Show Less

Related Questions

A

Abhik Das, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Jan-15-2024

Dear student, the Government Girls PG College Rewa is yet to announce its BA admission schedule for the academic year 2021-22. The contact details of the admission office of the institute have been provided below - 

 Phone No. : 07662256868

 Mobile No. : 9425329967

The online admission application form is released on the institute’s official website homepage. Interested students can apply for admission into various courses that the institution offers. The aforementioned contact numbers can also clear all your admission-related doubts and queries. 

Also, several similar reputed institutions have already started their BA intake process for the academic year 2021-22. These colleges can be accessed easily through our common application form. Apply for admission into these colleges through our form before the final application submission date. Call 18005729877 for more details regarding this direct admission process.

K

Kanwaldeep singh, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Nov-22-2023
You can contact the centre once through you have taken admission. You can also contact the university or call on the toll-free numbers for more help.
S

Sukriti Vajpayee, CollegeDekho Expert

-Answered on Nov-07-2023

Dear student,

The course of Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGD in Law) is not offered at Apex University, Jaipur. The university provides law programmes of the undergraduate and postgraduate levels only. If you meet the eligibility criteria for the programmes of LL.B or LL.M at Apex University then you can apply for admission to these programmes instead.

If you seek a good law college in Rajasthan that offers PGD in Law, you can check out Raffles University which is located in Neemrana. There are other law institutes in Rajasthan that prove diploma in law and are quite recognised and popular.

In order to find the best college for yourself, fill the Common Application Form (CAF) and get a chance to apply at multiple colleges with just one form. Upon the successful submission of the form, you will also be assigned an admissions expert who will contact you and understand all of your requirements. Based on your preferences, he/ she will give you the options of some of the best law college for you to take admission in.

For any admission related queries, please call on the toll-free student helpline number of CollegeDekho - 1800-572-9877. Do write back to us if you have more questions to ask.

Thank you.