Camera Handling & Lighting: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Camera handling and lighting is one of the most important processes of filming. Things like lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angle, film selection, lens options, depth of field, zoom, focus, color, exposure and filtration are extremely important to make scenes look impressive and spectacular. That's why the camera handling and lighting is considered as a distinctive art. In the present scenario, many young people are showing interest in technical field like camera handling and lighting. Students should enroll in film courses to learn the nuances of camera handling and lighting. Many film schools offer courses in this domain. Candidates can through the article to know more about the camera handling and lighting.

Eligibility Criteria For Camera Handling and Lighting

Candidates can pursue Diploma and PG Diploma courses in Camera handling & lighting. For Diploma courses, candidates must have passed class 12 in any stream and for PG Diploma courses candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university. Candidates can pursue courses like Diploma in Cinematography, PG Diploma in Cinematography, Diploma in Video Camera and Lighting, Diploma in Filmmaking, Direction and TV Production, Diploma in Video Production, Camera and Light, Certificate in Lighting etc.

Entrance Exams For Camera Handling and Lighting

The admission process for courses related to camera handling and lighting is such that candidates are required to fill in the application forms and appear in an entrance exam. Many film institutes conduct an entrance exam to offer admission to eligible candidates. The entrance examination consist of different stages like written test, group discussion and personal interview. Those who qualify all the stages are offered seat in the desired course. However, some institutes also enroll students through merit. The merit is declared on the basis of qualifying exam. After which candidates are required to appear for counselling session and book their seats by submitting the educational documents and admission fee. Some of the popular entrance exam conducted by the film institutes are given below:

•  KIITEE (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam)
• NIMSEE (NIMS Entrance Exam)
• FTII JET
• DCJ Mumbai Entrance Exam
• XIC OET Exam
• ACJ Entrance Exam
• DUET Exam

Skills Required For Camera Handling and Lighting

The process of filmmaking requires precision, detailing and involvement of the technicians and artists. Some of the important skills required for camera handling and lighting are mentioned below:

Syllabus For Camera Handling and Lighting

Candidates interested in having a career in the field of camera handling and lighting can pursue the programme at Diploma, Dual Diploma and PG Diploma level. The time duration for the courses can be as short as 1 year and as long as 3 years. The course outline of some popular courses has been discussed below:

Job Profiles For Camera Handling and Lighting

With the expansion of the film industry, the opportunities in the department of camera handling and lighting have also increased rapidly. Candidates can work in film development units, studios and video businesses. Some of the main job profiles related to this sector are given below:

Director of Photography: The director of photography collaborates with the film director and is in charge of the visual aspects of the production. Their main responsibilities include deciding on a film's visual style, lighting and composition, and camera angles.

Gaffer: He/she is in charge of all the electrical work on a production team. They leadi a team of lighting technicians and work closely with the Director of Photography.

Script Supervisor (Continuity): They ensure that the shots will work together after editing and there will be no continuity issues.

Camera Operator: They prepare the camera equipment and operate the camera during shoot. They also work with the Director and Director of Photography to achieve the visual style of the film.

First Assistant Camera (1st AC, Focus Puller): Their main role is to adjust the camera lens or ‘pull focus’ to follow the action on set and to manage and maintain camera equipment and accessories. They follow instructions from the Director or Director of Photography (DoP).

Second Assistant Director (2nd AC, Clapper Loader): They prepare the camera, load new batteries and film, and change lenses. He/she also operates the clapperboard and manage the camera paperwork. They work closely with the 1st AC rest of the camera team.

Digital Imaging Technician: He/she is responsible for the digital handling of the footage. They ensure that the digital settings on the camera are correct and are responsible for backing up footage across multiple equipment and preparing all-digital images for post-production.

FAQs on Camera Handling and Lighting

Q. Is a career in camera handling and lighting a good choice?

Q. What skills are necessary to make a career in camera handling and lighting?

Q. What is the eligibility criteria to pursue a diploma in camera handling and lighting?

Q. Which are the popular colleges offering course in camera handling and lighting?

Q. What are the job opportunities available after completing camera handling and lighting courses?

Q. What is the admission process for film camera handling and lighting course?

Q. What is the remuneration offered in this field?

Q. Is a formal degree important to make a career in this filed?

Q. What are the popular courses for camera handling and lighting?

Q. Which are the top recruiters in this field?

Q. Can I do camera handling and lighting course after class 10th?