Post-Graduate Diploma in Television Direction & Production (PGDDP)

The Course in Detail

Semester I

Module I
Audio/Visual Media Technology - Theory and Practice - Though we do expect a certain degree of computer literacy in the candidates, this module brings everybody on par in using the all-pervasive computer effectively in research, writing, communication, graphics and editing. Knowing your computer: the hardware, using software for writing, email, Internet, graphics, editing and practice sessions.

In Digital Still Photography unit, students learn digital SLR camera and composition of still photography. The focus will also be on the use of digital still photography media for effective visual communication.

Students gain knowledge of audio-video technology. They are familiarised with studios, equipment and the execution process of production. This includes pre and post production process of radio and television programming. The focus will also be on the use of electronic media for effective communication.

Module II
Media History, Research & Technique - This module grounds the students in various research methods that they will need to use to enrich the information base for any subject that they might make a programme on, and to begin the film-making process on a sound foundation. It deals with formative research, how to get information, sources of information, feedback, formulating the right questions, programme research, and production research.

Module III
Scriptwriting-I - This module trains the student in the medium-specific writing skills, and the route to take in developing and expressing an idea with clarity and creativity.

Research for the idea, brief, idea formulation, writing a proposal, concept, treatment, segment planning, shooting script, editing script, narrative, formulating questions for interviews, writing anchor-pieces, etc. are taught in this course.

Module IV
TV Production – I
Camera - Theory and Demonstration: The student learns everything about the camera that goes into making a shot that is telling, aesthetic, technically correct and pertinent to the requirement of the subject. This module is the very foundation for understanding the visual language. It enables familiarisation with the tool: the camera, types, and accessories; types of shots, when they are used, relevance, framing, composition, exposure, focus, lighting, depth, movement - of subject, of camera, or both, multi-camera shoot, etc.

Editing Theory: At the assembling table of the different components of the film, they learn about the minutiae of the director’s last opportunity to shape the programme, soften flaws, optimal use of available footage, transitions and effects that enhance the communication, and how to create the rhythm and flow required to make the film effective. This module covers the edit plan, dope sheet, linear and non-linear editing, familiarisation with the non-linear system, different software, etc., cut, transitions, effects, music, silence, continuity, editing sound, bridging, on-line editing, etc.

Sound Recording: Theory: A thorough instruction in appreciating the audible spectrum of sound, and the role each kind of sound plays in enhancing what the film seeks to convey, and planning the sound aspect of audio-visuals. Dynamics of sound; importance of sound in film, sound recording, familiarisation with equipment, ambient sound, sound-studio basics, sound effects, creating tracks, mixing.

Module V
Direction-I
This module is an initiation into the shoes of the one who is ultimately responsible for the entire film. This brings the student to grips with how to view, plan and put together the various inputs: words, pictures, voices, sounds, graphics, and music to make a complete and comprehensive structure. Provides the instruction in making a creative and technically sound communicator in the audio-visual medium. History of film & television, role of director, understanding different kind of programmes, formats, designing, visualisation, treatment, planning, shot breakdown, putting together a team, handling the crew and subject.

Critical Appreciation of TV Programmes: This module provides the discipline of actively being involved in watching a programme, to instil in the trainee the ability to discern between good and poor quality films, so as to be able to critically and objectively appraise their own work as well, with an eye to better and improve. Viewing different formats of programmes, and analysis; discussions and written criticism on creative and technical aspects like script, photography, editing, music, sound, etc., are part of this module.

Semester II

Module I
TV Production – II
Camera Techniques - Practical: The student is handed the tools necessary to actually create memorable visuals, balanced in terms of colours, composition, and perspective. Emphasis on ‘doing’, and learning from committing mistakes and ‘getting it right’. Exercises and projects pertain to: camera handling, setting up, lighting, camera movements, indoor and outdoor shoots, shooting for different moods, hand-held and tripod-mounted practice, etc.

Editing - Practice: Students learn to appreciate the right use of the ingredients available, and creating flavours out of them; the inputs of shots, sound-bytes, ambience, music, graphics, etc., are put together with the right blend of timing, transitions, pace and mixes to create the optimum whole of the parts. Exercises in using the console, learning the functions, editing short sequences, re-editing an existing film, using the dope-sheet, making an edit-plan, working with the director, using effects, editing with multiple inputs, managing multiple tracks, rough-cut, fine-edit, mastering, etc., are part of this module.

Sound Recording - Practical: Learning to reproduce optimum sound clarity within mechanical limitations, to overcome noise disturbances that are amplified on video in the absence of the brain filter. Using the tricks of maximising useful signals, and employing different sounds in tandem. Exercises and projects in sound recording extend to, setting up and correctly handling equipment, choosing the right kind of mike for the situation, sound mixing, ambience recording, studio recording, etc.

Graphics: This will enable students to get a basic grip on this rapidly growing skill area, of the possibilities of graphics in television software, to design graphics for specific needs, assess time taken, and to be able to communicate exact requirements to a graphics expert and cull out the best in him or her. Basics of design and art, understanding dimensions, colours, textures, using different software to create simple characters, 2-D and 3-D stills is taught in this module.

Module II
Scriptwriting-II - Project-based
We ingrain in the students the most essential art of controlled creativity in fashioning the blueprint of a programme; of acquiring, through intensive, guided practice, an innate instinct for the right words, length of narrative, use of silence, and the appropriate tone for a particular subject, quite akin to dressing the visuals correctly for a given occasion.

Exercises and projects pertain to: writing an idea, concept, treatment, pre-shooting scripts for films of varying lengths, writing the narrative, etc.

Module III
Direction-II - Project-based Implementation of Ideas
This module is about testing out their understanding of the idea, script, visuals, audio, music, graphics, equipment and personnel, to get down to the business of making their very fist production. Exercises and projects cover: planning, programme and production research, designing a programme, working with a team, coordinating, shot planning and breakdown, etc.

Module IV
Production Planning
Production Planning: This prepares the student to be able to go out into the field and get the needful logistics in place from the very beginning of his or her career, and acquire the know-how in managing time, effort and money optimally. Time-scheduling, making a budget, working within the budget, aspects of client-servicing, putting together and handling the team, managing finances, planning, etc.

Media Market, and Self-marketing: This module lays bare the nuances of the real-world business of making films for television and video. It informs the students of the possible work routes available to them, and equips them with the ability to “sell" themselves and place themselves at the head of a highly competitive profession. Understanding the potential market, how to approach and access the market, positioning, presentation skills, management of time, projecting one self, freelancing options, working with channels, working with an organisation, writing a resume, etc., are key elements of this module.