Framing Thoughts
Dates: 5, 12, 19, and 26 April 2025
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Venue: KCC Library
Recommended age: between 12 and 17 years
Fees: INR 2000
This hands-on course explores the process of transforming ideas into cinematic expression, covering the essential stages of film production: ideation, scripting, visualization, and framing. Participants will develop creative concepts, translate them into scripts, build visual worlds, and learn cinematic techniques to frame their stories effectively. The course combines theoretical discussions with practical exercises, making it ideal for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts.
WHAT WE’LL COVER
Class 1 | Ideation: Concept Development
Objective: Learn how to brainstorm and develop creative film concepts
- Thinking of space & time: frames in different media
- The origins and evolution of framing
- Introduction to film genres and themes
- Story ideation techniques: mind mapping, brainstorming, and free writing
Activities:
- Group brainstorming sessions
- Developing a short film idea in teams
Assignment: Create a one-paragraph film synopsis based on a provided situation
Class 2 | Scripting: Writing for Film
Objective: Craft compelling screenplays by balancing narrative structure and visual storytelling
- Converting idea into script
- Narrative structure: three-act structure, inciting incident, climax
- Dialogue writing tips
- Understanding audience and purpose
Activities:
- Drafting a basic script
- Peer review of dialogues
Assignment: Write a 2–3 minutes’ draft script
Class 3 | Visualization: Building the Film World
Objective: Develop the visual tone and mood of a film idea
- Colour theory and mood boards
- Set design principles
- Costume and character look development
- Use of lighting and textures in visual storytelling
Activities:
- Creating a visual mood board
- Analysing famous scenes for visual tone and composition
Assignment: Design a complete visual treatment for the short film, including a mood board and key visual elements
Class 4 | Framing: Cinematic Techniques & Camera Work
Objective: Learn how to frame shots to enhance storytelling
- Types of shots (close-up, wide shot, establishing shot, etc.)
- Camera angles and their emotional effects
- Rule of thirds, leading lines, depth of field
- Blocking and movement
Activities:
- Analysing framing in iconic film scenes
- Practicing framing shots using phones or cameras with storyboards
Assignment: Record a 1-minute scene using at least three framing techniques
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Manish Das, a graduate of the University of Calcutta’s Media Studies: Film & Television diploma course, has worked in the Film & TV industry since 2007. He has contributed to TV shows, ad films, documentaries, and feature films, collaborating with brands like BIG SYNERGY, BBC WORLD INDIA, Dettol Bangladesh, and Fevicol. As Assistant Director & Production Designer, he worked on Bicycle Kick and Aranyadeb. His documentary Iti (2019) was an Official Selection at the 25th Kolkata International Film Festival. A faculty member at iLEAD since 2015, he has directed documentaries, corporate films, and 100 episodes of a health-based cookery show. Also a painter and stagecraft designer, he has worked with Chaepani Theatre in Kolkata since 2005.
Nirabari Bandyopadhyay has an M.A. in Film Studies from Jadavpur University. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Film at iLEAD College, Kolkata. Her documentary film ITI (‘Regards’) was premiered at Kolkata International Film Festival. She has travelled to prestigious festivals and has won awards. She is currently pursuing her PhD in New Media.
