Diploma
Master Program in Film Editing & Post Production with Gen AI
Editing, colour grading, sound, motion graphics, VFX and Gen AI tools over 12 months, ending in a short film and your showreel.
- 12 months
- Course code 47001
- Eligibility:
- Plus Two and Above
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Film editing syllabus, month by month
Module 1 — Basics of Film Editing
- What is film editing and why it is called the “invisible art”
- Role of an editor in storytelling
- Evolution of editing (film to digital era)
- Responsibilities of an editor in pre-production, production,and post-production
- Understanding pace, rhythm, and emotion in editing
Module 2 — Linear vs Non-Linear Editing
- Definition and working of Linear Editing (Tape-based)
- Definition and workflow of Non-Linear Editing (Digital)
- Advantages and limitations of both methods
- Introduction to modern editing workflows used in cinema & OTT
- Real-world examples of editing pipelines
Module 3 — Frame Rate, Resolution & Aspect Ratio
- What is Frame Rate (FPS) – 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 60fps
- Slow motion and high frame rate usage
- Understanding Resolution (HD, Full HD, 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K)
- What is Aspect Ratio (16:9, 2.39:1, 1:1, 9:16)
- How technical settings affect storytelling & platform delivery
- Matching footage with timeline settings
Module 4 — Editing Language & Film Grammar
- Understanding visual storytelling rules
- Continuity editing principles
- 180-degree rule & screen direction
- Match cuts and visual flow
- Shot composition impact on editing
- Building emotional connection through cuts
Module 5 — Types of Cuts & Transitions
- Hard cut (straight cut)
- Jump cut
- Match cut
- Cutaway & insert shots
- Cross cutting (parallel editing)
- L cut & J cut (audio-based transitions)
- Dissolve, fade in/out, wipe transitions
- When to use and avoid transitions
Module 6 — Understanding Timeline Structure
- Timeline basics in editing software
- Tracks (video & audio layers)
- Clips, sequences, and bins
- Timecode and its importance
- Markers and organization techniques
- Workflow for assembling a rough cut
Module 7 — Software Introduction
- Interface overview
- Media import and organization
- Creating projects and timelines
- Basic editing tools (cut, trim, ripple, roll)
- Playback controls and shortcuts
Module 8 — Hands-on Exercises
- Cutting a simple scene (continuity editing)
- Creating a basic montage
- Practicing different types of cuts
- Syncing audio with video
- Exporting final video in different formats
Module 9 — Dialogue Scene Editing
- Understanding conversational flow and timing
- Shot-reverse-shot technique
- Maintaining eye-line match and screen direction
- Cutting on reactions vs dialogue
- Handling pauses, overlaps, and interruptions
- Creating natural rhythm and realism in conversations
Module 10 — Action Scene Editing
- Fast-paced cutting techniques
- Maintaining spatial clarity in action sequences
- Use of wide, mid, and close shots for impact
- Continuity in movement and direction
- Cutting on motion for smooth transitions
- Enhancing energy using quick cuts and dynamic pacing
Module 11 — Emotional Scene Rhythm
- Slower pacing for emotional depth
- Holding shots for performance impact
- Use of silence and pauses
- Reaction shots and micro-expressions
- Building audience connection through timing
- When NOT to cut (power of stillness)
Module 12 — Montage Editing
- Concept of time compression
- Visual storytelling without dialogue
- Types of montage (training montage, parallel montage, thematic montage)
- Use of music to drive visuals
- Symbolism and visual metaphors
- Creating narrative progression through montage
Module 13 — Song Editing Basics
- Syncing visuals with beats and rhythm
- Lip-sync techniques
- Matching choreography with cuts
- Beat detection and timing
- Visual transitions based on music cues
- Creating cinematic song sequences
Module 14 — Continuity Editing
- Maintaining visual consistency between shots
- Match on action
- Eyeline match and screen direction
- Avoiding jump cuts (unless intentional)
- Logical flow of time and space
- Fixing continuity errors using cutaways
Module 15 — Parallel Editing (Cross Cutting)
- Cutting between two or more simultaneous actions
- Building tension and suspense
- Intercutting different storylines
- Timing cuts to create emotional or dramatic impact
- Examples: rescue sequences, climax intercuts
Module 16 — Multi-Camera Scene Editing
- Syncing multiple camera angles
- Switching between angles smoothly
- Choosing best angle for storytelling
- Live-event style vs cinematic multi-cam editing
- Maintaining continuity across cameras
Module 17 — Shot Selection & Performance Selection
- Choosing the best takes from multiple options
- Evaluating actor performance
- Selecting shots based on emotion, not just technical quality
- Combining different takes seamlessly
- Building strong character moments
Module 18 — Cut Rhythm & Pace Development
- Understanding pacing for different genres
- Fast vs slow editing styles
- Beat-based cutting vs emotion-based cutting
- Developing editing intuition
- Practicing rhythm through music and dialogue scenes
Module 19 — Sound Layering Basics
- Introduction to sound design in editing
- Dialogue, ambience, and effects layering
- Importance of background sound (room tone)
- Basic audio balancing and levels
- Using sound to enhance cuts and transitions
- Introduction to J-cuts and L-cuts in audio
Module 20 — Spot Editing Introduction
- What is Spot Editing and its importance in modern filmmaking
- Difference between on-set editing and post-production editing
- Role of spot editing in commercials, films, and OTT productions
- Advantages: instant feedback, time-saving, creative control
- Real-time decision making during shoot
Module 21 — On-Set Editing Roles & Responsibilities
- Role of a Spot Editor / On-Set Editor
- Coordination with DIT team, camera crew, and assistant directors
- Managing footage flow from camera to editing system
- Ensuring data safety and organization on set
- Communicating issues (missing shots, continuity errors) instantly
- Maintaining workflow efficiency under time pressure
Module 22 — Working with Directors & Cinematographers
- Understanding director’s vision and storytelling style
- Collaborating with cinematographer for shot continuity
- Providing live feedback on shot quality and coverage
- Suggesting retakes based on edit requirements
- Handling creative discussions professionally on set
- Building trust with the core filmmaking team
Module 23 — Quick Assembly Techniques
- Creating rough cuts immediately after shooting
- Identifying best takes quickly
- Assembling scenes for preview (client/director approval)
- Speed editing techniques using shortcuts and presets
- Organizing clips efficiently under time constraints
- Delivering quick outputs for on-set review
Module 24 — Cinema Camera Signal Flow
- Understanding camera output signals (SDI / HDMI)
- Basics of signal flow from camera to monitor and system
- Role of video assist and on-set monitoring
- Live feed capture for editing
- Troubleshooting signal issues
Module 25 — Blackmagic Recording Workflow
- Overview of Blackmagic Design ecosystem
- Working with ARRI, RED
- Recording formats (RAW, ProRes)
- Using Blackmagic Video Assist for external recording
- Managing high-quality footage on set
Module 26 — Media Express & Capture Workflows
- Introduction to Blackmagic Media Express software
- Capturing live feed into the editing system
- Setting up recording formats and codecs
- Real-time monitoring and recording
- File management during capture
Module 27 — SDI & Thunderbolt Workflow Setup
- Understanding SDI cables and their advantages in film sets
- Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed data transfer
- Connecting capture devices (UltraStudio / DeckLink)
- Setting up a complete on-set editing station
- Ensuring stable and efficient data flow
Module 28 — Data Backup Workflow
- Importance of data safety on set
- 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 drives, 1 off-site)
- Using multiple storage devices (SSD, HDD)
- Organizing data by scene, shot, and take
- Avoiding data loss and corruption
Module 29 — Card Copy & Verification
- Proper method of copying camera cards
- Using verification software (checksum process)
- Tools like ShotPut Pro / Hedge (industry practice)
- Maintaining log sheets and reports
- Safe formatting and reusing memory cards
Module 30 — LUT Application Basics
- What is a LUT (Look-Up Table)
- Difference between technical LUT and creative LUT
- Applying LUTs for preview on set
- Understanding LOG footage vs Rec.709
- Helping director visualize final output
Module 31 — Proxy Creation Workflow
- What are proxies and why they are important
- Creating low-resolution files for faster editing
- Linking proxies with original footage
- Workflow between on-set and post-production
- Saving time in heavy projects (4K/6K workflows)
Module 32 — RAW Footage Handling
- What is RAW footage and why it is used in cinema
- Difference between RAW, ProRes, and compressed formats
- Overview of popular RAW formats (ARRIRAW, RED RAW, Blackmagic RAW)
- Handling large file sizes and storage planning
- Importing RAW footage into editing software
- Maintaining original quality throughout the workflow
Module 33 — Proxy Workflow Creation
- Importance of proxies in high-resolution workflows (4K/6K/8K)
- Creating optimized proxy files for smooth editing
- Choosing correct proxy formats and resolutions
- Linking and relinking proxies with original media
- Proxy workflows in software like DaVinci Resolve / Premiere Pro
- Managing performance vs quality balance
Module 34 — Offline & Online Editing Workflow
- Understanding Offline Editing (low-res editing phase)
- Understanding Online Editing (final high-quality finishing)
- Conforming timeline from offline to online
- Relinking original high-resolution footage
- Preparing project for color grading and finishing
- Avoiding common mistakes in conforming
Module 35 — Color Metadata Understanding
- What is metadata in video files
- Camera metadata (ISO, White Balance, Exposure, Lens data)
- Importance of metadata in color grading
- Reading and interpreting metadata inside editing software
- Using metadata for consistent look and correction
- Metadata management across workflow
Module 36 — LUT & Log Footage Basics
- What is LOG footage and why it looks flat
- Dynamic range and color information in LOG
- Difference between LOG, RAW, and Rec.709
- Applying LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for preview and grading
- Technical LUT vs Creative LUT
- Preparing footage for color grading pipeline
Module 37 — Folder Structuring
- Industry-standard folder hierarchy for film projects
- Organizing by:
- Project Name
- Shoot Day
- Camera (A Cam, B Cam)
- Scene & Take
- Separating footage, audio, proxies, and exports
- Naming conventions for easy access
- Avoiding confusion in large-scale projects
Module 38 — Project Organization
- Creating organized projects inside editing software
- Using bins and folders effectively
- Labeling clips with colors and tags
- Sorting by scenes, characters, or sequences
- Maintaining clean and efficient timelines
- Workflow discipline for long-term projects
Module 39 — Scene & Shot Bin Management
- Dividing footage into scenes and shots
- Using markers and notes for quick reference
- Identifying best takes during organization
- Creating subclips for faster editing
- Managing multi-camera footage in bins
- Preparing organized timelines for smooth editing
Module 40 — Version Control & Backup Systems
- Importance of version control in editing
- Saving multiple versions (V1, V2, Final, Client Cut, Director Cut)
- Tracking changes and revisions
- Backup strategies (daily backups, incremental backups)
- Using cloud and physical storage solutions
- Preventing data loss in professional workflows
