Behind the Scenes: Exploring the 24 Crafts of Filmmaking

If you like making movies and want to know the new ways of making a new movie, then this is a great opportunity for you. At present, filmmaking is emerging as a better career option. In the last few years, many new possibilities have been created in this field, which can prove to be very beneficial especially for the youth. Therefore, you can give new heights to your career by learning film making. Today, many courses are available to teach filmmaking in a better way like acting course, cinematography courses & film direction course. By doing these courses, you can give new heights to your career.

In this blog , you will also get know about best film filmmaking course ,film production courses & movie direction courses etc.

What is film making ?

The first question aries in our mind that what is filmmaking ? In simple words we can say that it is the process of creating motion pictures, encompassing all stages from initial concept to the final release.

Features of Film Making

• Film making is an art for which a better camera is needed.
• Film making is done on the basis of script.
• It has characters, a story, every story has a language.
• Films have scenes, sounds are matched with scenes, there are special effects and there is music. A unique combination of creativity and technology is seen in films.

Today new technologies are being used in films. There are many types of films in today’s industry, such as digital film, 3D film and etc. Before release, every film is tested in front of the censor board. Only after passing from there, it is released for the general public.

World of Cinema

In the world of cinema, a film is not just the vision of a director but a collective effort of several departments, traditionally known as the 24 Crafts. Each craft represents a specialized team contributing their skills to bring a story to life on the big screen. While casual viewers may not dive deep into these departments, anyone aspiring to work in films—whether as a director, writer, or technician—must understand these crafts thoroughly.

Let’s take a look at the 24 fundamental crafts involved in filmmaking:

1. Direction Department

Each and every movie is centered on the director, who is responsible for visualizing the tale and ensuring that it is creatively executed. The performers, shots, and flow of the scene are all managed by this team, which is supported by assistant directors.

2. Cinematography

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The Director of Photography (DOP) is in charge of this team, which is responsible for capturing the visual language of the film through the use of camera work, lighting, and shot composition.

3. Stunt Direction

Fight sequences are designed and carried out by action choreographers and stunt coordinators, who are responsible for ensuring that high-impact scenes are both safe and realistic.

4. Choreography

Creating and directing dance routines that frequently elevate songs and emotional situations is the responsibility of choreographers, who play an essential role in Indian cinema.

5. Art Direction

Art Direction is the department that is accountable for the design of the set, the props, and the visual aesthetics that are reflective of the director’s vision and the setting of the tale.

6. Music

Music consists of the music director as well as the composers who are responsible for creating the songs and the background score that give the movie a sense of rhythm and passion.

7. Editing

Editing Editors are responsible for constructing the final narrative by selecting and mixing footage, adding effects, and polishing transitions and pace.

8. Casting

A perfect match for the requirements of the script is ensured by casting directors by selecting performers who are suitable for a variety of parts, ranging from leads to extras.

9. Dubbing Artists

Voice artists subtly narrate for actors in a variety of languages or improve performances by producing audio that is more distinct and distinct.

10. Still Photography

Still Photography Unit photographers take pictures to be used for promotional purposes, posters, and historical purposes while they are on set.

11. Script / Screenwriting

The plot, the dialogue, and the structure of the screenplay are all crafted by screenwriters. In doing so, they establish the basis for the movie.

12. Production Executive

The Production Executive is responsible for managing departmental budgets, arranging locations, and coordinating with other departments to ensure that production logistics run well.

13. Makeup

Makeup Artists and hairstylists are responsible for the overall appearance of actors, as well as the alteration of characters and the application of special effects makeup.

14. Costume Designing

It is the responsibility of costume designers to style characters in accordance with the timeframe, genre, and emotional tone of the film.

15. Publicity Designing

Film posters, motion graphics, digital creatives, and banners are all examples of support materials that designers develop for marketing and promotion purposes.

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16. Audiography

Sound engineers and recordists are responsible for capturing sounds directly from the location, as well as managing dubbing, sound effects, and final mixing.

17. Outdoor Lightmen

Technicians that are responsible for the lighting sets on outdoor shoots, ensuring that the desired dramatic impact and sufficient visibility are achieved.

18. Studio Workers

Studio Workers This category includes crew members who are responsible for constructing sets, managing equipment, and providing physical support to various departments.

19. Production Assistance

Assistants who provide assistance to line producers and directors with a variety of tasks, including scheduling, artist coordination, and documentation.

20. Cinema Drivers

Cinema Drivers: Drivers that are responsible for driving cast members, crew members, and equipment between sets, studios, and outdoor locations include cinema drivers.

21. Junior Artist Agent

Junior Artist Agents are responsible for managing payments, coordinating mass casting, and providing background artists for scenarios involving gatherings of people.

22. Technical Unit

Aspects such as camera assistants, grips, focus pullers, and specialists that assure the seamless operation of filming equipment are included.

23. Production Women

Production Women are women who provide support to departments such as cosmetics, costumes, catering, and artist care. They frequently perform multiple tasks across different units.

24. Junior Artists

Junior Artists are background performers that lend authenticity to crowd scenes, public setups, and mass sequences. They are included in the 24th category.

Read Also: The Essential Elements of Cinematography: A Visual Storytelling Guide

Career Scope of 24 crafts of Filmmaking in India & USA

So, now let us discuss career scope of all the 24 crafts of filmmaking in India & USA.
Below is the table where you understand it very clearly.

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Craft	Career Scope	Average Salary (INR/year)	Average Salary (USD/year)
1. Direction	Director, Assistant Director, Film Maker. High creative control.	₹5L – ₹1 Cr+	$10K – $200K+
2. Cinematography	Director of Photography, Camera Operator. High demand across media.	₹6L – ₹80L+	$15K – $150K+
3. Stunt Direction	Action Director, Fight Master, Safety Coordinator. Needed in action films/TV.	₹4L – ₹50L+	$10K – $100K+
4. Choreography	Dance Director, Movement Coach. Strong demand in Indian cinema/music videos.	₹3L – ₹40L+	$7K – $80K+
5. Art Direction	Set Designer, Production Designer. Scope in films, ads, events.	₹4L – ₹60L+	$8K – $120K+
6. Music	Composer, Music Director, Background Score Artist. Opportunities in films, OTT, ads.	₹5L – ₹1 Cr+	$10K – $200K+
7. Editing	Film Editor, Colorist, VFX Editor. Consistent demand across platforms.	₹4L – ₹50L+	$10K – $100K+
8. Casting	Casting Director, Talent Scout. Growing field with digital boom.	₹3L – ₹40L+	$6K – $80K+
9. Dubbing Artist	Voice-over Artist, Narrator. High scope in multilingual content.	₹2L – ₹20L+	$4K – $60K+
10. Still Photography	On-set Photographer, Poster Designer. Needed for marketing and archives.	₹2L – ₹15L+	$4K – $30K+
11. Script Writing	Screenwriter, Dialogue Writer, Story Consultant. Evergreen demand.	₹5L – ₹80L+	$10K – $150K+
12. Production Executive	Line Producer, Scheduling Manager. Key operational role.	₹4L – ₹30L+	$8K – $60K+
13. Makeup	Makeup Artist, SFX Makeup, Hair Stylist. Scope in films, TV, fashion.	₹2.5L – ₹25L+	$5K – $50K+
14. Costume Designing	Designer, Stylist, Wardrobe Assistant. Growing in films and OTT.	₹3L – ₹40L+	$6K – $80K+
15. Publicity Designing	Poster Artist, Social Media Designer. High scope with digital marketing.	₹2.5L – ₹20L+	$5K – $40K+
16. Audiography	Sound Engineer, Foley Artist, Mixer. Highly technical, in-demand field.	₹4L – ₹60L+	$8K – $120K+
17. Outdoor Lightmen	Gaffer, Lighting Technician. Essential for on-location shoots.	₹2L – ₹15L+	$4K – $30K+
18. Studio Workers	Set Helpers, Light Grip, Equipment Assistant. Entry-level but vital.	₹1.5L – ₹6L	$3K – $10K
19. Production Assistance	PA, Assistant Producer, Coordination Staff. Entry to mid-level roles.	₹2L – ₹12L	$4K – $24K
20. Cinema Drivers	Vehicle Operators for cast/crew. Needed in all shoot schedules.	₹1.5L – ₹5L	$3K – $8K
21. Junior Artist Agent	Agent for background actors, manages logistics.	₹2L – ₹15L+	$4K – $25K
22. Technical Unit	Camera Assistant, Monitor Operator, Crane Operator. Technical backbone.	₹3L – ₹25L+	$6K – $50K+
23. Production Women	Support roles in wardrobe, makeup, admin. Evolving scope.	₹1.5L – ₹8L	$3K – $15K
24. Junior Artists	Background actors. High volume need in crowd scenes.	₹1K – ₹5K per day	$10 – $100 per day

After understanding the career scope of 24 crafts our half of the job is done, but it is also necessary to know about what are the courses and institutes available to pursue courses like
cinema course , film production courses ,movie direction course ,acting course ,cinematography course ,film direction course & film making courses.

Institutes List

• Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
• Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
• Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
• AAFT Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida

Courses / Programs Available

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• Post Graduate Program in Cinema
• Post Graduate Diploma in Direction
• Post Graduate Diploma in Cinematography
• Post Graduate Diploma in Sound Recording and Sound Design
• Post Graduate Diploma in Editing
• Post Graduate Diploma in Art Direction and Production Design
• Certificate Course in Screenplay Writing
• Diploma in Video Production
• Bachelor of Film Making

Conclusion

After reading and understanding this blog we have got information related to 24 crafts of filmmaking, each playing a vital role in bringing stories to life on screen. For those passionate about cinema, understanding these crafts is essential—not only for directors but for anyone eager to build a career in the industry. Pursuing a filmmaking certificate or enrolling in a film direction course can provide crucial skills and knowledge. Many aspiring artists explore various film making courses offered by reputed film schools and acting schools around the world. Whether you dream of directing, editing, or acting, attending a top-tier film school can be the perfect stepping stone to mastering the 24 crafts of filmmaking and launching a successful career in the film industry. If you are an aspiring actor, don’t forget to check out the courses offered by AAFT, Noida.