Workshop on Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts in Lonavala (09th to 13th March 2026)
Workshop on Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts from 09th to 13th March 2026 in Lonavala, Maharashtra
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, under its Centre for Open Learning (CFOL) initiative announces “Workshop on Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts” from 09th to 13th March 2026 in Lonavala, Maharashtra.
Following are the details in this regard;
(1) Workshop Name: Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts
(2) Dates: 09th to 13th March 2026
(3) Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
(4) Total No. of seats: 25 (Course may not be conducted if there are less than 15 participants)
(5) Age: Participants must be 18 years or above in age as on 01st March 2026
(6) Educational Qualification: HSC (12th pass). In exceptional cases, 10th pass may be considered
(7) Nationality: Indian
(8) Venue: Sereniity Resort Lonavala Tungarli, Lonavala, Maharashtra
(9) Course fee: Rs 8,100/- per participant
Course fee is excluding breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/ coffee, snacks etc.
Course fee of selected participants will be non-refundable, non-transferrable, non-adjustable, etc. under any circumstances. Course fee of all the non – selected participants will be refunded within 21 working days of the course commencement. Also, due to any other reason, if the course is cancelled by FTII, course fee will be refunded.
However, due to any reason, if the course is postponed OR cancelled by the organisers, course fee will be refunded.
(10) Last date to apply: By 6 pm, 16th Feb. 2026.
(11) Course Director: Kavish Jain
(12) Medium of Instructions: English and Hindi.
(13) Selection Criteria: First – Come – First – Served basis. Selected candidates would be communicated by email. List of the selected participants will be published on FTII website.
(14) Certificates: All participants would be given participation certificate on successful completion of the course which will carry FTII logos and will be jointly signed by FTII Director and the Course Director. Minimum 90% attendance is mandatory to get certificate.
(15) Queries: For any queries contact
-
Mr. Milind Joshi, Asst. Outreach Officer – 020 - 25580085, info(dot)cfol(at)ftii(dot)ac(dot)in
- Future Story Cinelabs, Mumbai – Payal (9607693999)
(16) Communication with participants: All communications with the participants will be carried out through email only. List of shortlisted participants will be published on FTII website and selection email will be sent to the selected participants on their registered email.
(17) Accommodation: Outstation participants may please note Future Story Cinelabs, Mumbai, will facilitate for accommodation in Lonavala. Please call Payal (9607693999) for the same.
(18) Participants need to assure general decency, decorum etc. on the course campus. Failing to do so will lead to cancellation of admission without refunding course fee apart from taking internal disciplinary action and dealing the matter as per law of the land. All rights in this regard are reserved with FTII.
(19) How to apply:
1. Click on the following link:
2. Fill-up the application form with requisite details and proceed for payment.
3. Make necessary payment of Rs 8,100/-.
4. Once payment is done, please note "SBI collect Reference Number" (mentioned in payment confirmation receipt). This may be required for future reference.
5. If possible, digitally store the receipt of payment. This can be carried out in one of the following ways;
(i) by taking printout of receipt of payment, scan & save it
(ii) by taking screenshot of payment (if using mobile) or print screen (if using computer)
(iii) by simply taking a photograph from mobile
(iv) check your bank account to confirm whether money (course fee) has been deducted or not
(v) After a day or two, once again check to see whether money (course fee) has been refunded.
(vi) In case of refund, it is a transaction failure and if so, once again apply for the course afresh.
6. No document/ certificate related to educational qualification, age etc. is to be attached. Participants’ self – declaration in the application form is sufficient.
7. Terms & conditions: By agreeing to the terms & conditions in the application form, participants are confirming that they have read & understood the website advt. They are eligible to apply and fulfill all the requirements as stated in the advt. Also, it is presumed that participants will be staying and or attending the course at their own risk & cost and will not be held responsible for anything or matter of what-so-ever nature. Further, participants agree that decision of Director, FTII regarding admission to the course and its conduction in all respect will be final.
(20) About Course Director: Kavish Jain
Kavish is a professional drone pilot with over five years of experience in advanced aerial drone operations for film and media productions. Expertise includes FPV and conventional camera drones, with a strong emphasis on precision flying, safety compliance, and cinematic execution. Founder and owner of Kavishfilms, a visual production company specializing in wedding photography, cinematography, and drone-based visual storytelling. Hands-on experience includes managing aerial operations, visual execution, and practical training initiatives rooted in real-world production workflows.
(21) Course Overview
Workshop Type: Hands-on Practical Training
Training Structure:
70–80% Practical Training
20–30% Theory (Explained Simply)
Who Can Attend:
- Beginners with no drone flying experience
- Aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers
- Media students and professionals
- Anyone interested in learning professional drone flying
Day 1: Understanding Drones & Basic Flying Concepts
What Participants Will Learn (Theory – Simple Explanation)
- What a drone is and how it works
- Different types of drones used in visual media
- Difference between FPV drones and camera drones
- Basic safety rules before flying a drone
- Understanding flight directions (front, back, left, right)
Practical Training
- Introduction to drone flying simulator
- Learning basic controls:
- Throttle (up/down)
- Yaw (left/right rotation)
- Pitch (forward/backward)
- Roll (left/right movement)
- Simple simulator exercises to improve hand-eye coordination
- Practice controlling drone movement without panic
Goal of Day 1:
Participants become comfortable with drone controls and orientation without using real drones.
Day 2: Improving Control Using Simulator Training
What Participants Will Learn (Theory – Short & Clear)
- How drones balance and stay stable in the air
- Common mistakes beginners make while flying
- How to control speed and avoid sudden movements
Practical Training
- Advanced simulator practice sessions
- Smooth take-off and landing exercises
- Flying in straight lines and controlled turns
- Maintaining altitude and direction
- Improving accuracy and confidence
Goal of Day 2:
Participants gain control, confidence, and muscle memory through simulator practice.
Day 3: Transition from Simulator to Real Drones
What Participants Will Learn (Theory – Real World Focus)
- Difference between simulator flying and real drone flying
- Importance of pre-flight checks
- Understanding wind, space, and surroundings
- Safety rules while flying real drones
Practical Training
- First hands-on experience with real drones
- Controlled hovering practice
- Basic directional movements
- Flying under instructor supervision
- Indoor or open-space flying in a safe environment
Goal of Day 3
Participants safely transition from simulator to real drone flying.
Day 4: Advanced Flying & Camera Movement
What Participants Will Learn (Theory – Visual & Practical)
- How drone movement affects visuals
- Understanding smooth vs shaky movements
- Planning drone movements before flying
Practical Training
- Advanced real-drone flying exercises
- Smooth forward, backward, and tracking movements
- Introduction to FPV-style flying concepts
- Practicing controlled speed and distance
- Flying with awareness of framing and motion
Goal of Day 4
Participants learn controlled, smooth, and visually pleasing drone movements.
Day 5: Practical Application & Professional Approach
What Participants Will Learn (Theory – Industry Awareness)
- How professional drone pilots work on shoots
- Importance of communication and safety
- Responsible drone usage and ethics
Practical Training
- Real-world flying scenarios
- Executing planned drone movements
- Identifying and correcting flying mistakes
- Instructor feedback and improvement guidance
Goal of Day 5
Participants understand how drone flying works in real situations and how to improve further.
Overall Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand how drones work and how to control them
- Fly drones confidently using simulator and real drones
- Perform safe and controlled drone movements
- Gain basic knowledge of FPV and camera drone usage
- Develop a strong foundation for further drone practice