Workshop on Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts in Nainital (08 - 10 April 2026)
Workshop on Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts from 08th to 10th April 2026 in Nainital
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 08th to 10th April 2026 in Nainital.
Following are the details in this regard;
(1) Workshop Name: Understanding Drones Filming & Basic Flying Concepts
(2) Dates: 08th to 10th April 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 April 2026
(6) Educational Qualification: HSC (12th pass). In exceptional cases, 10th pass may be considered
(7) Nationality: Indian
(8) Venue: UGC – MMTTC, Nainital
(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, 02nd March 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
- M/s Future Story Cinelabs = Shalini Shah (9411344136)
(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 M/s Future Stories Cinelabs, will facilitate for accommodation in Nainital. Please contact Shalini Shah (9411344136) 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:
A050 W.s on U.s Drone FilmFlying Concepts in Nainital
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
Day 1: Foundations of Drone Flying & Control Orientation
Core Objective
To build mental orientation, muscle memory, and confidence before touching a real drone.
Theory (Essential Only)
Participants are introduced to what a drone is and how it functions, keeping explanations simple and visual. The session clearly differentiates camera drones and FPV drones, with emphasis on their relevance in filmmaking. Basic safety rules are explained early to set a professional tone from the start. Participants are also trained to understand spatial orientation and directional movement, which is the biggest hurdle for beginners.
Practical Training
The entire practical focus is on simulator-based flying, allowing participants to make mistakes safely. They learn throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll through guided exercises. Simple drills are used to build hand–eye coordination and remove panic responses. By the end of the day, participants should feel comfortable with drone orientation and basic movement logic.
Outcome of Day 1
Participants develop control familiarity and confidence without the risk of crashing real equipment.
Day 2: Skill Refinement & Transition to Real Drones
Core Objective
To convert simulator confidence into controlled real-world flying.
Theory (Real-World Focus)
This session explains how drones maintain stability, why beginner mistakes happen, and how simulator flying differs from real flying. Participants are introduced to environmental factors such as wind, space awareness, and surroundings. Pre-flight checks and safety protocols are emphasized strongly to prepare them for real drone handling.
Practical Training
The day begins with advanced simulator drills focusing on smooth take-off, landing, straight-line movement, and controlled turns. Once confidence is visible, participants transition to real drones under strict instructor supervision. Initial exercises include controlled hovering and basic directional movements in a safe indoor or open environment.
Outcome of Day 2
Participants safely fly real drones for the first time and begin developing real-world control awareness.
Day 3: Cinematic Flying & Professional Practice
Core Objective
To move beyond basic flying and introduce visual intent, smoothness, and professional discipline.
Theory (Industry-Oriented)
Participants learn how drone movement directly affects visuals and storytelling. Concepts such as smooth versus shaky movement, speed control, and pre-planning shots are introduced. The session also covers how professional drone pilots work on film sets, including communication, safety responsibility, and ethical usage.
Practical Training
Participants perform advanced real-drone exercises focusing on smooth tracking shots, forward and backward motion, and controlled speed. Introductory FPV-style movement concepts are demonstrated (without aggressive flying). Real-world scenarios are simulated, mistakes are identified, and instructor feedback is given individually.
Outcome of Day 3
Participants gain a cinematic mindset, understand professional expectations, and know how to continue practicing independently.
Overall Learning Outcomes (3-Day Format)
By the end of this condensed workshop, participants will:
Understand how drones function and how to control them safely
Fly confidently using both simulator and real drones
Execute smooth, controlled, and visually usable drone movements
Develop awareness of cinematic framing and motion
Build a strong foundation for advanced drone or FPV training