Engaging Sessions on acting for the camera and audiography on 4th Day of Film Workshop at DLC SUPVA

Rohtak, August 22, 2025: The Five-Day Film Workshop at Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA), organized in collaboration with Cine Foundation Haryana, entered its fourth day with highly engaging sessions on acting for the camera and audiography, followed by a practical filmmaking exercise in which participants created their own short films on campus.

The morning session was conducted by Dr. Anup Lathar, Actor and Chairperson, Culture Council, Delhi University, who introduced participants to the fundamentals of acting. Vice Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya welcomed him on reaching the varsity campus. During this, Registrar Dr. Gunjan Malik Manocha was also present.

Dr. Anup Lathar emphasized that acting, like any other craft, is a skill that can be learnt and honed: “Actors wear the mask of emotions. It doesn’t matter what you are truly feeling in the moment — what matters is how consummately you wear that mask. The audience always knows if a performance is genuine or not. So, respecting the audience is the most important responsibility of an actor.”

Highlighting the difference between theatre and film, he said, “In theatre, the actor owns the stage. In cinema, the camera magnifies everything. While retakes can help, the camera also exposes flaws mercilessly — even the smallest gap between cognition and delivery is visible. Films are therefore a director’s medium, while theatre remains the actor’s medium.”

As part of his session, Dr. Lathar introduced students to an On-Camera Toolkit for Actors, covering key aspects such as continuity, technical comfort, voice control, expressions, frame awareness, script breakdown, rehearsal strategies, and physical readiness. He also conducted a Shiva Tandav recitation exercise to train students in voice modulation, rhythm, and breath control.

Earlier in the day, Debasis Roy, Head of Audiography, DLC SUPVA, conducted a session on the basics of sound and audio in filmmaking. He explained the critical role of sound design in shaping cinematic experience and demonstrated the process of developing a background score.

“Sound does not just accompany the visuals; it defines mood, emotion, and meaning. A powerful soundtrack can elevate a simple scene into an unforgettable moment of cinema,” he said, underscoring the technical and creative dimensions of audiography.

In the second half of the day, the participants were divided into teams and engaged in a practical filmmaking exercise. Under the supervision of mentors and supported by DLC SUPVA’s professional team of cinematographers and editors, students worked on scripting, perspective development, location scouting, camera handling, and the use of shooting equipment.

Each team shot a short film on campus, applying the knowledge they had gained over the past four days. These films will be screened at the closing ceremony on the final day of the workshop, serving as a showcase of the participants’ creativity and learning.

The fourth day reaffirmed the workshop’s unique blend of conceptual grounding and hands-on training. By combining acting, sound, and practical filmmaking, the sessions highlighted how cinema is an integrated art form where multiple crafts converge to create meaning.