Digital Filmmaking Using AI and Drones”

Name of the Activity: “Digital Filmmaking Using AI and Drones”
Organizing Unit: Department of Journalism & Mass Communication
Type of Activity: Workshop (skill based, experiential learning)
Date/ Duration: 6th & 7th  May 2025
Time: 11 am – 5 pm

Details of Resource Person/s:

•  Sajal Mukherjee – Senior Faculty, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), New Delhi; Specialisation: Advertising & Visual Storytelling
•  Naveen Gautam – Faculty, AIMC; Specialisation: Digital Micro‑Storytelling & Audience Engagement
•  Ankit Kumar Malyan – Faculty, AIMC; Specialisation: Camera Operations, Gimbal Stabilisation & Drone Cinematography

No. of Participants: 55

Objective of the event: The workshop aimed to equip students with practical skills in AI-assisted editing and the use of drone cameras, providing them with hands-on experience in emerging media technologies. It also sought to deepen their understanding of digital storytelling techniques and encourage collaborative, project-based learning.

Brief Description of the event: Brief description of the event: The workshop combined expert lectures with hands-on production sessions, allowing students to explore the creative and technical aspects of emerging media technologies. The first day began with an inaugural session led by Prof. Sajal Mukherjee (AIMC), who discussed the evolution of visual storytelling, drawing from his experience with major brands like Polo and Oral-B. Prof. Naveen Gautam followed with a session on the power of micro-storytelling in a fast-paced digital world, using curated video examples to highlight audience engagement techniques. Prof. Ankit Kumar Malyan then introduced the fundamentals of camera operations, gimbal stabilisation, and drone cinematography, demonstrating how equipment choices influence narrative delivery. The day concluded with a brainstorming session, where 21 students were divided into two groups to conceptualise short films covering elements like storyline, shot composition, sound design, and visual style. The Second day focused on practical execution: Group 1 filmed in the sports arena using drone shots, while Group 2 used indoor locations such as a classroom and corridor. Prof. Malyan conducted editing walkthroughs for both groups, showcasing how software tools shape pacing, mood, and clarity. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kapil Kumar Bhattacharyya (JMC) and the felicitation of the resource persons by Prof. Dilip Shah, Dean of Student Affairs and Rector, who praised the initiative’s relevance and hands-on format. Prof. Sajal Mukherjee commended the students’ enthusiasm and encouraged them to apply their learning creatively. Student representatives from Semester VI and Semester II expressed their appreciation for the workshop’s experiential approach and conveyed a desire for longer sessions in the future. The event ended with the screening of both group films, which received applause and constructive feedback, marking a successful culmination of a skill-based and collaborative learning experience.

Outcome of the event: Participants gained hands-on experience with AI-driven editing tools, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Direct Interaction with industry-experienced faculty offered valuable career insights and strengthened the College’s commitment to innovative, technology-driven education.