Curriculum structure
Over the course of the 1st year, each student, working within a crew, will write, direct, and edit a series of exercises intended to provide a broad understanding of the art of filmmaking and the fundamentals of cinematic language, as well as building basic storytelling skills. The first semester ends with a short non-dialogue exercise, and the second semester with a longer dialogue exercise. Much of this first year is built around the fundamentals of writing and directing for the short form, with additional instruction in producing, acting, film history/theory, and the aesthetic approaches to the key creative and technical disciplines in filmmaking.
In the 2nd year, students will explore the medium in greater depth, and their own place within it, as they gravitate toward more specialized learning in one of several disciplines (such as directing, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, or sound) while continuing teamwork in crews. The structure of the year is anchored around the different phases in the production of a film project – development, preproduction, production, and postproduction – as each student, with the support of their classmates, writes and directs their first proper short film. This practical work is supported by further theoretical courses, while the main creative and technical disciplines are reinforced, both as individual disciplines and in relation to how they function together to serve a project, or a story.
In the 3rd year, students are given the chance to exercise more autonomy and independence over their studies, either through independent study, a domestic internship, or a study-abroad opportunity. They will also complete a research requirement, which encourages students to reflect upon the relationship between their practical work and theoretical approaches. By the final semester, students will have gravitated toward their preferred concentration, and will begin working toward completion of their graduation projects, either in the form of a key creative role in another short film (or films) or a long-form screenplay.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
At the time of graduation students shall have acquired knowledge within their field of study or profession. This entails that students:
- Have acquired general knowledge of the key creative and technical disciplines in filmmaking.
- Have general understanding and insight into the main theories and concepts in the art of filmmaking.
- Have general knowledge of the current techniques and methods in the field.
- Have particular knowledge of techniques and methods of one’s chosen discipline.
- Have understanding of how to find resources and process information in a critical manner.
- Have acquired general understanding of contemporary social issues related to the field.
- Have an understanding of the importance of respectful collaboration on a film project.
Skills
At graduation students should be able to apply methods and work procedures of the study field or profession. This entails that students:
- Can use relevant equipment, technology, and software in filmmaking.
- Can use specific methods, techniques, and skills in one’s chosen discipline.
- Can apply creative and critical thinking.
- Can present and argue for their decisions within a professional context.
- Have adopted reliable, responsible, and creative working methods.
- Can work collaboratively and respectfully with others in pursuit of shared goals.
Competences
At graduation students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills in the service of work in the field or further studies. This entails that students:
- Can use general knowledge and skills in the main creative and technical fields of filmmaking.
- Can use specific knowledge and techniques of one’s chosen discipline and communicate them artistically and practically through a project.
- Can communicate a personal artistic vision in their film projects.
- Can take an active role in collaborations with peers and colleagues.
- Can work independently, set goals, make plans and execute them.
- Can discuss their work and others’ work on a professional level.
- Can initiate projects and manage them in collaboration with others.
- Have developed the necessary learning skills and independent working methods for further study or work in the field.