One Year Intensive Program - Directing Fiction (SAKF8)
| Type of programme | Mode of study | Language Instruction | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| lifelong learning | full-time | English | FAMU International |
Guarantor of study programme
Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ
Course description
One Year Intensive Program – Directing Fiction at FAMU International in Prague aims to equip the students with appropriate skills in order to have a successful career in film direction. The students will be taught how to turn creative ideas into fully developed films, acquiring the most crucial aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling, directing actors, and collaboration with technical departments. The curriculum emphasises the director's power to shape the film's narrative and visual language and concentrates on script breakdown, blocking, and composition. Through practical workshops, students will direct a series of short films, gaining hands-on experience at each stage of production, from pre-production to final cut. Theory and practice are in balance, and the course involves film history, analysis, and immersion in character development and cinematic style. Individualised mentorship, technical and creative skill development, and the development of a unique directorial voice will benefit students. Upon graduation, students will have a professional body of completed works that reflect directorial vision and readiness for advanced studies or professional film practice.
Learning outcomes
FAMU International's One Year Intensive Directing Fiction Program alumni are equipped with artistic and technical talent to direct fiction films across many genres. With hands-on practice in screenwriting, visual storytelling, and the direction of actors, they build a comprehensive understanding of the craft of filmmaking. Their anthology of short films attests to their ability to translate ideas into engaging narratives with their own specific directorial identity. These graduates have a knack for collaborating with cinematographers, sound designers, editors, and other key departments while working under deadlines and maintaining high levels of creativity. With a good foundation in film theory and extensive knowledge in visual storytelling, they are primed to be part of the film industry or to further study film direction. FAMU Prague graduates are renowned for their imagination, thinking outside the box, and effective performance within the team environment, which renders them a strong asset in independent filmmaking as well as in commercial production. They possess the confidence to head film production projects and bring their vision onto the screen.
Candidate's prerequisites
FAMU International invites aspiring filmmakers who have an interest in storytelling and directing. Application requirements include a completed application form, a CV listing academic and artistic credentials, and appropriate academic transcripts. Submissions are welcomed for an artistic sample, including a short film they have directed, a director's treatment, or other filmmaking work that documents their creative potential. A personal statement is required, explaining the applicant's motivation for pursuing directing studies, their goals for the program, and how FAMU International Prague can help them achieve their dreams. While prior experience in filmmaking is desirable, it is not required, since the program is designed to help develop and refine the skills of emerging filmmakers. English proficiency is necessary, since the program is conducted in English. The admissions committee will evaluate candidates based on their creative vision, storytelling skills, and commitment to the filmmaking process. The program is designed for individuals who are prepared to take their first step in professional directing, with the potential of developing and starting innovative film projects at the heart of Europe – Prague.
Conditions for completing the programme
One Year Intensive Program at FAMU International does not culminate in a traditional state final examination. Instead, the students are examined through an intense series of hands-on tests that mirror their directorial abilities. The most important aspect of the final examination is the making of a short film, wherein the students show their creative vision, technical skill, and leadership ability in directing a film shoot. This final project is presented to an audience of mentors and professionals, who provide constructive feedback regarding the student's storytelling, composition, and acting with actors and crew. Apart from the film, students will participate in peer critiques, group critiques, pitching sessions and class discussions as part of their overall evaluation. The curriculum has a great emphasis on applied, hands-on experience so that students are career-ready for professional filmmaking upon graduation. By the time of graduation, students will have an enhanced body of work, including their capstone project, to serve as a launching point for further academic or professional aim in filmmaking.