Full-time, specialization-based filmmaking course

1-Year Filmmaking Beginner Program

The 1-Year Filmmaking Beginner Program throws you straight into the world of filmmaking from day one – you’ll join workshops with industry professionals, shoot scene exercises, and create your own short films from concept to final cut. During the program, you’ll choose your path in Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Screenwriting, Documentary,or Post-Production, gaining hands-on experience while building your creative voice. Along the way, you can land internship offers on real productions, while the best films receive production grants and festival distribution support to take your vision even further.

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Hands-on Training

Up to 700 hours of practical filmmaking, including workshops, on-set exercises, and two final film projects

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Specialisations

Choose from directing, cinematography, documentary, screenwriting, production or post-production

Accreditation

Internationally recognised BTEC HNC Certificate in Film & TV

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Internships

Optional on-set experience in film productions and commercials 

Choose your filmmaking path

how the specialisation works

The program is split into two semesters, each with a Teaching Period and a Shooting Period. From the start, you attend extra classes in your chosen specialisation, while also taking core filmmaking subjects — because to work in the industry, you need to understand how every department on set functions. As the year progresses, your schedule becomes more focused on your main track, and you’ll apply those skills directly on set during multiple shooting projects. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in workshops, studio visits and hands-on exercises, with around two-thirds of your time spent in practical work. Each semester ends with a cinema screening of all student films.

To see what this looks like in your chosen department, explore the specialisation pages below.

Post-production

Screenwriting

Cinematography

Production

Directing

Documentary

Essential details about the program

Course Info

  • Language:English
  • Suitable for:Beginners & international students
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday, approx. 9AM - 5PM
  • Start Date:September and February (see dates & fees →)
  • Certificate: BTEC HNC in Film & TV (read more →)
  • Location:Prague Film Institute, in the historic centre of Prague
What you’ll learn throughout the year

Study Plan

preparing for the program

Before the program begins, there are a few essentials to get ready. This section outlines what you’ll need to bring, what is provided by the school, and what to expect in terms of equipment and basic costs.

What To Bring?

To get the most out of the program, we recommend that all students bring:

  • Portable external drive (minimum 2 TB)
    To safely store and back up your film projects, you’ll need a portable drive with at least 2 TB of storage capacity.
  • Laptop for editing and independent work

    You’ll be doing a lot of post-production on your own device. Your laptop should ideally meet or exceed the following specifications:

    • CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, M1 (minimum)
      Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, M2, M3 (recommended)
    • RAM: 16 GB (minimum) / 32 GB+ (recommended)
    • GPU: 6 GB VRAM (minimum) / 8 GB+ VRAM (recommended)
    • Media storage: SSD or RAID (minimum) / SSD, Direct Attached RAID or NAD RAID (10 GbE) (recommended)

    If needed, you’ll also have access to the school’s computers and software.

  • Personal film budget (approx. 5–10 000 CZK / semester)
    As part of our hands-on approach, students are expected to fund their own film projects. We provide filmmaking equipment and a transportation van, but all other production costs are your responsibility. Choose or write scripts that match your available resources — being creative on a budget is part of the learning.
  • Security deposit (5 000 CZK)
    All students are required to bring a refundable security deposit of 5 000 CZK. This amount will be held by the school throughout the duration of the program and may be used to cover intentional or negligent damage not covered by liability insurance, fines for breaking school rules, damage to school property, equipment misuse, parking violations or similar incidents. The deposit acts as an additional layer of responsibility and is fully refundable at the end of your studies, minus any deductions if applicable. 

What is Included

We understand that by choosing to study with us, you’re making a serious financial commitment. Here’s what your tuition fee includes as a Prague Film Institute student:

  • Learning and Training:
    • Lectures, workshops, and masterclasses led by experienced industry professionals
    • All essential teaching materials
  • Qualification:
    • BTEC HNC in Film and Television – awarded only upon successful completion of academic and practical requirements
  • Equipment an Facilities:
    • Access to professional filmmaking equipment and industry-standard editing software (see full list)
    • Free use of school spaces for filming, including green screen and cinema screening room
    • School van available for student productions
  • Industry Experience and Internships:
  • Personal liability insurance 
    To protect you in case you accidentally damage equipment or property during your studies, the school will arrange a personal liability insurance policy on your behalf. 

What is Not Included

  • Language courses:
    • English and Czech language classes are charged separately.
    • English is mandatory only if you do not pass our entry-level test (B2) or cannot provide a valid certificate.
  • Living expenses:
    • Housing, food, local transportation, and daily living costs are not covered by the tuition fee.
  • Travel & visa costs:
    • Airfare, visa application fees, and health insurance are the responsibility of the student.
  • Extra activities (on request):
    • All workshops and classes listed on our website are included in the tuition fee.
    • Additional training or services beyond the core curriculum may carry extra fees if specifically requested by the student.
  • Film production costs:
    • Students are expected to fund their own film projects, including costs for locations, actors, props, catering, and transport.
    • The school provides core filmmaking equipment and access to a transport van.

While these costs are not included in tuition, students often find that living in Prague is more affordable than in many other European capitals.

KEEP IN TOUCH

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