3 Years

Bachelor Degree in Filmmaking

Prague Film Institute > Bachelor Degree in Filmmaking
3 years full-time

BACHELOR DEGREE IN FILMMAKING

Bachelor of Arts at Prague Film Institute is 3 years full-time practical study program designed together with the Silesian University in Opava. The course is taught at the premises of Prague Film Institute in Prague. You, as a student of this course, are eligible for Student visa and free access to the EU labour market. 

During your studies you will gradually earn 3 different qualification:

  • The first year ends with internationally recognised British Certificate BTEC HNC in Film
  • At the end of second year you will earn Diploma BTEC HND in Film 
  • The third year concludes with Czech national university degree Bachelor of Arts (BcA.) 

The curriculum includes the main content of our 2 Years Filmmaking Course with some additional workshops and projects. Every academic year you will have the opportunity to participate on set for up to 20 short films and scenes of different styles including 2 festival-worthy final films of your own. When you finish you will have culminated a vast portfolio of works to be used for your personal showreel. 

By the end of this Bachelor’s degree program you will have made up to 6 festival-worthy final films of your own and be equipped to start working directly in the film industry or to continue your studies at the Master’s level.

COURSE FEATURES

Visa: Type Student

Study Mode: Full Time

Type: Hands-On Course

Dates: Sep 2023 – Jun 2026

Duration: 3 Years (Summer Breaks Jul – Aug)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BcA.)

Annual Tuition:
Non-EU applicants: 18 750 USD / 17 500 EUR
EU applicants: 12 800 USD / 11 900 EUR

Language: English + Czech

Students: Small Groups (5-15 people)

CONTACT US

WhatsApp: +420 777 124 294

Social Info


definition of study

choose your specialisation

  • Production
  • Directing
  • Cinematography
  • Scriptwriting
  • Post-production

In this program you will learn the essentials of general filmmaking which are necessary for a successful career in the film industry. In addition, you can choose to specialise in the field according to your interest (select on the application form). The specialisations are relevant for your practical classes. 

Where will I study?

Place of study

Regular classes will take place at Prague Film Institute premises located in the historical centre of Prague. Moreover, as a great benefit of this program, every semester you will go for a 4-day workshop to Silesian University in Opava, which is located in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. There you will have the opportunity to meet and network with other filmmaking students and university teachers, and to widen your horizons as a filmmaker. You can explore the filmmaking premises and the library of Silesian university with a virtual tour. 

 

our value proposition

course highlights

Practical Approach to Learning

During study you will turn all knowledge acquired in the classroom into practice. During the course you will shoot up to 60 short films and scenes of different styles which you can be used for a high-quality showreel.

Be Mentored by Film Practicioners

Small class sizes means more time with tutors and individual guidance on your projects. Our teachers are actively involved in the film industry and can offer tips on the latest trends in filmmaking. 

Internship on a Film Set

Our best students will get a chance to have a filmmaking internship on a professional film set. The internship will grow your network of all-important contacts and set yourself apart in this very competitive career field. 

Festival-worthy Films

During the study you will shoot at least 6 festival-worthy films for which you will have access to locations on our premises including a green screen and light studio and professional equipment, including RED cameras. 

program details

Entry Requirements
What’s Included
Not Included
What to Bring?

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AgeMinimum age to enter the course is 18 years.
EducationCompleted secondary education or Level 3 qualification.
EnglishYour English must be at least at a B1 level.
DocumentsScan of passport, curriculum vitae (CV), motivational letter, portfolio of creative work,  list of books, list of movies or documentaries.
 
Not met the entry requirements?

Don’t worry, you can still choose a different filmmaking program from our available courses

WHAT IS INCLUDED

We understand that by choosing to study with us you are making a big financial commitment. The tuition fee of this course is 18 750 USD / annually. We want to make sure you understand exactly what your tuition fee will cover when you decide to become a Prague Film Institute student.

  • Lectures, workshops & master classes
  • Teaching materials
  • Degrees & Qualifications
    • BTEC HNC in Creative Media Industry (Pathway Film)
    • BTEC HND in Creative Media Industry (Pathway Film)
    • Bachelor of Arts (BcA.)
  • Classes of Czech language
  • Equipment (see more here)
    • Industry standard cinema cameras & equipment 
    • Full editing suite with post-production software 
    • Individual licence to Premiere Pro/Da Vinci/AVID Pro Tool
    • School car for student projects 
  • Green-screen and cinema room on-site 
  • Bi-annual workshops at Silesian University in Opava
  • Professional film internship for high-achieving students 
  • Field trips to industry partners
  • Discounts at our industry partners

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Air fare
  • Visa fee & health insurance
  • Living expenses (housing, food, transportation)
  • Production cost for your films (such as locations, actors, fuel) 

Hovewer Prague is still cheaper than many European cities. The capital offers very safe living environment with high rating in housing and healthcare.

 

WHAT TO BRING

We recommend that all new Prague Film Institute students purchase their own:

  • portable external drive with minimum storage 1 TB
  • laptop for self guided learning and post-production practice. Our goal is to teach students how to use their own computer for high quality results. Make sure that you choose a laptop which meets the minimum recommended specification. However, for tasks which requires specialist software tools, you will be also allowed to use Prague Film Institute’s computer equipment. 
ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
CPUIntel COre i7 or AMD Ryzen 7Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
RAM16 GB32 GB+
GPU4 GB VRAM8 GB+ VRAM
Media StorageSSD or RAIDSSD, Direct Attached RAID or NAD RAID (10 GbE)
learn a foreign language

program specifics

The program is taught in English but at the same time classes of Czech language are an essential part of the program. During study, English will be permitted until your Czech language skills are sufficient. This program offers the benefit of learning a new language in an authentic environment. By the time you finish your filmmaking program you will have foundational understanding of Czech language, giving you an edge in the film industry in Prague. 

STUDY MODULES

The first two years you will study the same modules as students from the 2-year filmmaking degree course. The third year you will study advanced modules according to your specialisation and focus on writing and finalisation of your bachelor thesis under guidance of our teachers. 

Screenwriting Course Specialisation

Drama

  • Narrative Structure
  • Techniques
  • Diegetic and non-diegetic elements
  • Abbreviation
  • Fabula
  • Flashback and forward
  • Voice over and narration
  • Backstory
  • Foreshadowing
  • Mirroring
  • Anticipation
  • Suspense
  • Point of no return
  • Coincidence
  • Symbols and representations
  • Mise en scéne
  • Audience empathy
  • 3 act structures
  • Freytag’s analysis (Exposition, rise, climax, fall and denouement)
  • Equilibrium
  • Protagonist
  • Genre and hybrid genre

Narrative

  • Plot
  • Theme
  • Setting
  • Atmosphere
  • Pace
  • Characters
  • Point of view
  • Concept
  • Treatment
  • Synopsis
  • Pitch
  • Literary devices
  • Narrative Theories
  • Narrative Structures
  • Levels of Narrative
  • Audience Considerations
  • Product Considerations
  • Client Needs
  • Media Product Requirements

Shooting of Film

  • Workflow in Film Production
  • Project Management related to Film Production
  • Shooting a short film as a collaborative project
  • Pitching of short film
  • Marketing and Promotion strategy of short film

Personal Professional Development

  • Career aspirations
  • Mapping own skills to specific job roles
  • Career Options
  • Creating Portfolio/CV/Motivational Letter
  • Professional Networking
  • Small Business Models
  • Grants/Residencies/Internships
  • Tax liabilities
  • Legalities/Record keeping/Contracts/Intellectual Property
  • Preparing for Interview
  • Each student will be given an opportunity to have an interview for Production Companies according to skill set

Advanced Film Production Studies

  • In-depth group and individual meetings with tutors developing scripts
  • Concept
  • Genre
  • Treatment
  • Script
  • Pitching
  • Pre-production
  • Shooting of Film
  • Post-Production
  • Equipment
  • Camera Set-up
  • Lighting & Rigging
  • Sound Set-up
  • Editing
  • Final Cut

Internship

  • Industry roles and responsibilities
  • People and interpersonal skills
  • Work culture and employment expectations
  • Self-evaluation, development and career planning
  • Future development opportunities

Branding & Identity

  • The Function of Branding and Identity
  • Developing a Unique Brand Identity
  • Company Identity
  • Brand
  • Branding Guidelines
  • Visual Identity Strategy
  • Output and Platforms
  • Testing
  • Presentation and Justification of Strategy Using Industry Conventions
  • Development Opportunities

Czech Language

Directing Course Specialisation

Narrative

  • Plot
  • Theme
  • Setting
  • Atmosphere
  • Pace
  • Characters
  • Point of view
  • Concept
  • Treatment
  • Synopsis
  • Pitch
  • Literary devices
  • Narrative Theories
  • Narrative Structures
  • Levels of Narrative
  • Audience Considerations
  • Product Considerations
  • Client Needs
  • Media Product Requirements

Art Direction and Production Design

  • Evaluating a film treatment
  • Genre
  • Narrative structure
  • Time period
  • Visual language
  • Motif
  • Colors
  • Colour and mood
  • Design style
  • Historic/ Contemporary/ Futuristic
  • Design sketches
  • Sets
  • Props (Built/made vs rented/purchased)
  • Scenes
  • Location vs studio/soundstage
  • Visual effects shots
  • Location Scouting
  • Mood Boards
  • Story Boards
  • Computer Models
  • Samples

Shooting of Film

  • Workflow in Film Production
  • Project Management related to Film Production
  • Shooting a short film as a collaborative project
  • Pitching of short film
  • Marketing and Promotion strategy of short film

Personal Professional Development

  • Career aspirations
  • Mapping own skills to specific job roles
  • Career Options
  • Creating Portfolio/CV/Motivational Letter
  • Professional Networking
  • Small Business Models
  • Grants/Residencies/Internships
  • Tax liabilities
  • Legalities/Record keeping/Contracts/Intellectual Property
  • Preparing for Interview
  • Each student will be given an opportunity to have an interview for Production Companies according to skill set

Advanced Film Production Studies

  • In-depth group and individual meetings with tutors developing short films
  • Concept
  • Genre
  • Treatment
  • Script
  • Pitching
  • Pre-production
  • Shooting of Film
  • Post-Production
  • Equipment
  • Camera Set-up
  • Lighting & Rigging
  • Sound Set-up
  • Editing
  • Final Cut

Internship

  • Industry roles and responsibilities
  • People and interpersonal skills
  • Work culture and employment expectations
  • Self-evaluation, development and career planning
  • Future development opportunities

Branding & Identity

  • The Function of Branding and Identity
  • Developing a Unique Brand Identity
  • Company Identity
  • Brand
  • Branding Guidelines
  • Visual Identity Strategy
  • Output and Platforms
  • Testing
  • Presentation and Justification of Strategy Using Industry Conventions
  • Development Opportunities

Czech Language

Cinematography Course Specialisation

Storyboarding

  • Visual Expression of ideas
  • Images
  • Camera Movements
  • Camera Angles
  • Sound Direction
  • Transition
  • Edits
  • Storyboard Layout
  • Storyboard for different sectors
  • Drawing and Design Techniques
  • Point of View
  • Shot/View Types
  • Movements
  • Angles and Framing

Art Direction and Production Design

  • Evaluating a film treatment
  • Genre
  • Narrative structure
  • Time period
  • Visual language
  • Motif
  • Colors
  • Colour and mood
  • Design style
  • Historic/ Contemporary/ Futuristic
  • Design sketches
  • Sets
  • Props (Built/made vs rented/purchased)
  • Scenes
  • Location vs studio/soundstage
  • Visual effects shots
  • Location Scouting
  • Mood Boards
  • Story Boards
  • Computer Models
  • Samples

Shooting of Film

  • Workflow in Film Production
  • Project Management related to Film Production
  • Shooting a short film as a collaborative project
  • Pitching of short film
  • Marketing and Promotion strategy of short film

Personal Professional Development

  • Career aspirations
  • Mapping own skills to specific job roles
  • Career Options
  • Creating Portfolio/CV/Motivational Letter
  • Professional Networking
  • Small Business Models
  • Grants/Residencies/Internships
  • Tax liabilities
  • Legalities/Record keeping/Contracts/Intellectual Property
  • Preparing for Interview
  • Each student will be given an opportunity to have an interview for Production Companies according to skill set

Advanced Film Production Studies

  • In-depth group and individual meetings with tutors developing short films
  • Concept
  • Genre
  • Treatment
  • Script
  • Pitching
  • Pre-production
  • Shooting of Film
  • Post-Production
  • Equipment
  • Camera Set-up
  • Lighting & Rigging
  • Sound Set-up
  • Editing
  • Final Cut

Internship

  • Industry roles and responsibilities
  • People and interpersonal skills
  • Work culture and employment expectations
  • Self-evaluation, development and career planning
  • Future development opportunities

Branding & Identity

  • The Function of Branding and Identity
  • Developing a Unique Brand Identity
  • Company Identity
  • Brand
  • Branding Guidelines
  • Visual Identity Strategy
  • Output and Platforms
  • Testing
  • Presentation and Justification of Strategy Using Industry Conventions
  • Development Opportunities

Czech Language

Editing Course Specialisation

Advanced Editing for Film and TV

  • Rhythm and Pacing
  • Identification of Cutting Points
  • Rhythmic Repetition of Action in Narrative
  • The Dramatic Effects of Different Pacing in Cutting
  • Avoiding Flat Pace
  • Selecting Music for Dramatic Purpose
  • Source and Score Music
  • Rhythm and Cutting with Music
  • Color Grading
  • Tracklaying
  • Mixing of Sound
  • Technical Suitability
  • Sound Quality
  • Dialogue
  • Background Sound
  • Atmos
  • Transitions
  • Motion Effects
  • Layered Video Effects
  • Illusion Effects

Visual Effects Practices

  • Roles within VFX
  • VFX Design
  • Shot identification
  • Shot requirements
  • Style
  • Genre
  • Storyboarding
  • Animatics
  • Filming
  • Codecs
  • Still Photography
  • CGI Supervision
  • Green Screen
  • Virtual Sets
  • Light Matching
  • HDRI
  • Matchmoving
  • Photogrammetry
  • VFX paint
  • Motion/performance capture
  • Miniatures
  • Forced perspective
  • 3D modelling
  • Compositing

Shooting of Film

  • Workflow in Film Production
  • Project Management related to Film Production
  • Shooting a short film as a collaborative project
  • Pitching of short film
  • Marketing and Promotion strategy of short film

Personal Professional Development

  • Career aspirations
  • Mapping own skills to specific job roles
  • Career Options
  • Creating Portfolio/CV/Motivational Letter
  • Professional Networking
  • Small Business Models
  • Grants/Residencies/Internships
  • Tax liabilities
  • Legalities/Record keeping/Contracts/Intellectual Property
  • Preparing for Interview
  • Each student will be given an opportunity to have an interview for Production Companies according to skill set

Advanced Film Production Studies

  • In-depth group and individual meetings with tutors developing short films
  • Concept
  • Genre
  • Treatment
  • Script
  • Pitching
  • Pre-production
  • Shooting of Film
  • Post-Production
  • Equipment
  • Camera Set-up
  • Lighting & Rigging
  • Sound Set-up
  • Editing
  • Final Cut

Internship

  • Industry roles and responsibilities
  • People and interpersonal skills
  • Work culture and employment expectations
  • Self-evaluation, development and career planning
  • Future development opportunities

Branding & Identity

  • The Function of Branding and Identity
  • Developing a Unique Brand Identity
  • Company Identity
  • Brand
  • Branding Guidelines
  • Visual Identity Strategy
  • Output and Platforms
  • Testing
  • Presentation and Justification of Strategy Using Industry Conventions
  • Development Opportunities

Czech Language

optional workshops

These optional subjects will further evolve your knowledge in the field of filmmaking. Class sizes are limited, though. Students can sign up on a first come, first served bases in the beginning of each academic year.

Action Scenes 

  • Types of action scenes
  • Security and specifics of shooting preparation
  • Stunt coordination
  • Directing of the action scenes 
  • Practical 1-day shooting workshop of action scene (script given by teacher)
  • Post-production of action scene footage from the workshop 

Underwater Cinematography  

  • Diving course PADI® Open Water Diver (OWD)
    • OWD Certification fees
    • Study materials
    • 8 hours of diving theory classes and diving in pit  
    • Open Water Dive
    • Rental of diving equipment, including filling of bottles
  • Lessons of Underwater Cinematography 
    • Theory classes of Underwater Filmmaking (1 Day)
    • Diving & shooting with camera with tutor and camera assistant in deep swimming pool (min. 2 Days)
    • Rental of underwater Filmmaking equipment
      • Underwater housing Amphibico
      • Camera Red EpicC
      • Underwater lights
      • Hydrophone for underwater communication
      • Display monitor
  • Editing and Colorgrading of Underwater Footage 
    •  

This optional module is not included in the course tuition fee. The cost is usually around 1 600 USD (currently valid price is announced in the beginning of each academic year).

Drone Cinematography  

  • Duration: 20 hours
  • Drone cinematography theory classes
  • Practical classes of drone operation
  • Possibility to get EU drone licence at the end of the course (the exam fee is not included in the tuition fee)

Documentary Filmmaking 

  • Research in Documentary Filmmaking
  • Still photos, footage newspapers, online articles
  • Letters, Journals, diaries
  • Archival Research
  • Government Documents
  • Production process
  • Observational Documentary
  • Character-Driven Documentary
  • Interview Style Documentary
about us

our premises

Our film school is situated in a building with award-winning directors, film equipment rental-house and professional post-production facilities. You will be surrounded by film professionals and have a chance to peek in the production workflow of the real film industry.

3 YEARS BACHELOR DEGREE IN FILMMAKING

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