About the specialisation

Cinematography Specialisation

Cinematography in our programs

In our long-term programs (5-month and longer), you can choose Cinematography as your specialisation and define your role within the filmmaking process. As a cinematography student, you will attend mandatory classes tailored to camera work and visual storytelling, along with practical shooting days where you step into the role of Director of Photography. This structure allows you to build strong general filmmaking skills while gaining deep expertise in cinematography.

Final films

In semester and long-term programs, you will shoot at least one film each term as a cinematographer, while also contributing to your classmates’ projects. In short-term courses (1–3 months), you study general filmmaking, but in the final group project you can take the role of cinematographer—earning your first official film credit.

Key Skills You’ll Develop

What you will learn

You’ll explore both the creative and technical sides of camera work, lighting and collaboration. You’ll gain hands-on experience through practical workshops and shooting on sets.

  • Cinematic composition & framing

  • Lighting design (indoor & outdoor)

  • Camera operation (manual, professional rigs)

  • Collaborating in real productions

  • Visual storytelling principles

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

CINEMATOGRAPHY IN OUR COURSES

2-Month Course

About

  •  

Practical hours

  • 35+ hours spent with workshops 
  • 25+ hours with collaborative shoots
  • 40+ hours spent on final film

Final film Role

  • Group projects only (camera role not guaranteed)
  • 1-5 min 

Next Step

  • This course stands alone

5-Month Course

Teaching Hours

  • Up to 560 hours (cinematography & other core subjects)
  • 2/3 of time spent is practical
  • Extra time for your own creative work

Workshops

  • 60+ hours of hands-on workshops with tutors & professionals

Colaborative Shoots

  • 50+ hours of cross-department shooting exercises

Final Film

  • 40+ hours dedicated to your own final project
  • 1–5 min short film (on-camera role)

Next Step

  • Join Semester 2 of 1-Year Beginner Filmmaking Program

1-Year Beginner Program

Teaching hours

  • up to 1,000 hours incl. cinematography & core subjects (approx. 2/3 practical)
  • plus extra time for your own creative work

Workshops

  • 120+ hours of hands-on filmmaking workshops to build your foundation

Collaborative Shoots

  • 110+ hours of guided, real-set experience – learn by doing, not just watching

Final Films

  • 80+ hours dedicated to your own films

  • Semester 1: 1–5 min short film (on-camera role)

  • Semester 2: 3–10 min short film (on-camera role)

Next Step

  • Join 1-Year Advanced Filmmaking Program

1-Year Advanced Program

Teaching Hours

  • up to 900 hours incl. cinematography & core subjects (approx. 2/3 practical)
  • plus extra time for your own creative work

Workshops

  • 120+ hours of advanced-level, practice-based workshops

Collaborative Shoots

  • 125+ hours of next-level productions to push your skills further

Final Film

  • 80+ hours focused on producing a festival-ready short film

  • 7–15 min short film (on-camera role)

Next Step

  • Start your film career

2-Year Bachelor Transfer Program

Teaching Hours

  • up to 1,900 hours incl. cinematography & core subjects (approx. 2/3 practical)
  • plus extra time for your own creative work

Workshops

  • 240+ hours of filmmaking workshops to build and refine your craft

Collaborative Shoots

  • 235+ hours of guided production experience – from first steps to advanced shoots

Final Films

  • 240+ hours dedicated to personal film work

  • Year 1: 2 short films (1–5 min & 3–10 min)

  • Year 2: 7–15 min final film with festival ambitions

Next Step

  • Top-up for BA or start your career
Not sure if cinematography is right for you?

Explore other filmmaking specialisations

Post-production

Screenwriting

Production

Directing

Documentary

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.

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:

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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