Full-time, Monday–Friday

5-Month Filmmaking Course

The 5-Month Filmmaking Course is intense, hands-on, and built for people who want to learn fast and actually make films. Throughout the semester, you’ll combine essential theory with workshops, shooting exercises, and on-set practice, building strong general filmmaking foundations while choosing a specialisation in Directing, Cinematography, Production, Screenwriting, Documentary, or Post-Production. You’ll study in an international, cosmopolitan class and connect with filmmakers from around the world. By the end, you’ll graduate with a final film credit in your specialisation (on your own project or a classmate’s) and the option to crew on additional shoots for extra screen credits and set experience. You’ll also have access to internship opportunities on real professional productions. If you want to keep going, you can roll straight into Semester 2 of our 1-Year Filmmaking Program, all while studying in the heart of Prague’s vibrant film scene.

Dates & Fees
Requirements
Apply
Datově zdroj 47

Strong Foundations

An intensive program focused on strong general filmmaking skills across departments.

 
 
Datově zdroj 43

Specialisation Roles on Set

Choose your pathway and work in your specialisation role during shoots, exercises, and productions.

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Final Film in Your Pathway

Graduate with a completed final film in your chosen specialisation — and crew on classmates’ projects to build more credits across multiple films (usually up to 5).

Datově zdroj 64

Internships & Next Step Option

Access internship opportunities and the option to continue into Semester 2 of the 1-Year Program.

 
 
What to expect

How It Works: Program & Specialisation

The 5-Month Filmmaking Course represents one full academic semester and follows the same structure as our longer programs, with a Teaching Period and a Shooting Period. The semester begins with intensive general filmmaking training, where all students focus on strong foundations across departments and learn how a professional set operates as a whole. Alongside this, you choose your specialisation and take on department-specific roles during workshops, shooting exercises, and productions. To complete the semester, you must earn a credited role in your specialisation on your final student film. You can also join classmates’ projects to gain additional experience—so depending on schedules and availability, many students finish the semester with credits on 4–5 films.

 

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

Post-production

Screenwriting

Cinematography

Production

Directing

Documentary

Program Info

Essential Details

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

Study Plan

Full Study Plan [PDF]Apply Now

After Completion, You’ll Be Ready To…

  • Step into entry-level crew roles
    Join student, indie, and junior professional sets with real on-set experience and confidence
  • Show real credits and finished work
    Leave with a final student film credit in your specialisation (your film or a classmate’s)
  • Keep creating independently
    Shoot your own short projects and collaborate with other filmmakers
  • Continue into a longer program
    Progress into Semester 2 of our 1-Year Filmmaking Program

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 HND 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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