Contact persons:
Žaneta Cagášková, Administrator, Academy Program
Michal Bregant, Chair FAMU International and Program Head Cinema and Digital Media
e-mail: famu.international@famu.cz
Program Description:
The one year Academy Program at FAMU International aims to provide its participants the opportunity to explore and become acquainted with the broad range of crafts; professions, arts and skills that comprise cinematic endeavor on both a practical and theoretical level.
This hands-on program includes a large variety of practical student projects and exercises on formats from 16mm, 35mm, DVCam, HD, and Digi-beta, both on location and in studio which are specifically designed for the program curriculum, and which are supervised by FAMU faculty and mentors. All mandatory practical exercises are included in the price of tuition.
Students enrolled in the one year Academy Program create their own study plan based on a combination of required core classes, mandatory courses, workshops and projects within their selected Major Concentrations, together with selected Elective Courses, as well as with non-credit lectures and cultural excursions. All courses, seminars and workshops award credits under the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
Teachers and mentors in the program include full-time faculty from the ten degree-granting departments of FAMU, as well as other artists, academics and film professionals as part-time faculty.
As an entry-level course, the Academy Program is best suited for students interested in attaining a thorough background in audio-visual media before pursuing more in-depth studies in filmmaking and related media.
Major Concentrations:
1. Screenwriting and Dramaturgy Studies
2. Cinematography
3. Directing
Each Major Concentration includes a small workshop led by a mentor. In the workshop students work under one-on-one tutorship and develop their practical assignments. Mandatory seminars and courses provide theoretical background for creative part of the study program.
Core courses provide a broader education into both local and film culture, and include classes and seminars in: 1. Film History, Theory and Criticism, 2. Arts and Culture, 3. Czech Language.
FAMU International also provides a wide range of Electives, Exploratory Courses, Non-credit Lectures, and Cultural Excursions that comprise a vital aspect of each student’s educational experience.
Students who enroll directly in the Academy Program for one semester only generally follow the study plan of the first semester. They will receive credit for completed course work but not a certificate.
FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ACADEMY COURSE:
All students will receive a transcript of completed courses in accordance with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). These credits are accepted by and transferable to hundreds of universities, academies and advanced institutions of higher learning throughout the world.
All students who successfully fulfill the requirements of their study plan will receive a Certificate from FAMU International.
Please note that acceptance into the FAMU International one year Academy Program does not guarantee admission into further studies at FAMU.
ADDITIONAL STUDENTS ENROLLED AT FAMU INTERNATIONAL:
FAMU International also enrolls exchange students from partner universities on a one-semester basis. Most exchange students at FAMU come from either the European Union Erasmus Exchange Program, or from study abroad programs administered by the American University, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and CET. These students enroll into FAMU International classes, workshops and seminars in accordance with the study requirements of their home institutions.
Students who wish to enroll in FAMU International through these degree-granting institutions should contact these schools or institutions directly.
ACADEMY PROGRAM: CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
Upon choosing a Major Concentration, students create their individual study plans from a selection of mandatory and elective courses from the following categories:
1. CORE COURSES (choose minimum 15 credits per academic year)
1.1. Film History, Theory and Criticism (choose minimum 12 credits)
Introduction to Film Theory and Criticism (Bregant and Dominkova) 3cr
History of Central European Cinema (Duta) 3cr
Topics in Avant Garde Cinema (Čihák) 3cr
History of American Avant Garde (Hills) 3cr
History of Documentary Filmmaking (Janeček or Petráň) 3 cr
1.2. Arts and Culture (4 credits minimum)
Introduction to the Art and Culture of the Czech Lands I and II (Pospiszyl) 4cr total
1.3. Czech Language (2 credits minimum)
Basic Czech I (Ilona Kořanová) 2cr
Basic Czech II (Ilona Kořanová) 2cr
Czech for Slavic Speakers I (Wienerová) 2 cr
Czech for Slavic Speakers II (Wienerová) 2 cr
2. MAJOR CONCENTRATIONS (CHOOSE ONE; 30 credits minimum for the concentration)
2.1. Screenwriting
Required Practical Courses:
Screenwriting Workshop I and II (staff) 10 credit
Collision Course: Testing Theory through Practical Exercises (Janeček)
Actors Studio (Bláhová) 2cr
Seminars and Lectures:
Script Analysis (Jech) 3cr
Advanced Script Analysis: Non-Traditional Protagonists (Jech) 3cr
Theory of Acting Seminar (Angiolillo) 3cr
The Producers Craft (Sládeček) 3cr
Practical Analysis: Directing (Blažević)
Alternative Screenwriting
2.2. Cinematography
Required Practical Courses:
Cinematographers Workshop I and II (Jícha, Gahut) 10 credits
Seminars and Lectures:
Cinematographers Influence (Gahut) 3cr
Tools for Motion Image Design (Šofr) 3cr
The Shot as a Component of Film language
Principles and Technology of Photography I (Pecák) 3cr
Principles and Technology of Photography II (Pecák) 3cr
Grading and Postproduction Practicum (Jícha) 3cr
2.3. Directing
Required Practical Courses:
Directing Workshop I and II (Ivo Trajkov, Pavel Marek, or Petr Marek) 10cr
Directors Scriptwriting Workshop (Jech or Cielova) 3cr
Editing Practice and Analysis (Hills) 3cr
Actors Studio I - fall (Blahova) 2cr
Actors Studio II - spring (Blahova) 2cr
Collision Course: Testing Theory through Practical Exercises 4cr
Seminars and Lectures:
Theory of Acting Seminar (Angiolillo) 3cr
The Producers Craft (Sládeček) 3cr
Practical Analysis: Directing (Blažević) 3cr
Script Analysis (Jech) 3 cr
Tools of Directing (Petr Marek)
3. ELECTIVES (choose minimum 12 credits)
All lecture and seminars from concentrations different from the students major are available as Elective courses. Major workshops are not open to other students.
Elective classes may include:
Prague Stories: A personal view of history and culture (Wiener)
Survey of Czech and World Animation (Dutka) 3cr
Circulating within the Modern Cinematic Image (Roraback) 3cr
Circulating within the Post-Modern Cinematic Image (Roraback) 3cr
Visual Theory I + II (Lazroe)
Visual Design (Klaricova)
4. EXPLORATORY MODULES (choose minimum 9 credits)
FAMU has a wide variety of intensive classes known as modules which are either taught by visiting international film professionals or local filmmakers and academics who do not teach full-time at FAMU. The modules usually take place during a three-day weekend and are offered to both International and Czech students. Extra expenses for travel and lodging may apply.
Modules have included, and in the future may include the following:
Cinema Dance: Syncopation of Creative Collaboration 3 cr (Ward, Jech, Bregant)
Lost Weekend: Censorship and Obscenity (Fišer and Hendrich) 3cr
Hand Made Film Intensive Workshop (Čihák) 3cr
Interactive Media Workshop 3cr
Marionette Workshop 3cr (Balej)
Advanced Script Analysis Workshop (Aronson) 3cr
Comparing Film and Digital Formats (Jícha)
Directing Actors
Photo Workshop
5. ACADEMY MODULES
(intensive 3-4 day courses for extra academic credits) Possible modules may include: Works of Jan Švankmajer; Film Noir (Dominkova); Czech New Wave Cinema (Jech) 3cr; Czech Cinema: post ´89 (Bernard) 3cr
6. NON CREDITED LECTURES and EVENTS:
Guest lecture with visiting Czech filmmakers (Krejčík)
Guest Lecture Series: Lectures by Visiting Artists and Professors
Friday Cultural Excursions (Krejčík)
7. MAJOR WORKSHOP PROJECTS
Major workshop projects are an essential component of the curriculum and are included in the cost of tuition.
Projects include:
- orientation DVCam project (all students)
- 16mm Bolex exercise (all students)
- short DV project "The Encounter" (directing with camera students)
- sound drama (directing students)
- TV Studio drama - three-camera Digi-Beta (all students)
- final 16mm narrative film (directing with camera students)
- 35 mm camera exercise (camera and screenwriting students)
- other smaller exercises will also be held in individual workshops
- short and long form 16mm Bolex experimental films (non-fiction students)
Production of major workshop projects included in the price of tuition for the program.
Please note: not all courses and workshops are offered each semester.
CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION:
These materials are required:
1. CV
Brief description of the applicant’s academic and artistic records
2. ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
From all previously attended institutions (secondary school transcripts not necessary for those with higher levels of education)
3. SELECT A MAJOR CONCENTRATION
Applicants must choose a major concentration:
Directing, Screenwriting, or Cinematography
Admission to each concentration is equally competitive. Please choose your concentration based on your preference. (Participants are required to study within the concentration in which they have been admitted!)
4. ARTISTIC OR ACADEMIC SAMPLE
Please submit the following:
For Directing concentration:
a. short film which you have directed (DVD)
b. 3 to 5 page screenplay
For Cinematography concentration:
a. short film on which you have worked as cameraperson (on DVD)
b. portfolio of 10-15 thematically related photos (either as a storyboard, or by atmosphere)
For Screenwriting concentration:
a. 10 to 15 page script sample (maybe part of longer script)
b. 1–2 page treatment for a feature film
5. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
From a former teacher, employer, or artistic collaborator.
6. STATEMENT OF INTENT
Short personal essay on what the applicant believes she or he can contribute to the creative and intellectual environment of FAMU, and the reasons she or he would like to come and study in Prague
7. PHOTO of the applicant - or one minute video self-portrait (on DVD)
8. APPLICATION FEE:
€ 50 (or CZK equivalent) nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with every application.
Acceptance results will be announced by mail within one month after the application deadline.
The application form (doc) is available HERE. To be filled on computer.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2011 (early) and May 17, 2011 (regular)
Date of postmark is relevant.
Eligibility: Minimum 18 years of age, with completed secondary school education.
Terms of Academic Year 2011/2012:
Fall semester: September 12 - December 16
Spring semester: February 6 – May 25
Accommodation, Health Insurance and Visa:
Not provided by FAMU. These are the responsibility of the student.
FEES: FAMU INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY COURSE
Full year 12.700 + 20% VAT = 15.240 Euro
Fall semester 6.480 + 20% VAT = 7.776 Euro
Spring semester 7.340+ 20% VAT = 8.808 Euro
Production of major Workshop Projects included in the price of tuition for the program.
If a student needs to pay each semester separately FAMU dean decides after reviewing student´s portfolio.
IMPORTANT PAYMENT NOTICE:
In order to comply with current regulations of the Czech government, all participants are required to remit an additional 20 percent VAT (Value Added Tax) with their tuition payments. This is tax is not included within the base tuition fee.
Terms of payment and refund:
Student may not enroll unless the fees for the coming term are paid in full or the Office has received written confirmation that grants or loans are forthcoming. Fees should be paid through bank transfer. Checks should be made payable to:
account: AMU
bank: Komerční banka, Karmelitská 33, 118 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic
account number: 195373 180297/0100
code 33-00-011
Swift Code: KOMBCZPP
IBAN format of KB account: CZ 5301000000195373180297
Refunds will be made only in case of serious illness or emergency requiring the student to remain in or return to his/her country.
Send your questions or comments to: famu.international@famu.cz