Contact persons:
Žaneta Cagášková, Administrator, Academy Program
Vít Janeček, 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 in 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. Production of all mandatory practical exercises is 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 - compulsory - courses, optional courses, electives, workshops and projects within their selected Major Concentrations. 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 eleven 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
4. Non-fiction focus
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 short and intense weekend workshops 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/second semester. They will receive credit for completed course work but not a certificate.
FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ACADEMY PROGRAM:
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 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, University of New Orleans, CalArts, 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: Will be specified soon
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 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
For Non-Fiction concentration
a. statement of your plans for the year (for instance, I will work as an
individual artist on experimental film, on installation, on personal
documentary, on web-based short-form documentary, etc.)
b. a film sample (on DVD), and other material, which supports your ability
to carry out these plans
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. 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 16, 2012 (early) and May 18, 2012 (regular)
Date of postmark is relevant.
Eligibility: Minimum 18 years of age, with completed secondary school education.
Terms of Academic Year 2012/2013:
Fall semester: September 16 - December 20
Spring semester: February 10 – May 30
Accommodation, Health Insurance and Visa:
Not provided by FAMU. These are the responsibility of the student. FAMU provides accepted students with Acceptance letter which serves as one of the required visa application documents.
FEES: FAMU INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY COURSE
Full year 12.900 + 20% VAT = 15.480 Euro
Fall semester only 6.600 + 20% VAT = 7.920 Euro
Spring semester only 7.500+ 20% VAT = 9.000 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