5 Months Program

5 Months Course

Immerse yourself in the fast-paced world of filmmaking with our 5-month intensive courses at the Prague Film Institute. These programs are tailored for passionate individuals eager to gain a thorough understanding and hands-on experience in various aspects of filmmaking within a short timeframe. Whether your interest lies in capturing the perfect shot as a cinematographer, crafting compelling stories as a scriptwriter, mastering the intricate processes of post-production, orchestrating seamless film productions, or bringing creative visions to life as a director, our specialized courses offer the ideal environment to hone your skills.

Our curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring you develop a well-rounded expertise necessary for a successful career in the film industry. Located in the heart of Prague, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant film scene, the Prague Film Institute provides you with unparalleled opportunities to explore and create. 

Apply now to join our community of filmmakers and start your journey in a city where creativity thrives and opportunities abound.

definition of study

choose your specialisation

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. 

Study Filmmaking Techniques

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of filmmaking with our expert-led 5-month courses designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the film industry. Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, our intensive curriculum covers all key aspects of filmmaking from pre-production to post-production, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding in a condensed time frame.

Shooting at Film Set
our value proposition

course highlights

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Up to 10 short films per study

During study you will turn all knowledge acquired in the classroom into practice. During the course you will shoot up to 10 short films and scenes of different styles which can be used for a high-quality showreel.

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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. 

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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. 

Key Programme Information

What To Bring?

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

  • Portable external drive with minimum storage 2 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 require specialist software tools, you will also be allowed to use Prague Film Institute’s computer equipment. 
ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
CPUIntel COre i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, M1Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, M2, M3
RAM16 GB32 GB+
GPU6 GB VRAM8 GB+ VRAM
Media StorageSSD or RAIDSSD, Direct Attached RAID or NAD RAID (10 GbE)
  • Budget for your films – our school emphasizes the importance of practical learning by making films. Unlike standard classroom education, the cost of practical filmmaking can vary a lot depending on your script and the vision of the director and cinematographer. For teacher-led workshops the school will cover all or most production costs. However, for shooting your own films you and your classmates must pay yourselves. As part of our curriculum we will teach you how to be resourceful when it comes to production expenses. Even with clever budgeting, we estimate that you will need approximately 5 – 10 000 CZK per semester for shooting your projects and on top of it a budget for your final films at the end of each semester. The school will provide for you a bundle of filmmaking equipment and a transportation van, but all other production costs will be your responsibility. We encourage you to plan carefully about the budget of your short film. Write or choose a script that matches the funds you have available to produce it.

What is Included

We understand that by choosing to study with us you are making a big financial commitment. 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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Optional workshops
  • Production cost for your films (such as locations, actors, fuel) 

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

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

In the initial weeks of your 5-month course, you will cover the same foundational modules as our longer programs, including the basics of filmmaking, production, and post-production. As you advance, your studies will become more focused on your chosen specialization, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills tailored to your specific area of interest.

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

Production Course Specialisation

Advanced Production Techniques

Location Scouting and Management

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

Documentary 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

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

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

5 MONTHS COURSE IN FILMMAKING

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