PRAGUE FILM SCHOOL - CZECH REPUBLIC

Workshops, Summer 2010:

June Filmmaking Workshop: June 7 – July 4
July Filmmaking Workshop: July 5 – August 1
August Filmmaking Workshop: August 2 - August 29

Every participant shoots his or her film.
Covering screenwriting, directing, camera, editing and sound, the four-week summer workshops at Prague Film School are designed to lead you from story idea to finished short film, and to provide you with intensive filmmaking experience.
In addition to shooting your film, you work on crews of another 4-5 films.

Recommended for both the beginner and more advanced filmmakers, the workshops inculcate specific skills and allow for all participating students to write, direct, shoot and edit their own short film in Prague.

Tuition Fees: 2,460EUR (covers program and equipment costs).

Number of places is limited - apply now to secure a place: go to application form download section

Program structure:
-the first two weeks are classroom and studio-based; screenwriting, directing, camera, and editing are instructed. Workshops on lighting and sound supplement the program.
-the third and fourth weeks are devoted to production and post-production of your films.

At the end of the workshop, your films are reviewed by the faculty, and screened for public (your actors, crew, friends, other students) in a movie theater.

The workshops are deliberately kept small to ensure that students get a lot of attention. Group size - max. 12 students; each workshop has maximum 2 groups.

1. Screenwriting
A Confucian maxim holds that you can’t carve rotten wood. It’s the same with screenplays - the best directing and the best actors cannot salvage a poor script. Screenwriting classes will teach the most important aspects of dramatic writing in the context of film. Organized around writing assignments, classroom critique and screenings, the sessions will concentrate on such elements as story concept, character, storytelling, format and more.

2. Directing
While a quality screenplay provides the basis for a good film, it does not guarantee one. Directing is the art of translating a script to screen. Knowing how to work with actors, work from a storyboard, and breakdown a scene is essential to film production. Here students will receive instruction in directing short narratives, student-produced and other. Classes incorporate hands-on shooting and lecture/screening sessions.

3. Cinematography
Students will be instructed in the aesthetics and techniques of the cinematographer’s craft. Principles of continuity, shot sequencing, and technical aspects related to cinematography are taught. The intensive studio classes also cover composition, lighting, camera controls and more. Students will use SONY HDV cameras cameras.

4. Editing
This part of the program covers the aesthetic and technical aspects of editing. Understanding storytelling techniques and the basics of dramaturgy is necessary in furthering the creative vision of the director. Technical skills will be taught using Avid editing tools: students will learn to organize source footage, edit sync and non-sync material, trim sequences, edit audio, add effects, titles and more.

5. Sound Design Workshop
The sound design workshop will teach the students to plan, record and edit sound in their films.

WEEK I (classes)
• Monday - Friday:
Screenwriting: 9.30 - 11.15
Directing: 11.30 - 13.15
Cinematography: 15.00 - 16.45
Editing: 17.00 - 18.45
• Saturday:
Film exercise shooting: 9.00 - 18.00
• Sunday:
Film exercise editing: 9.00 - 21.00

WEEK II (classes, consultations & pre-production for film shoot)
• Monday - Friday:
Screenwriting: 9.30 - 11.15
Directing: 11.30 - 13.15
Cinematography: 15.00 - 16.45
Editing: 17.00 - 18.45
• Saturday - Sunday
Shooting of student films

WEEK III (shooting of student films)
Students shoot their own films, and crew for other students.

WEEK IV (post-production & evaluations)
• Monday - Thursday
Post-production
• Friday
Evaluations with faculty: 9.00 - 14.00
Public screening: 15.00 - 17.00
Closing event: 20.00