In the foundation courses, the Film Academy’s range of programmes and academic conditions are presented. This includes an introduction to the technology available, the organisation of projects, and basic communication strategies and fundamental content.

The foundation course is divided into quarters (see separate tabs)

Content of the camera module (the order may vary, depending on the tutor and quarter)

Theory

• An introduction to the digital film camera
• Job descriptions: Cameraperson, operator, assistant
• Basic lighting direction; lamp technology; seeing lights, photographic styles
• Shots, focal length, formats
• Resolving scenes: cinematic axis, presentation of time and space, storyboard
• Individual preparatory discussions
• 16mm film technology; objectives, film material, exposure to light, with an introduction to sensitometry

Practice

• Operating and handling a digital film camera
• Practical lighting design
• Axes and shots, panning exercises, resolution, rotating a scene

In the first year, the theoretical basics of screenplay writing are taught. Collaboration with producers is supported by participation in general screenplay writing lessons. The acting classes which are part of the Screenplay writing 1 module offers students an insight into the work of an actor, and therefore enables the further development of their writing skills.

The screenplay development started in CP2 is continued in the Summer semester, and is complemented by discussions about camera resolution and production-related implementation. The teaching places particular emphasis on staging techniques and production management. Combined with workshops in which students specialising in image design, film sound, and editing work together, the realisation of the semester films is prepared practically. In scenic direction, short films lasting about 15 minutes are produced. They are shot of S16mm film in June, and the finished films are presented at the end of the Summer semester in late July.

Lecturer: Christian Wagner

In the second year, different film structures (e.g. the hero’s journey, episode structures, plot-oriented or character-oriented narratives) are examined. The psychology of a range of characters is also analysed. Using examples from films, recurring myths are investigated, and archaic basic storylines are identified. Scene development is a focal point. The aim of the module is to create a scenario for a feature-length film.

Theory

• The history of the documentary film
• Interdisciplinary teaching about documentary design tools, camera work, editing, and directing
• Basics of 16mm camera technology
• Copying technology, film laboratory visit, sensitometry
• Block seminar on image design and film dramaturgy

Practice

• Operating and handling a 16mm film camera
• Shooting, documentary workshop, and documentary semester assignments

Theory

• Camera and acting techniques
• The actor in the room
• Portrait and lighting
• Examples of film analyses and work reports
• Seminars on camera resolution and colour in film

Practice

• The mysteries of 16mm technology
• Filming and lighting exercises using original motifs
• Interdisciplinary acting workshop
• Practical shooting, directing/film making experience

Editing is taught theoretically and practically. In lessons, this is taught through the presentation of films, scenes and extracts, as well as verbal analysis. The nine-semester course consists of two years of basic study, two years of project-based study, and a diploma semester. In the first year of basic study, knowledge of screenplay writing, directing, camera work, and film making is taught on an inter-disciplinary basis, and an overview of the Avid and Premiere editing systems is also provided.

The teaching in the compulsory elective module Animation 2 provides an insight into alternative film making approaches, and various animation techniques. Each student produces a short animated film using their own artistic skills. Seminars provide basic knowledge and deepen theoretical expertise. Workshops in which set tasks must be completed in a relatively short amount of time count as practical experience, and require teamwork.

All animation and interactive media students take the compulsory module Animation 2, either in the Winter or Summer semester of the 2nd year of study. Animation 2 is available for all 2nd year film + media students.

The basics of the specialist areas are taught in workshops. In Animation 2, academic performance is based on participation in 3rd and 4th year projects, as well as third-party projects, active participation in lessons, involvement in workshops and seminars, and the presentation of work produced during the semester.

The grade for the semester is based on the content and organisation of semester presentations, cooperation during the semester, presence in lessons, and performance in workshops.

Examples of modules/workshops in Animation 2:

• Set extension workshop:
  Components:
  Concept Art and Previsualisation
  Techvis
  Shooting
  Introduction to modelling, rigging, texturing and shading
  Rendering and compositing material from the set extension workshop
  
  
• Basics of Animation
  
  
• History of Animation