First year
How do stories work? How are they structured – and where do they actually begin?
In their first year, students explore the fundamentals of dramatic storytelling as part of a “Studium generale” curriculum. They develop their own film ideas – individually or in teams – into compelling stories suited to a range of formats.
In the process, they become familiar with key dramaturgical concepts and structural models. Acting classes complement their writing practice by adding a practical perspective. In this way, students not only gain a better understanding of how stories are told, but also learn how to make their own writing more vivid and effective.
Second year
In their second year, students deepen their understanding of dramatic storytelling through practical projects. They develop screenplays for both short and long formats.
In the course “Short Narrative Formats,” they work with directing and production students to write a screenplay for a short film. The resulting film is produced during the summer semester. In the course “Long Narrative Formats,” students develop their first feature-length screenplay.
The focus is on the stories students themselves want to tell and on the question of how an idea can be developed step by step into a screenplay. Research, film analysis, and seminars on character development, structural models, scene construction, and dialogue support this process. By working with acting students, they can also try out and further develop their own scenes and dialogue in practice.
Third year
In their third year, screenwriting students work together to develop a series for the European market. In a writers’ room, they create a story, which they expand into a comprehensive series concept and scripts for individual episodes.
In the process, students deepen their knowledge of serial storytelling and of developing characters and plotlines across multiple episodes. The focus is on practical writing, series development and dramaturgy, and creative collaboration within a team. By the end of the academic year, they will have completed a fully developed series concept, a presentation package, and scripts for three to six episodes.
Fourth year and diploma
In their fourth year, students develop their final screenplay project for a feature film or a serial format. The process begins with developing the initial concept, conducting in-depth research, and working on characters, scenes, and dialogue.
During the winter semester, students further develop their individual projects in group sessions. This is followed by a writing phase in which they develop and complete their screenplays with individual supervision.
At the same time, the focus shifts to life after graduation. Contact with industry professionals, agencies, and festivals helps students find their way within the film and television industry and prepare to begin their professional careers.
