Studying in a film-related course at the Best Film Schools in Europe is one of the most common ways aspiring students enter into the entertainment industry. The various disciplines of study that come under film studies are director, cinematographer, writer, editor, and many more.
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The film making course is highly competitive. It could offer a great experience for students who are aspiring to be filmmakers where they can learn in depth about the entertainment industry and the art of cinema. Earlier, most people who worked in the film industry did not have any formal education.
However, in the present times, it is advised for students to acquire adequate training and mentorships since it can help students in establishing themselves in this industry efficiently.
It could be quite difficult for students to pick amongst which film school to attend. In this blog, we have covered the best film schools in Europe following which students can decide which school is worthy of their time and monetary investment.
What is a film school?
Film school is a type of special academic program where students can gain insights into various branches of the filmmaking process. The primary goal of a film school is to provide students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree after the completion of graduation.
When a student is enrolled in a film school, they get trained to use the latest and advanced cinematic equipment from instructors who have experience in the film industry. The students also learn in-depth about the history of cinema, its genres, and the various trends that have evolved over the last few decades.
One of the main advantages of a film school is the opportunity that students have to gain experience in all the aspects that are involved in the filmmaking process. This helps in expanding the horizons for students in the world of film making hence enabling them to pick something that they feel connected to.
Is joining a film school worth it?
Students have to invest time and effort in researching film school in detail to understand if it is the right course for them. Film schools have a reputation for being costly with various programs fit into private institutions. Finance can play a huge deciding factor for students when it comes to enrolling in a film school. It should be kept in mind that finding success in the world of the entertainment industry could be an exhausting and time-consuming process without a defined end goal.
Despite having the required qualifications and experience, a student’s success largely tends to depend on the quality and reach of the work. Notable professional filmmakers include those who failed film school and those who attribute their success to their education’s provision of tools and abilities. The student must eventually assess the benefits and drawbacks of attending film school to determine whether the time and expense involved are worthwhile.
List of 10 Best film schools in Europe
European film schools are well known for offering exceptional training programs and cultural diversity. Some of the best film schools in Europe are:
1. London Film School:
The London Film School was founded in 1956 and is considered as one of the best film schools in the world. It is located next to Soho which is also termed as the European counterpart of Hollywood. The London Film School is known to be extremely selective and accepts just 260 students every year.
This school motivates students to create films instead of following a fixed curriculum. Here students will learn the components of filmmaking and will graduate from the school with an extensive portfolio which will include the student’s direction, writing, editing, and cinematography skills.
The program provides a Ph.D. in Film by Practice, an M.A. in International Film Business, an M.A. in Screenwriting, and an M.A. in Filmmaking. Students have access to fully furnished studios, editing rooms, recording spaces, and a large selection of cameras. Periodically, students may also have access to Soho facilities through the school’s industry relationships.
- Location: United Kingdom
- Degrees offered: Master’s and Ph.D.
2. University of television and film Munich:
The University of Television and Film Munich is a popular public film school established in 1996 that accepts around 350 students per year. This school specializes in training students from a young age.
The school offers bachelor’s degrees in seven disciplines which are film and TV feature, cinematography and VFX, screenplay, Montage, Film and TV Documentary, and production and media business.
Specialisations are available to undergraduates while they complete their bachelor’s degrees. While not necessary, classes in journalism, advertising, creative writing, and serial storytelling are offered to anyone who wishes to deepen their expertise and portfolio.
- Location: Germany
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
3. Lodz Film School:
The Leon Schiller National Film School, also known as Lodz Film School is one of the most sought-after film schools among students who speak fluent Polish language.
It was established in the year 1948 following which this institution educated various artists through extensive practical learning. Students here spend more time with cameras, editing software, and various other equipment rather than attending theoretical lectures in the classroom.
Lodz Film School offers a three-year bachelor’s degree in screenwriting, film and TV production, and film and TV direction. A two-year M.A. in Film and TV Production is also available. All sessions are offered in Polish, and foreign students who wish to become more fluent in the language can take language lessons.
- Location: Poland
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
4. 3iS Film and Cinema School Paris
The International Institute of Image and Sound also known as 3iS Paris is a famous private school for film education based in Paris. The school has its campus spread over 15,000 square meters which is dedicated to multi camera studios, editing facilities, sound booths and screening rooms.
The programs offered by 3is include a BFA in filmmaking, an MFA in cinematography, a B.A. in film, and an MFA in recording and music production. While master’s degrees require two years to complete, bachelor’s degrees require three years, including a six-month internship. Every course is instructed in English.
- Location: France
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
5. La Femis
La Femis is one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. It aims to train students in all aspects of filmmaking. This school selects only about 50 students every year making it extremely competitive to get into.
La Femis is one of the top film schools in Europe, and it exclusively takes advanced students. Its distinctive four-year program is created to offer both classroom and hands-on instruction in a variety of filmmaking disciplines.
Additionally, a small number of students take part in international exchange programs in their second and fourth years.
- Location: France
- Degrees offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
6. Tallinn University:
Tallinn University is a public university which was established in the year 2005. This school was built upon merging various schools and institutions based in the capital of Estonia.
The film studies course here is offered by Baltic Film, Media and Arts School. This school offers a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Media which has a dedicated curriculum for mastering the technical aspects of filmmaking, light, design and cinematography.
This school also offers a master’s degree in screen media and innovation, documentary film and communication management.
- Location: Estonia
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D.
7. National Film and Television School:
The National Film and Television School runs one of the greatest number of courses in the department of film making in Europe. With over 30 master’s and certificate courses, this school has the widest range of behind-the-camera courses which includes disciplines such as production accounting and script supervision.
This school offers a 7 year master’s degree. Additionally, students can pick from 17 courses which include cinematography, creative business, editing and screen writing. The director of Harry Potter Films, David Yates is one of the graduates from this college
- Location: United Kingdom
- Degrees offered: Master’s
8. VIA University College:
Founded in 2008, VIA University College is a Danish institution. The main site of the institution is in Horsens, but it has campuses in several other cities around the nation.
Regarded as one of the best film schools in Europe, VIA University College boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a wide curriculum. It provides a three and a half year Bachelor of Multiplatform Storytelling and Production degree that covers a range of filmmaking topics. While attending VIA University College, students will have the chance to work on narrative and documentary films.
- Location: Denmark
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
9. University of the Arts London:
The University of the Arts London is a major association of art schools in England, and it is situated in High Holborn, London. It was established in 2004 and consists of six colleges with an emphasis on design and the arts.
The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Film and Television as well as a Bachelor of Science in Film Practice. The topics covered in these two four-year degrees range from screenwriting to cinematography to directing.
The University of the Arts London offers an M.A. in Film to master’s students. The two-year curriculum concentrates on the practical side of filmmaking.
- Location: United Kingdom
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
10. Bournemouth University:
Bournemouth University was founded in 1992. The School of Film and Media is one of the seven schools of the university. Filmmaking undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at this institution.
Students are introduced to all facets of cinematography and filmmaking over the three-year Bachelor’s degree. Students at Bournemouth University can concentrate in their area of interest thanks to the abundance of electives available. Students in the two-year Master’s degree have the option of specialising in producing or directing.
- Location: United Kingdom
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the European Film College good?
When it comes to teaching the fundamentals of filmmaking, European Film College is among the greatest film schools in Europe. They blend film production training with the ideals of Danish folk high schools.
2. Which European nation is the most favorable to filmmakers?
Spain is bursting at the seams with stunning cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, which provide top-notch filmmaking courses to foreign students. Because of its perfect temperature and breathtaking scenery, this nation leads the way as a top filming location and keeps fostering new filmmaking prospects.
3. Which film school is the most difficult to get into?
The School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California is one of the most difficult film schools to get into. The School of Cinematic Arts admits only 3% of applicants.
4. What makes a good film subject?
BA/BSc in Film and Television Production. You can gain extensive knowledge about sound design, editing, cinematography, and other TV and film-specific methods. Generally speaking, the BSc course has a greater technical focus than the BA. Look for courses on film and television production.
5. What degree is needed for technical filmmaking roles?
Both a degree from a film school and a technical expertise accumulated through years in the business are frequently beneficial. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in theatre design, audio or video design, or a related field is required for positions in motion picture editing, audio production set design, and other technical responsibilities.
Conclusion:
Attending a film school may push the student to build a career in the filmmaking and entertainment industry which is usually in the form of connections. However, there are many students who back out since the film schools are quite expensive. In such situations, students can apply for scholarships, student loans and a GI bill for financial assistance.
It is possible to have both financial and personal rewards from a career in movies. A wide number of specializations are available to those who desire to work in this industry, including producing, directing, editing, screenplay, and production design. Cinematography is an additional choice that emphasizes the art and science of producing images.
To sum up, film schools around Europe provide top-notch courses that equip students for lucrative careers in the entertainment sector. Filmmaking is an endlessly rewarding career that never goes out of style.
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