WHICH STUDY COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
At the Filmakademie, you can select from 28 study programmes and advanced training courses. On this page you will find detailed information on all fields of study.
ALL STUDY PROGRAMMES
Here you can find out about all 28 study and training opportunities as well as the application and admission requirements. Under the heading "Course of Study" you will find useful information about what to expect in the individual stages of your studies with us.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME / THE COURSE OF STUDY
The undergraduate studies at Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg is divided into 4 years, consisting of a two-year undergraduate course of studies and a two-year course of graduate studies. This is followed by one semester of diploma preparation. Following the undergraduate studies, a mobility year is strongly recommended, which can be spent at a partner university, for example. A key component of teaching is the practical experience that students gain through their own project work. A comprehensive interdisciplinary teaching programme rounds off the subject-specific degree course.
1st year of study: WHAT'S THE STORY?
In the form of a Studium Generale, students gain an insight into the various trades of film. The 1st year of study is divided into 4 quarters.
2nd year of study: SPECIALISATION
In the 2nd year of study, students concentrate on their enrolled subject area, such as directing (fiction, documentary or advertising film), screenwriting, cinematography/cinematography, editing or animation. In addition to the theoretical foundations, students deepen their specialised knowledge through practical project work.
At the end of the academic year, the resulting productions are presented to the public.
Mobility Year
After the second year of study, students can take a mobility year to gain experience abroad. This includes semesters abroad, workshops, internships and individual research purposes. Many programs are supported by external partners and foundations, and the International Office acquires scholarships to reduce the costs of a stay abroad.
3rd and 4th year of study
In the 3rd year of study, students who have completed their undergraduate studies or are returning from their mobility year meet newcomers from all over the world as well as new students from the postgraduate degree programmes.
A joint kick-off event encourages the generation of ideas and material, and new formats can be initiated and realised.
Undergraduate Studies
Quarter 1
Introductory/production/research weeks
During the introductory weeks, we introduce first-year students to the courses and study conditions at the Filmakademie. This includes an introduction to the technology, the organisational process of the projects, but also to basic communication strategies and the fundamentals of content.
During the production weeks, students are given an overview of the basics of film production.
The quarter ends with a research period of almost three weeks, during which the students deal with a person of their choice.
Quarter 2
Directing/cinematography 1
The second quarter is dedicated to the possibilities of visual storytelling, accompanied by a team of lecturers from the fields of directing and cinematography/camera.
As a basis for freelance artistic work later on, the main objective here is to learn the basics such as acting, a sense of rhythm and basic knowledge in the use of filmic means.
During the seminar, students develop, realise and analyse practice films (approx. 5 minutes in length) in intensive teamwork.
Quarter 3
Screenwriting
The theoretical foundations of screenwriting are taught in line with the motto WHAT'S THE STORY? In addition, the integrated acting classes give students an insight into the work of actors and actresses - and thus the opportunity to further develop their own writing.
Quarter 4
Experimental film
How do we understand a film? Does comprehensibility lead to banality? What creative means do we use to make ourselves understood?
In the last quarter of the year, students can realise animation, fiction or documentary practice films. The narrative-experimental projects are created in teamwork.
1st year of study: WHAT’S THE STORY?
Quarter 1
Quarter 1
Introductory/production/research weeks
During the introductory weeks, we introduce first-year students to the courses and study conditions at the Filmakademie. This includes an introduction to the technology, the organisational process of the projects, but also to basic communication strategies and the fundamentals of content.
During the production weeks, students are given an overview of the basics of film production.
The quarter ends with a research period of almost three weeks, during which the students deal with a person of their choice.
Quarter 2
Quarter 2
Directing/cinematography 1
The second quarter is dedicated to the possibilities of visual storytelling, accompanied by a team of lecturers from the fields of directing and cinematography/camera.
As a basis for freelance artistic work later on, the main objective here is to learn the basics such as acting, a sense of rhythm and basic knowledge in the use of filmic means.
During the seminar, students develop, realise and analyse practice films (approx. 5 minutes in length) in intensive teamwork.
Quarter 3
Quarter 3
Screenwriting
The theoretical foundations of screenwriting are taught in line with the motto WHAT'S THE STORY? In addition, the integrated acting classes give students an insight into the work of actors and actresses - and thus the opportunity to further develop their own writing.
Quarter 4
Quarter 4
Experimental film
How do we understand a film? Does comprehensibility lead to banality? What creative means do we use to make ourselves understood?
In the last quarter of the year, students can realise animation, fiction or documentary practice films. The narrative-experimental projects are created in teamwork.
Specialisation
In the 2nd year of study, students concentrate on their enrolled specialisation, such as directing (fiction, documentary or advertising film), screenwriting, cinematography, editing or animation. In addition to the theoretical foundations, students deepen their specialised knowledge through practical project work.
At the end of the academic year, the resulting productions are presented to the public.
Directing 2 Fiction
The screenwriting development initiated in the winter semester is supplemented by discussions on camera resolution and technical production realisation. Lessons also focus intensively on staging techniques and acting.
Combined with interdisciplinary workshops, the realisation of the semester films is prepared in a practical manner. Approximately 15-minute short films are created in the fiction directing programme. The filming phase is in June and the presentation takes place at the end of the summer semester.
Directing 2 Documentary
Students specialising in documentary film design and produce a short film of approx. 20 minutes. The course teaches the basics of research, concept development and interview techniques. In a workshop together with students specialising in cinematography, film sound production & film sound design, and editing, students gain experience of documentary teamwork. Plenary discussions and individual talks with the lecturers accompany the development of the concepts. Filming starts in February and the finished short films are presented at the end of the academic year in July.
Directing 2 Advertising
The course provides an insight into all the processes involved in producing an advertising film, from conception to copywriting, from acting to presentation requirements for a PPM (pre-production meeting). Plenary discussions and individual discussions with the lecturers accompany the development of the concepts. In advertising film directing, students realise classic commercials or branded entertainment formats on digital material, which are presented at the end of the academic year.
Directing 2 Animation
The basics of animation are taught in the form of seminars and workshops. Personal project experience is also an important part of teaching in Animation 2. In addition, active participation in lessons and collaboration in the workshops and seminars is expected. A highlight of the 2nd year of study is the set extension workshop, which is filmed in the Albrecht Ade Studio using an LED wall.
Screenwriting 2
The teaching of various film structures, such as the hero's journey, episodic structure or plot-orientated/character-orientated storytelling, is at the forefront of the 2nd year of study. The psychology of various characters is analysed. Using film examples, recurring myths in film are examined and archaic basic stories are identified. One focus is on the development of the scene. The objective of the course is to create an image treatment for a feature-length film.
Cinematography 2
In addition to the theoretical basics of lighting, image dramaturgy and cinematography, exemplary film analyses and work reports, students gain experience in practical workshops, including on original motifs. The actor in their space, portrait and acting lighting complement the teaching in the fiction area.
Both fiction and documentary camera work are tried and tested during the semester projects.
Editing 2
Students learn editing in theory and practice. The presentation and analysis of films, scenes and excerpts is obligatory in the course. The dramaturgical and rhythmic basics of editing are taught just as extensively as working with different editing systems, e.g., Avid and Premiere.
Practical work on student film productions complements the theoretical training.
2nd year of study: Specialisation
Specialisation
Specialisation
In the 2nd year of study, students concentrate on their enrolled specialisation, such as directing (fiction, documentary or advertising film), screenwriting, cinematography, editing or animation. In addition to the theoretical foundations, students deepen their specialised knowledge through practical project work.
At the end of the academic year, the resulting productions are presented to the public.
Directing 2 Fiction
Directing 2 Fiction
The screenwriting development initiated in the winter semester is supplemented by discussions on camera resolution and technical production realisation. Lessons also focus intensively on staging techniques and acting.
Combined with interdisciplinary workshops, the realisation of the semester films is prepared in a practical manner. Approximately 15-minute short films are created in the fiction directing programme. The filming phase is in June and the presentation takes place at the end of the summer semester.
Directing 2 Documentary
Directing 2 Documentary
Students specialising in documentary film design and produce a short film of approx. 20 minutes. The course teaches the basics of research, concept development and interview techniques. In a workshop together with students specialising in cinematography, film sound production & film sound design, and editing, students gain experience of documentary teamwork. Plenary discussions and individual talks with the lecturers accompany the development of the concepts. Filming starts in February and the finished short films are presented at the end of the academic year in July.
Directing 2 Advertising
Directing 2 Advertising
The course provides an insight into all the processes involved in producing an advertising film, from conception to copywriting, from acting to presentation requirements for a PPM (pre-production meeting). Plenary discussions and individual discussions with the lecturers accompany the development of the concepts. In advertising film directing, students realise classic commercials or branded entertainment formats on digital material, which are presented at the end of the academic year.
Directing 2 Animation
Directing 2 Animation
The basics of animation are taught in the form of seminars and workshops. Personal project experience is also an important part of teaching in Animation 2. In addition, active participation in lessons and collaboration in the workshops and seminars is expected. A highlight of the 2nd year of study is the set extension workshop, which is filmed in the Albrecht Ade Studio using an LED wall.
Screenwriting 2
Screenwriting 2
The teaching of various film structures, such as the hero's journey, episodic structure or plot-orientated/character-orientated storytelling, is at the forefront of the 2nd year of study. The psychology of various characters is analysed. Using film examples, recurring myths in film are examined and archaic basic stories are identified. One focus is on the development of the scene. The objective of the course is to create an image treatment for a feature-length film.
Cinematography 2
Cinematography 2
In addition to the theoretical basics of lighting, image dramaturgy and cinematography, exemplary film analyses and work reports, students gain experience in practical workshops, including on original motifs. The actor in their space, portrait and acting lighting complement the teaching in the fiction area.
Both fiction and documentary camera work are tried and tested during the semester projects.
Editing 2
Editing 2
Students learn editing in theory and practice. The presentation and analysis of films, scenes and excerpts is obligatory in the course. The dramaturgical and rhythmic basics of editing are taught just as extensively as working with different editing systems, e.g., Avid and Premiere.
Practical work on student film productions complements the theoretical training.
The mobility year
The mobility year
After the second year of study, students have the opportunity of taking the time for a so-called mobility year. During this time, students are given time off to enrich their studies with individual experiences abroad.
There are opportunities for semesters abroad, workshops, work placements and individual organisation, for example for research purposes. Many programmes are co-financed by external partners and foundations, so that the range is constantly evolving and is adapted to the funding opportunities and needs of the students.
The International Office also acquires a number of scholarships and bursaries to cushion the financial burden of a stay abroad.
Mobility year
The mobility year
After the second year of study, students have the opportunity of taking the time for a so-called mobility year. During this time, students are given time off to enrich their studies with individual experiences abroad.
There are opportunities for semesters abroad, workshops, work placements and individual organisation, for example for research purposes. Many programmes are co-financed by external partners and foundations, so that the range is constantly evolving and is adapted to the funding opportunities and needs of the students.
The International Office also acquires a number of scholarships and bursaries to cushion the financial burden of a stay abroad.
Graduate studies
The graduate studies
The graduate studies (3rd and 4th year), includes the study focuses animation, cinematography, documentary film, screenwriting, interactive media, journalistic film, editing, motion design, production, production design, fiction film and advertising film. After the third-year film, the diploma film is completed at the end of the 4th year plus the diploma semester. Teaching and supervision take place in the respective department. A film analysis must be written in the 4th year of study.
Lateral entry
For applicants with the appropriate prior qualifications, such as at least an undergraduate diploma or Bachelor's degree, it is possible to join the 4th year of studies. Lateral entrants first receive a short introduction to organisation, technology and film basics. After this, subject-specific lessons begin. Interdisciplinary seminars, such as elective modules on film history/theory, must also be attended and a sequence analysis must be written. Otherwise, teaching and project participation are identical to the full course of studies degree programme.
Since 2023/2024, it has been possible for international applicants to join the bilingual course of graduate studies at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
3rd + 4th year of study: INDIVIDUALISM, FLEXIBILITY, PROJECTS
In the 3rd year of study, students who have completed their undergraduate studies or are returning from their mobility year meet newcomers from all over the world as well as new students from the postgraduate diploma courses.
A joint kick-off event encourages the generation of ideas and material, and new formats can be initiated and realised.
Final (Diploma) Year
The 5th year of study is dedicated to the careful preparation and realisation of the final diploma project within three semesters.
3rd & 4th year / Diploma
Graduate studies
The graduate studies
The graduate studies (3rd and 4th year), includes the study focuses animation, cinematography, documentary film, screenwriting, interactive media, journalistic film, editing, motion design, production, production design, fiction film and advertising film. After the third-year film, the diploma film is completed at the end of the 4th year plus the diploma semester. Teaching and supervision take place in the respective department. A film analysis must be written in the 4th year of study.
Lateral entry
Lateral entry
For applicants with the appropriate prior qualifications, such as at least an undergraduate diploma or Bachelor's degree, it is possible to join the 4th year of studies. Lateral entrants first receive a short introduction to organisation, technology and film basics. After this, subject-specific lessons begin. Interdisciplinary seminars, such as elective modules on film history/theory, must also be attended and a sequence analysis must be written. Otherwise, teaching and project participation are identical to the full course of studies degree programme.
Since 2023/2024, it has been possible for international applicants to join the bilingual course of graduate studies at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
3rd + 4th year of study & diploma
3rd + 4th year of study: INDIVIDUALISM, FLEXIBILITY, PROJECTS
In the 3rd year of study, students who have completed their undergraduate studies or are returning from their mobility year meet newcomers from all over the world as well as new students from the postgraduate diploma courses.
A joint kick-off event encourages the generation of ideas and material, and new formats can be initiated and realised.
Final (Diploma) Year
The 5th year of study is dedicated to the careful preparation and realisation of the final diploma project within three semesters.
The interdisciplinary study programme
The interdisciplinary course of studies
Traditional narrative forms of film and TV are losing their dominance in the entertainment sector. Social media, participative performances, "immersive" entertainment, games and other new forms of storytelling are enriching the industry and changing job profiles, while new formats and revenue models are emerging. Students rightly expect their university to prepare them for this changing reality in the best possible way.
Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg's answer to this challenge lies in a comprehensive education that also imparts knowledge outside of the student's own specialisation, from the very beginning.
The interdisciplinary campus
The overall concept of the Ludwigsburg campus, with its quadruple combination of the Filmakademie, its Animationsinstitut, Atelier Ludwigsburg Paris (ALP) and the Academy of Performing Arts, is inherently interdisciplinary. Right from the start of the course of studies, contact with students from related disciplines and institutions is a matter of course.
Within the Filmakademie, large parts of the undergraduate studies consist of interdisciplinary modules. In order to utilise the synergies of the diverse expertise available here in the fields of art, technology and research. and to exploit the full potential, the institutions also offer joint interdisciplinary events.
Academy Pitches & Campus Days
Four times a year, students present their current projects at the large (internal Academy) "AKA Pitching". These pitches serve to find a team and, simultaneously, give an impression of the immense variety of creative forms of expression that thrive on campus.
The Campus Days offer an informal opportunity to reflect on and discuss living and learning together on campus.
Interdisciplinary labs
As part of the curriculum, there are labs in which students from different departments create prototypes for entertainment formats, create a fusion between moving image and stage in workshops, discuss current hybrid formats with speakers or transfer the latest technical developments to their own work with the help of 3D engines in order to critically scrutinise them together with their fellow students.
These labs are exemplary of the Filmakademie's training concept. It follows the credo of providing students with the greatest possible scope for developing an individual artistic identity across the entire spectrum of their talents, specialisations and ambitions. The interdisciplinary programmes are an important component of this.
Content
The interdisciplinary course of studies
Traditional narrative forms of film and TV are losing their dominance in the entertainment sector. Social media, participative performances, "immersive" entertainment, games and other new forms of storytelling are enriching the industry and changing job profiles, while new formats and revenue models are emerging. Students rightly expect their university to prepare them for this changing reality in the best possible way.
Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg's answer to this challenge lies in a comprehensive education that also imparts knowledge outside of the student's own specialisation, from the very beginning.
The interdisciplinary campus
The interdisciplinary campus
The overall concept of the Ludwigsburg campus, with its quadruple combination of the Filmakademie, its Animationsinstitut, Atelier Ludwigsburg Paris (ALP) and the Academy of Performing Arts, is inherently interdisciplinary. Right from the start of the course of studies, contact with students from related disciplines and institutions is a matter of course.
Within the Filmakademie, large parts of the undergraduate studies consist of interdisciplinary modules. In order to utilise the synergies of the diverse expertise available here in the fields of art, technology and research. and to exploit the full potential, the institutions also offer joint interdisciplinary events.
Academy Pitches & Campus Days
Academy Pitches & Campus Days
Four times a year, students present their current projects at the large (internal Academy) "AKA Pitching". These pitches serve to find a team and, simultaneously, give an impression of the immense variety of creative forms of expression that thrive on campus.
The Campus Days offer an informal opportunity to reflect on and discuss living and learning together on campus.
Interdisciplinary labs
Interdisciplinary labs
As part of the curriculum, there are labs in which students from different departments create prototypes for entertainment formats, create a fusion between moving image and stage in workshops, discuss current hybrid formats with speakers or transfer the latest technical developments to their own work with the help of 3D engines in order to critically scrutinise them together with their fellow students.
These labs are exemplary of the Filmakademie's training concept. It follows the credo of providing students with the greatest possible scope for developing an individual artistic identity across the entire spectrum of their talents, specialisations and ambitions. The interdisciplinary programmes are an important component of this.
DAILY STUDENT LIFE AT FABW
The academy campus is not always decorated with colourful balloons. Nevertheless, there is almost always a lot going on: film teams are borrowing equipment for their new projects in the technical warehouse, and during the lunch break, there is an opportunity to talk shop with fellow students in the "Blauer Engel" and "Joe Pena's" pubs. The spirit of exchange and teamwork, which is invoked at the opening of the academic year with a speed dating event for first-year students, is always present.
Do you have further questions?
Do you have any further questions about studying at the FABW?
Feel free to contact us!
