Year 1

Self-discovery and orientation

Imparting a basic understanding of the production lifecycle from material identification and development, financing, pre-production and production, through to post-production and marketing/analysis. Based on fictional long and short formats as well as serial, documentary, advertising and hybrid formats.

Case studies and inspiring excursions loosen up the programme and promote cross-format and cross-genre thinking. Do-it-yourself (DIY) units encourage students to apply and implement what they have learnt.

Year 2

Craft and specialisation

The production-specific craft is developed and expanded. In the subject areas of personality, development, physical production, markets, legal and business affairs, and budget and financing, knowledge and insights are passed on by lecturers from the national and international industry. The focus here is on individual personal development.

In cross-departmental teaching units, students develop, discuss and give feedback together.

Year 3

"Specialisation, professional orientation, in-depth study"

The entire 3rd year is taught in English to reflect the internationalisation of the media industry.

The aim of the 3rd year is:
To impart specialised and in-depth basic production-specific basic knowledge and management skills.

The teaching structure consists of:

1. DEVELOPMENT
Contents: pitching, negotiation, script doctoring, adaptation, film criticism/film analysis, factual storytelling, interactive storytelling, serial dramaturgy
2. PHYSICAL PRODUCTION
Contents: talent agencies, post-production in an international context, games, apps, animation
3. MARKETS
Contents: marketing, audience development, cross-media, self-distribution, tubes, festivals
4. LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Contents: communication, leadership, management, business planning incl. business plan creation, coaching, innovation
5. BUDGET & FINANCING
Contents: equity, tax incentives / tax shelter, international film funds, completion bond, banking and cash flow

As part of PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, further training and coaching is offered in the areas of communication, innovation and conflict management as well as team leadership and negotiations.

In addition, the specialisations chosen at the end of the 2nd year of studies are offered:

- Executive & Line Producing (ELP) is aimed at students from the 3rd-4th year of studies (compulsory elective) and career changers from the film and media industry who can enter the production degree programme in the 3rd year with the elective subject ELP. This specialisation provides a far-reaching insight into the production craft of internationally working line producers, business executives and commercial producers who operate at the interfaces between the creative, economic, organisational and legal aspects of a film production. The ability to manage processes and people in agile project structures is crucial here.
The curriculum is implemented with high-calibre players from the national and international production landscape as lecturers. The fundamental focus is on exclusive practical relevance, in particular through case studies of international high-end formats and selected excursions. Students also receive individual support from outstanding personalities from the media industry in a two-year mentoring programme.

- International Producing is aimed at 3rd-4th year Production students (compulsory elective) and takes place together with the Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris, among others. The course provides an overview of international financing, production and marketing structures and prepares participants specifically for co-productions with partners abroad. European productions are dealt with primarily, with the evaluation focussing on international case studies.

- Series Producing: In this specialisation (compulsory elective for Screenwriting and Production in the 3rd/4th year of studies), students not only conceive series, but also produce them. The course prepares students specifically for the requirements of modern series production for television and the internet.

In addition, students have the opportunity to switch to the Film and Media course of studies after the foundation course and specialise in Animation/Effects Producing, Transmedia/Games Producing or Advertising Film Producing. Lessons and project supervision then take place in the respective Animation, Interactive Media or Advertising Film department.

Year 4

Preparation of a diploma thesis / diploma film, market orientation
(job search)

The aim is:
To develop and produce a diploma thesis / diploma film.
To promote national and international market orientation.

Supervision of the diploma project and individual counselling for the transition into the world of work are in the foreground.

The division into compulsory elective subjects remains in place.
Further interdisciplinary teaching will take place.
In addition, seminars and workshops are offered with a focus on professionalisation and business start-ups.

PROFESSIONALISATION:
- Pitching, presentation
- coaching
- leadership
- Alternative job profiles (editing, distribution, sales,...)
- Sales, marketing and merchandising

BUSINESS START-UP:
- Start-up consulting for new business models in the media landscape
- business planning
- Founding a company
A Recruiting Day gives degree students the opportunity to pitch themselves, a project, a substance idea or a business idea.
Co-operations with start-up platforms and start-up accelerators are being sought.

Diploma project

The diploma revolves around the central idea:

DIPLOMA
Completion and submission of the diploma film.
Completion and submission of the diploma project folder.
Preparation for the final examination.

Further individual supervision of students and discussion of career goals.