Description

The Film Studies study abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic is appropriate for students with a strong background in film studies and a desire to develop the skills necessary to work professionally in the film industry. It is designed for students with specific training and interest in film production or screenwriting and combines both theoretical and practical instruction and activities led by film professionals at one of Europe's most renowned film schools.

Academic Program
The CIEE Film Studies Program is designed for students who have prior experience in film production, screenwriting, or film studies and offers qualified students the opportunity to engage firsthand in film production and screenwriting work alongside faculty, staff, and students at one of Europe's top film schools. Through a combination of specially designed CIEE film courses and FAMU elective offerings, students hone their production and writing skills and develop and produce their own short films in teams of two on the Production Track, or write their own screenplays on the Screenwriting Track. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to combine the two tracks should there be insufficient enrollment in one of the tracks.

Academic Culture
The Film Studies program includes both practical hands-on and traditional university courses. The Production Track has eight weeks of instruction, two weeks of guided pre-production, two weeks of production, and two weeks of post-production. The Screenwriting Track follows a more traditional schedule, also fourteen weeks, and culminates in the creation of a feature-length screenplay. Courses are small and include both theoretical and practical exercises. The program is intensive in nature and requires both evening and weekend sessions, film screenings, and production work.

All classes are taught by FAMU professors. Professors encourage participation and active student engagement in the course material. FAMU expects independent, mature students who come prepared to follow the advice of the faculty. A mentorship style of instruction is utilized in many classes, requiring students to do outside work and consult with the faculty individually or in small groups.

Highlights

* Work directly with film professionals at one of Europe's renowned film schools; produce a short 16mm film or develop a feature-length screenplay
* Visit local film studios and attend guest lectures by European directors, producers, cinematographers, and screenwriters
* Study in small, hands-on practical core classes with peers and larger theoretical courses with other FAMU and international film students
* Learn from mentoring and expert guidance from faculty through practical critical reviews and full support of student film projects

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Students participate in a variety of integrated program activities including special workshops, film screenings, and guest lectures, and help each other as crew in the production work. The program includes an excursion to film schools outside of Prague, master class discussions, film screenings, and additional activities such as visits to Czech Barrandov Studios and film festivals in Prague.

The integrated nature of this program allows students to work closely with local faculty and students throughout the semester, and a good portion of the students' time is spent in the field working on various aspects of film production and screenwriting. Travel outside of Prague in the last six weeks of the program is not advised. Interested students may have the option of volunteering in Prague.

Immersion
Flat Buddies
CIEE arranges for local FAMU students to live with CIEE students in apartments. These Flat Buddies share day-to-day issues, help CIEE students to better understand FAMU academic traditions and local cultural norms and standards, and assist students with immersion into the Czech culture and FAMU student life. These local students also help CIEE Prague staff with organization of social events and activities throughout the semester.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, host university fees, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, local transportation pass, extracurricular programming, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Production Track
• Overall GPA of 3.0 in art-related major (preferably film)
• Demonstrated experience with directing and use of digital/video camera, preferably 16mm camera production
• Students must submit sample in DVD/VHS converted format in a portfolio of recent work (maximum length 15 per sample), and 12 story boards/treatments for a short film to be shot in Prague
• Recommendation letters must be from major department professors
  Screenwriting Track
• Overall GPA of 3.0 in art-related major and minimum of 2 courses in screenwriting or creative writing; film or screenwriting major recommended
• Students must submit an original screenplay and proposals for two additional screenplays
• Recommendation letters must be from major department professors

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947