Curriculum

Media Design
Media Design teaches the basics of creative filmmaking. Which camera angles exist and which effects do they have on the viewer, what is an invisible cut, what is mise-en -scène? These are just some of the topics that are covered by this class. In addition students create their first small films to experience and exercise techniques.

Media Technology
MT is a course that accompanies students until the sixth semester throughout the whole study and contains the technical aspects of filmmaking. How does a camera work, what is a sensor and what happens with all the data recorded? Each semester, a different focus is placed: from studio an tv equipment, sound recording to visual effects.

Media Philosophy
In addition to ethical questions on film design, models of communication are also a big focus of this class. Media Philosophy takes for example a look on Kant and Hegel’s theory, but it is also about the conscious and responsible use of media.

Media Project
From the second semester on, students are free to create their films in Media Project. These are short films, documentaries, music videos or experimental approaches. In the classroom, professors advise on both the creative, technical planning and realization of the project, but also provide in-depth cinematic knowledge. Films are analyzed and theoretical knowledge is trained with practical exercises covering each film department: screenplay, production,  camera, light, sound and editing in depth.

Media Management
Media Management focuses on the production and legal aspects of filmmaking. What are the different types of film insurance? How do I make a calculation? What is a restitution contract? How to apply for funding and which other alternatives do I have to fund my project? How do I market my film, and to how can I submit it to festivals?

Film History
This class covers the most important works of film history. Students watch and analyse films, discover and discuss the influences of filmmakers as well as technical innovations. What was the Nouvelle Vague? Who was Eadweard Muybridge, how did films reflect and influence the time and environments they were made in?

Media Elective
Electives are individually selectable courses. Motion Pictures offers a wide-ranging catalogue of topics for in-depth specialization on for exampple script writing, cinematography, editing or visual effects. Open electives can also be booked from other university programmes from the Media Campus, such as Animation and Game, Sound and Music Production or Interactive Media Design.

Industrial placement
The entire fourth semester is dedicated to an industrial placement. Students chose a company or production, may it be in Germany or anywhere else in the world, for an internship. In a professional environment they gather valuable new experiences. In addition, the internship is a good opportunity to help find define the creative path to be taken and explore jobs positions after graduation.

Bachelor project
The bachelor project is the final project which is freely chosen by the students themselves. Bachelor projects can be for example short films, documentaries but also screenplays, or analysis and developments of new film technologies.