National Film & Television School Masters Degrees in Film Studies

A ground-breaking new MA delivered in partnership with the BFI to prepare students to build successful careers in film exhibition, programming, criticism or archival work.

‘I wholeheartedly support courses like the NFTS Film Studies MA. Finding and developing talented individuals who can programme unforgettable content is priceless.’ - Efe Cakarel, Founder, MUBI

-The course is delivered in partnership with the BFI (the leading body for film in the UK) who will also provide hands-on placement opportunities across a range of curatorial and critical activities.
-The course is delivered by film professionals in film exhibition and distribution, festivals, archives and film criticism, alongside academics and film makers
-Students on the course will attend film festivals.
-Students learn how to conceptualise film work in terms of idea, form and style, as well as understanding the relationship between film and audience.
-Students will learn about the practicalities of film exhibition, distribution and preservation in the changing digital landscape.
-Students will study the practice of film criticism and comment, including reviewing and critical writing about films, filmmakers and the broader culture.
-Students have the opportunity to mount festivals, pop up screenings and other events.
-Access to NFTS's Masterclasses led by major creative figures from film, television and games.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £ 10,000 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Post Graduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here: https://nfts.co.uk/fees-funding

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences at the end of January each year.

The National Film and Television School’s Film Studies Programming and Curation Masters delivered in partnership with the BFI is designed for students who wish to make a career in the wider film and media culture, whether in the fields of curation, exhibition, criticism, archives, preservation or restoration. The course provides a detailed understanding of the concepts, contexts and critical thought that have shaped the production and reception of film as a basis for engagement with rapidly changing contemporary film and moving image culture. A rigorous academic framework is combined with real world applications enabling each student to develop their own skills, knowledge and understanding to provide a strong basis for a career in film and media.

The philosophy of this course is to give students a theoretical, historical and critical understanding of film, which they will apply practically in the fields of film curating and programming, distribution and archiving.

With all the resources of the National Film and Television School available to them, students on this Master’s programme benefit from working alongside a new generation of filmmakers, encouraging creative dialogue between makers and curators/critics.

'NFTS curating students are so full of energy and passion. I'm full of admiration for the NFTS which nurtures the talent that will build a future for film exhibition and filmmaking.' - Clare Binns, Director of Programming & Acquisitions, Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd

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The NFTS trains composers in both live and electro-acoustic music for the moving image in a production context closely modelled on Industry working practices.

-Training in live and electro-acoustic music
-Students compose for wide variety of audio visual material
-Creative and technical skills developed
-Study in a collaborative, filmmaking environment
-Flexible curriculum adaptable to individual needs
-Individual music suites
-Recording sessions with live musicians Business, legal and professional skills taught
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £ 10,000 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Post Graduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here: https://nfts.co.uk/fees-funding/funding-guide

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in January each year. Our emphasis on collaboration means that Composing students are informed and involved throughout the filmmaking process. In particular, composers work closely with other students in Editing and Sound Post Production, increasing their understanding of the relationship between audio and moving images.

Today’s language of screen music has shifted. While many scores still provide a musical commentary on the action, others find a way to integrate music into the fabric of the film itself, creating a seamless weave analogous to the camerawork or editing, to the assimilation of music into the sound world of the film as a whole. Sound design and music grow ever closer - in fact, the roles of sound designer and composer are becoming blurred to the extent that a close collaboration between the two processes is often essential.

The application of music to film - the choices inherent in the "when", "how" and "why" - all stem from an informed understanding of the intention of the film and the contribution music could make to it. Informed understanding, musical versatility and the fostering of an individual musical voice are the intentions of this course and these are determined by the practical and intellectual demands on composers working in the industry.

Composing graduates are qualified to take on all forms of work in film and television as well as productions in multimedia and interactive programming.

CURRICULUM

The Composing course is developmental and progressive. In year one, students are taught the techniques and contexts which inform writing music for the screen. The first term comprises an intensive process during which students compose to a variety of exercises, each one chosen to focus on a particular problem of film composition. Some of these exercises are completed by each student and discussed in seminars and individually assessed. In term two, further exercises concentrate on issues having to do with scoring for live instruments, the combination of live and electro-acoustic elements and the integration a limited range of sound design into film scores. In addition, students will begin engaging with projects generated by other students at the NFTS. This process will continue and dominate the third term. Each student contribution to those films will also be assessed. Students will also participate in visits from industry professionals.

In year two, students’ activities will be dominated primarily by work generated from other parts of the school. However, lectures, seminars and the occasional workshop will be provided to clarify and expand issues arising from those projects. As in year 1, students will also participate in visits from industry professionals.

YEAR ONE
A series of composing workshops combining practical exercises and seminars:
-Basic narrative techniques
-Midi (sampling) use of samples and audio
-Combining music and sound
-Narrative with dialogue
-Non-fiction scoring
-Instrumentation and orchestration
-Composing to script

Ongoing analysis of feature film soundtracks and film structure Orchestration and recording with live musicians

Workshops with Sound Design and Editing students:
-Abstract Film Workshop
-Without Images - a sound-only project
-Animation exercises
-Dramaturgy Workshop – focusing on script and script analysis, blocking and cover, and performance

Productions
-Zen and Beyond Time - fiction workshop focusing on visual storytelling
-Documentary poetry exercise collaborating with Documentary Direction, Editing and Sound Design
-First Year Film – the major 1st year fiction production collaborating with all other departments
-Investigative Documentary - the major first year documentary production
-Cross Spec - an introduction to film language and storytelling involving all departments

YEAR TWO
-Orchestration and recording with live musicians
-Continued analysis of films
-2nd year short fiction production, shot on a digital format
-Graduation films in documentary, fiction and animation

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

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Graduates of this course win BAFTAs and multiple other awards every year. Our students have won the student section of the Los Angeles based Golden Reel Awards for best sound 13 times since 1996 (we won it again this year)! Sound Design students train in all aspects of audio post-production, developing the techniques and creative awareness required as dubbing editors, sound designers and dubbing mixers.

-Most comprehensive course in sound available.
-Study in a collaborative filmmaking environment.
-Aesthetic and technical skills developed.
-Facilities rival professional post-production houses.
-Work on both live action and animation films.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £ 10,000 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Post Graduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here: https://nfts.co.uk/our-courses/masters/sound-design-film-television

COURSE OVERVIEW

The components of the soundtrack – dialogue, atmospheres, Foleys, ADR, designed fx and music – are explored in detail using facilities rivalling those of the best audio post-production houses. With a firm emphasis on storytelling, students develop an aesthetic awareness integrated with technical expertise, encouraging them to be collaborators from an early stage in all productions and throughout the whole post-production process.

In 2016, an NFTS student won the Verna Fields Award for Best Sound Editing in the student category of the US Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel Awards. This is the 13th time a graduating NFTS student has won this award in the last 20 years and, together with the demand for new graduates, demonstrates the esteem with which this course is regarded within the film and television industry.

CURRICULUM

The course represents a steady progression beginning with the basic technology and skills that underpin and support the creative process and ending with the responsibility for sound design on a range of graduation films. At each stage additional skills are added through specific workshops - e.g. music recording, to provide a comprehensive education that is of great value in understanding and communicating with other industry professionals.

Using the latest equipment and technology, students work as sound designers on fiction, documentary and animation projects developing their skills in digital tracklaying and mixing.

YEAR ONE
A series of exercises focusing on sound editing and mixing techniques Workshops with Editing and Composing students:
-Abstract Film Workshop
-Without Images - a sound-only project
-Dramaturgy Workshop - focusing on script and script analysis, blocking and cover, and performance
-Editing the Scene - editing a scene to learn the basics of scene structure
-Short documentary - sound mixing
-Zen and Beyond - fiction workshop focusing on visual storytelling
-Documentary Poetry - exploring the use of non- synchronous sound and music
-Animation projects - the application of music and sound effects
-1st year Fiction film - collaborating with all other departments
-Cross Spec - an introduction to film language and storytelling involving all departments

YEAR TWO
-Investigative Documentary - sound post for the major 1st year Documentary production
-Remixing the 1st year Fiction film tracks
-Advanced editing, design and mixing techniques including surround sound mixing
-2nd Year Fiction production, shot on a digital format
-Graduation films in documentary, fiction and animation

On the short films and 2nd Year films, Sound Design students work as sound supervisors, creating the track from pre-production through to the mix.

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

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This unique 12 month full-time diploma course delivered in partnership with Sky, will equip students with the skills required to become a film and television graphics designer.

-A unique course in partnership with Sky.
-Equips participants with specialist skills required to work as a Film and Television graphic designer.
-Gain the expertise to work on multiple complex projects within the industry.
-Become an innovator and expert in this field.
-Combines practical experience on TV Entertainment, Science and Natural History and Sports shows with industry work experience placements and intensive training.
-Access to NFTS's Masterclasses led by major creative figures from film, television and games.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Working as a Graphics and Titles Designer in Film and Television involves design and production of graphics elements for TV channels, series, individual programmes, films and promotions. At its most complex this could be supervising the shoot of multi pass animations using a motion control studio or on location. Most of the work, however is producing and implementing templates for use in studios and post production suites to enhance the look of the output and to reinforce and support broadcaster, channel, genre and programme branding.

Graphics and Titles professionals design and implement moving and stationary graphics used for branding and presentation of information. On some high end shows they operate the graphics generator in the studio gallery but, in most instances, they create templates for use by graphics operators, editors and vision mixers.

To do this role, you will need to:
-Be an exceptional graphic designer with the ability to realise 2D and 3D designs through a variety of computer software packages
-Be an approachable team player
-Work to tight deadlines and, at times, under extreme pressure
-Pay close attention to detail
-Be an excellent communicator
-Have tact and diplomacy skills
-Prioritise tasks
-Multi-task
-Work long and often unsocial hours
-Be flexible
-Have a positive approach

The NFTS will help you develop these skills and capabilities.

Ceri Sampson, Creative Director, Design, Sky TV says: “We are delighted to partner with the NFTS on this exciting new Diploma. We are always looking for skilled graphic designers who understand the TV and film industry and who are driven to innovate in this area, and we look forward to working with students who will get to experience working at Sky and may end up working with us in the future”

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This unique 12 month part-time diploma course delivered in partnership with the Production Guild will equip students with the skills required to foster a successful future career as a Film or Television Production Accountant.

-A unique course in partnership with Production Guild.
-Equips participants with specialist skills required to work as a Film and Television Production Accountant.
-Gain the expertise to succeed in this demanding role.
-Establish key contacts to move to a career in the film and television sector.
-Work experience placement.
-Access to NFTS's Masterclasses led by major creative figures from film, television and games.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The National Film and Television School Production Accounting Diploma is ideally suited for those already working in a finance / accountancy role and who are keen to move into the film and television sector.

This course begins in January each year.

Production Accountants calculate finances, work out the cost of a production, communicate with financiers (companies or individuals who provide the funding) and control the cash flow, or spending. This is a demanding role that requires a level head, self-confidence and strong communication skills.

In pre-production, Production Accountants help the Producers and Production Managers to prepare budgets and Estimated Final Cost Reports.

During production, they oversee all payments, manage payroll, petty cash and foreign currency and keep accurate financial records. They help monitor budgets, analyse spending and provide daily or weekly cost reports. They also produce cost forecasts to evaluate the impact of any production changes.

CURRICULUM

The diploma course is 12 months part-time and is delivered in London.

Specifically students will learn about:
-Production set up and implementation of systems
-Budgeting
-Sources of Finance and treatment of funds
-Completion Guarantors
-Cash flow, Forecasting and Cost reporting
-Working with inherited budgets
-Working with multi currency
-Running the project
-Contract and employment law
-Copyright and Licences
-Taxation and insurance.
-Pre production, Production and Post Production
-Production Audits
-Management Skills

PLACEMENT

To graduate each student will complete a minimum of 10 days work experience / production shadowing before the completion of the course.

NFTS BENEFITS

Production Accounting course participants will have full access to our creative masterclasses and clubs, including: Cinema Club, Screen Arts and NFTS Masterclasses - these strands see major creative figures from film, television and games screening their work and discussing with students in the campus cinema. Recent speakers include David Fincher (Director, Seven, Gone Girl), Graham Linehan (The IT Crowd, Father Ted), Abi Morgan (Suffragette, The Hour), Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, The Dark Knight) and Hamish Hamilton (Director, Super Bowl XLVIII).

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Graduates of the Production Management Diploma go on to create successful and award winning work. Recent credits include Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Bridget Jones's Baby, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and The Night Manager. If you would like to follow in their footsteps and get your own credits on top productions, apply today!

‘I wish this course had been around when I started as a Production Manager, as I would have made a lot less mistakes!’ Sue Vertue, Producer Sherlock

-Two scholarships from Sargent-Disc available.
-Delivered in partnership with BBC.
-Intensive training with practical experience on fiction films, TV Entertainment shows, documentary and animation films at the NFTS.
-Industry work experience placements.
-Course developed to meet Industry demand.
-Plenty of hands-on practice – in both locations and in studios.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.
-Places still available for the course starting September 2017

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in September each year. So what does it take to be a Production Manager? An individual who can multi-task, be dynamic, communicate well and stay calm under pressure. Someone who is creative with budgets but keeps a sharp eye on the bottom line; someone who knows enough about Health and Safety to protect the cast and crew but not detract from getting the right shot; someone who knows about the best locations at the best price - and who knows production from start to finish!

This course combines intensive training with practical experience on fiction films, TV Entertainment shows, documentary and animation films at the NFTS and industry work experience placements.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Most production managers are freelance, moving from contract to contract, and may find themselves working anywhere in the UK, or even abroad. As a production manager, you could also work for independent production companies on feature films, documentaries, or TV shows, become a Line Producer or progress to Head of Production.

New NFTS graduates are sought-after and typically find employment soon after completing their courses. NFTS alumni are some of the most successful people working in UK film and television today, and many of our students make contacts while at the NFTS which continue in the professional world.

Sargent-Disc generously provide scholarships to support the training of talented individuals in the field of Production Management for Film & TV: http://www.sargent-disc.com/sargent-disc-uk/news-insights/news/nfts-scholarship-update.aspx

CURRICULUM

Covering the key skills required by Production Managers in today’s rapidly-changing environment, this course alternates workshops with practical experience on a range of NFTS productions including TV entertainment shows (live and multi-camera studio shoots), dramas, animation and documentary films.

The course has been developed to meet industry demand and NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors. Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School and productions are given cash production budgets.

The course covers these key skills recognised by the Industry:
-Extensive instruction and practice on scheduling & budgeting
-Health & Safety training including Production Safety Passport qualification
-Production Management for location and studio shoots
-First Aid for Film & TV Production
-Cash flow management and cost reporting
-Location Management
-Shooting abroad
-Research
-Contracts, copyright and legal
-Child licensing
-Post Production routes & delivery for film & television

This course includes opportunities for work experience throughout the year. Previous students have enjoyed placements at Film4, Eon, Carnival Films, Endemol, Kudos, Dragonfly and Revolution Films. Television productions include Big Brother, Come Dine With Me, The BBC Proms, Babylon, 24-Live Another Day and Downton Abbey and feature films such as the Bond films: SkyFall and Spectre, Assassin’s Creed, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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This 15 month course - the only one of its kind in the UK - has been developed in response to film and television industry demands for suitably trained production sound professionals. The course is delivered in partnership with the BBC.

-Unique course in UK.
-Location and studio sound recording on real productions.
-Music recording in studio.
-Multi-camera television studio production.
-Fisher Boom training.
-Introduction to post production techniques.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in September each year. The Production Sound for Film and Television Diploma in partnership with the BBC offers an unrivalled opportunity to learn the practical skills required for a career in this field, and covers:
-Location sound recording techniques for drama and documentary
-Sound production for multi-camera television
-Music recording in the studio and on location

Now well-established, the Production Sound Diploma course enjoys an excellent reputation within the Industry and each year’s students rapidly find work on completing the course. Graduates have been employed as sound assistants and boom operators on recent television productions including Ashes to Ashes, Midsomer Murders, Lewis, New Tricks, Holby City, Cranford, Jane Eyre, Gavin & Stacey, Life Begins, Judge John Deed, Downton Abbey, Fresh Meat, Spooks and Merlin.

Graduate work on feature films includes Syriana, Extraordinary Rendition, The Hills Have Eyes II, The Mutant Chronicles, Clash Of the Titans 2, Never Let Me Go, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, World War Z, Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows, The Iron Lady, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012).

The BBC provide an internship at the BBC for all students. Students on the course are called BBC Sound Scholars.

CURRICULUM

The course starts in September with a term of intensive workshops and exercises that prepare students to record sound on shoots with MA students in the following Spring and Summer terms. Alongside location and studio shoots for both documentary, fiction films and television productions, the programme of workshops and tuition continues throughout the course.

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

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A Summer School in documentary making, run in partnership with Channel 4.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Have you always wanted to make your own documentary but never had the chance, or the confidence to do it alone?

The NFTS - the world's most prestigious training ground for documentary filmmaking - offers a summer school where the expertise of professional mentors will help you begin to become the documentary maker you want to be. The 2015 course programme will be delivered under the direction of the NFTS Head of Documentary, Dick Fontaine.

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