Screenwriting

The 7-semester Bachelor’s program is modular and consists of:

• Specialization modules that convey the artistic and technical expertise for the aspired occupation.
• Project modules, in which students, both independently and through interdisciplinary collaboration, complete projects from the idea to the finished screenplay or film.
• Comparative Media Studies modules and personal skills seminars that transfer film and media theory knowledge as well as social and interpersonal skills

Studying Screenwriting
What story do you tell? And how and why do you tell it? Screenwriting students must possess a strong visual imagination, great curiosity, and a passion for people. Writing screenplays demands a conscious and sharp reflection on the world. It also requires an acute awareness of how stories and films not only depict the world, but also influence it–and sometimes even transform it.

During their studies, screenwriting students not only write scripts, they also gain deep insight into the various other crafts involved in making a film. They write literary and non-fictional texts, short film screenplays, serial formats, and material for fiction feature films. Students deepen their character development skills through scene work with actors, improvisation exercises, script constellations, and seminars on various narrative models. They also experiment with new narrative forms and interactive and trans-media storytelling.

Filmmaking is teamwork, and script writing is a collaborative process that involves producers, commissioning editors, and directors, among many others. Several meetings and gatherings with other filmmakers and professionals in the film industry during their studies will help them make their first steps in their professional life. Students also benefit from seminars on pitching and personal coaching, designed to prepare them for both their work as screenwriters and for the film market.

Scriptwriting distinguishes itself from all other film professions in many ways, but most of all in the solitary life of the writer. Because even when you develop a story together with co-authors, you must always write the first line alone. As a writer, you start with nothing. The director, the actors, the director of photography, the production designer – all of them have a script to work with that guides them. In fact, it’s this ability to formulate on a white, blank sheet of paper a first idea, draft, or exposé that essentially differentiates a writer from a non-writer. Screenwriting students will also be encouraged to reflect on these questions: Where do ideas come from? And how can I inspire others with my ideas and still remain open for my colleagues’ suggestions and the requirements of the film industry?

Comparative Media Studies
Comparative Media Studies explore the film medium’s relationships to other media and their presentation and narrative forms, and particularly to the competing audiovisual media of theater, television and digital games as well as to the fine arts, photography, literature and music. In both the theoretical reflections and the practical exercises, specific attention is given to the aesthetic and cultural consequences of digitization for production, distribution and reception of audiovisual, cross-media and trans-media content.

Film History and Film Analysis
This subject area explores the different dimensions and elements that touch, cross and merge paths in film: space and time, perspective and montage, picture and sound, light and color, on and off-screen, and the perspectives of the characters, the camera and the audience. The focus is on investigating the media conditions for cinematic aesthetics as well as reflecting on their historical transformation.

Projects
A significant part of the studies and the learning takes place in the project work, which is defined by an intensive and close collaboration between the 7 specializations. Each semester includes a project phase, during which students experiment, practice and produce work. The requirements vary as there are both fiction and non-fiction film projects. The project work consists of both independent components as well as interdisciplinary teamwork with other students and cooperation partners. The complexity of the project work increases during the course of the studies up to the final graduation films. The professor committee decides on the production of each of the projects. Students also have the opportunity to work on independent projects alongside their studies with the support of the ifs.

Personal Skills and Professional Career Orientation
All the semesters include modules for personal skills training and professional career orientation. Coaching sessions and teacher feedback on various studies and team processes promote personal and professional development. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own artistic work from an interdisciplinary perspective, in the context of other works of art, and as part of the social discourse. Students receive targeted support to develop and cultivate their own artistic personality, as well as their social and communication skills (negotiation skills, self-reflection, team cooperation, conflict strategies). Case studies exploring the various job profiles (national/international) and knowledge of the requirements of a business startup serve as guidance on future careers and professional opportunities. Visits to festivals and conferences promote the development of industry networks.

Bachelor Project and Thesis
Students prepare their Bachelor graduation project and thesis at the end of their studies, which is supplemented by an oral examination also known as a colloquium. For the Screenwriting specialization, the BA graduation project consists of writing an original screenplay for a feature-length film. The BA graduation project for the specializations in Film Directing, Creative Producing, Director of Photography, Editing Picture & Sound, VFX & Animation, and Production Design consist of a production project and a written thesis. The colloquiums will bring together the different parts of the BA project in a technical discussion and explore individual aspects in depth.

Fields of Study
The following fields of study at the ifs are represented by professors:

• Screenwriting and Dramaturgy
• Directing – For fiction narratives in audiovisual media
• Directing – For documentary narratives in audiovisual media
• Creative Producing
• Camera – Feature Film
• Camera – Documentary Film
• Editing Picture & Sound
• VFX & Animation
• Production Design
• Comparative Media Studies
• Film History and Film Analysis
• Serial Storytelling (MA)
• Digital Narratives (MA)

Our professors are experienced academics and professionals who, alongside their teaching responsibilities, also produce screenplays, documentaries and feature films as well as conduct research work. A wide range of lecturers from both the German and international film industries further supports the main academic teaching staff. An active involvement in the film industry and a professional participation in film and applied media discourses are requirements for a teaching position at the ifs.

Examinations
Every module is completed with an examination, and is graded. The examinations can take the form of assignments, papers, work samples, written tests, presentations or oral exams.

Graduation
After successfully completing the Bachelor Examination, students are awarded the »Bachelor of Arts« (B.A.) academic degree.

Program Structure
The study workload is assessed using a credit point system, according to the principles of the European Credit Transfer System. 30 credits are awarded per semester. In the standard 7-semester period of study, 210 credit points are required to achieve the »Bachelor of Arts« degree. The BA Film program is a fulltime study program. Courses usually require 80 percent compulsory attendance.

The Bachelor’s program Film offers the following specializations:

Screenwriting, Film Directing, Creative Producing, Director of Photography, Editing Picture & Sound, VFX & Animation, or Production Design.

Structure:
full time / every two years

Duration:
7 semesters

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts

Number of Participants:
max. 10

Tuition fees per semester: 
1,500 euros

One-time registration fee: 
400 euros

Contribution to the »Friends of the ifs Society« per semester: 
250 euros

Information for Foreign Student Applicants

Foreign student applicants should note the following points for their application:

• To ensure that the education certificates and diplomas acquired abroad comply with the admission requirements of the ifs (higher education qualifications), applicants can get information at the following link: http://anabin.kmk.org.
• Enrollment at the University of Applied Sciences Cologne, the cooperation partner of the ifs, is mandatory for foreign students.
• To obtain a residency permit, foreign students must demonstrate sufficient funds to secure their living expenses. The amount required is equivalent to the Bafög maximum rate of 853 euros per month, calculated for one year.

Application Procedure

The application procedure consists of:

• An online application with application tasks.
• An entrance examination to take place at the ifs. Candidates are selected on the basis of the submitted online applications and invited to the entrance examination. In this two-stage process, applicants must demonstrate their artistic and creative aptitude relating to the BA Film program and their desired specialization.

Admission Requirements

• General college or university qualifications.
• In the case college or university qualifications are not available and the applicant displays strong artistic aptitude, the required general qualifications will be determined in a separate procedure.
• Very good knowledge of German: At the time of application, prospective foreign students must demonstrate at least a B2 language level. Once accepted to the program, students must successfully complete the DSH-2 exam (German language proficiency test for university admission).
• Good English language skills.
• Only for the Specialization in Cinematography/Director of Photography: In addition, relevant internships of a maximum of 3 months are a requirement. As part of your internship experience, a minimum 4-week internship on set is desirable, preferably in the cinematography, lighting, or grip department. Proof of completed or ongoing internships must be submitted with the application. Possible organizations offering internships can include production companies, film equipment rentals, post-production studios and film laboratories.
• A completed professional training or studies in a related field replaces the internship (accepted studies include: audiovisual media designer for picture/sound, photographer, etc.). Previous professional work as a camera assistant or a clapper loader also replaces the internship. Please include the relevant certificates and references with your application for approval.
• Only for the Specialization in Production Design: In addition, relevant internships in a set or stage design department of a maximum of 3 months are a requirement. Proof of completed or ongoing internships must be submitted with the application.
• A completed professional training or studies in a related field replaces the internship (accepted studies include: audiovisual media designer, graphic design assistant, architect, decorator, etc.). Previous professional work in production or stage design also replaces the internship. Please include the relevant certificates and references with your application for approval.

Internships on offer can be found here:

www.filmschule.de
www.crew-united.de
www.regie.de
http://jobs.mediabiz.de

Student loans

For financial assistance to cover tuition fees and/or living expenses, students may apply from their first semester for an interest-free loan from the Student Education Fund, which is run by »The Friends of the ifs internationale filmschule köln Society«. Approval of the interest-free loans is based on the applicant’s financial situation  and the funds available. Repayment of the loans begins six months after graduation/termination of studies.

Students are generally eligible for BAföG, the Federal Student Financial Aid Program, if this is their first study program. The responsible Federal Student Financial Aid Office decides upon applications for student state loans or grants. A prerequisite for the application is the enrollment at the University of Applied Sciences Cologne, the ifs cooperation partner (tuition fee for the Summer Semester 2020: 276,70 euros). This grant includes all the services of the University of Applied Sciences Cologne as well as the semester ticket. Both German and foreign students are eligible applicants. International students must observe:  BAföG § 8

Another way to finance your studies is to apply for a repayable loan. The collection of links in the following is not exhaustive and is only sorted in alphabetical order.

Education and/or Student Loans:

• Bildungsfonds
• Bundesverwaltungsamt
• Career Concept AG
• CHE
• DAKA – Darlehenskasse der Studentenwerke im Land NRW
• Deutsche Bildung
• Deutsche Kreditbank
• Erasmus+ Master degree loans (MA students only)
• KfW Bank

Scholarships

»The Friends of the ifs internationale filmschule köln Society« currently offers scholarships that run until the end of the Bachelor’s program, for students with outstanding academic achievement or for those who require financial assistance. These scholarships cover the tuition fees as well as an additional allowance to cover living expenses, paid throughout the course of studies until completion of the Bachelor’s program. After sucessfully passing the entrance examination, students can apply for both a scholarship and a loan.

Beyond the ifs, several German and international foundations offer scholarships to support tuition fees and costs of living during studies. The requirements for the award of a scholarship vary between individual foundations. In any case, the enrollment at the TH Köln, cooperation partner of the ifs, is mandatory.

Overview of German Scholarship Funds:

Information:

• ELTERNKOMPASS 
• Kölner Studentenwerk
• myStipendium
• Stipendienlotse des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung
• StipendiumPlus

Party-affiliated foundations:

• Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (SPD related)
• Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung (FDP related)
• Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung e.V. (CSU related)
• Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen related)
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. (CDU related)
• Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Linkspartei related)

Sectarian scholarships:

• Avicenna-Studienwerk e.V. (for Muslim students)
• Cusanuswerk (for Catholic students)
• Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk (for Jewish students)
• Evangelisches Studienwerk e.V. (for Protestant students)

Others:

• Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e. V. (DAAD) 
• Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (DGB)
• Kölner Gymnasial- und Stiftungsfonds 
• Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft – Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann
• Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung 
• Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes e.V.
• VFF Verwertungsgesellschaft der Film- und Fernsehproduzenten 

Working besides studies

Students must decide for themselves whether it is possible for them to pursue a job while studying. Our study programs are full-time degree programs. In the following you will find information on the specific scope of our study programs:

BA Film
The study workload is assessed using a credit point system, according to the principles of the European Credit Transfer System. 30 credits are awarded per semester. In the standard 7-semester period of study, 210 credit points are required to achieve the »Bachelor of Arts« degree. The FILM program is a fulltime study program. Courses usually require 80 percent compulsory attendance.

Information for international students

Citizens of member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) – that is Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – as well as Switzerland have equal legal status on the labor market as German citizens. This means that they have the same access to the labor market as German students and are permitted to work as much as they would like to without having to obtain prior approval of German authorities. Students are advised, however, not to work longer than 20 hours a week, as you would have to pay social insurance contributions should you exceed this number of hours.

International students from countries which are NOT member states of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland are normally permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days per year if they are in possession of a valid residence permit for Germany. The immigration office will record these provisions in your residence permit. Should you wish to work more days per year, you will need to obtain approval from your immigration office and the German Federal Employment Agency.

Foreign Education Certificates

International applicants can obtain information about whether their degree, certificate or diploma fulfills the ifs admissions requirements at the following site:
http://anabin.kmk.org (German only).

If your degree does not fulfill the ifs admissions requirements but you have a recognizable talent and previous adequate experience, you may be invited to a separate admissions procedure to demonstrate your individual artistic aptitude.

Language Certificates

BA Film
The general rule requires the applicant to provide proof of a German language proficiency level B 2 (CEFR) with the application in the form of a completed examination. A certificate of attendance to the corresponding course is not sufficient.
Latest by the start of studies, students must have passed the German Language Examination for University Entrance (DSH – Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang). The minimum level required is DSH II. Due to the franchise agreement, students can sit this examination at the Technische Hochschule Köln (University of Applied Sciences) for a fee of € 130.

As an alternative to the DSH II, the following documents are also accepted:

• Proof of successful attendance (higher education qualification) to a German-language school abroad
• DSDII – Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz Stufe II, the German Language Diploma (Level II) from the German Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Culture
• The Goethe Institute’s »Major« or »Minor German Language Certificate«
• The Goethe Institute’s »Central Advanced Language Test«
• The DAF test with a total minimum score of 16 points
• Successful completion of a German-language study program