VFX & Animation

The technical transitions between VFX and 3D animation are fluid: fantasy films often contain pure CG characters and 3D animation films often use visual effects. Therefore, the VFX & Animation specialization initially teaches all the basics of VFX creation and 3D animation in the first two years of study, such as matte painting, effects or modelling, among others. In the further course of study, students can increasingly dedicate themselves to their own areas of interest in order to specialise in one of the two areas.

VFX
The VFX seminars focus on the combination of real images and digitally created elements. From planning to on-set supervision to compositing, students learn how to implement computer-generated effects, sets, props and characters in filmed material. In cooperation projects with other departments, the students create the visual effects for short feature films in a very practical way.

Animation
In successively more demanding 3D animation seminars, the students first deal with the principles and tools of animation in order to later practise the entire production process of a CG animation film – from story development to character design, modelling, animation, texturing, lighting and rendering.

Industry-standard programs (Maya, Nuke, Houdini, etc.) and common workflows are taught in versatile, individual project work. In addition to technical know-how, the focus is on artistic and creative skills.

Study conditions / or: Working environment

• Individual, technically supervised workplace with powerful computer and render farm
• Current, industry-relevant programs and common workflows
• Small intensive learning groups

Hands-on experience

• Content and technical implementation of visual effects for 3-4 student feature films with increasing demands
• Creative and technically supervised production of 1-3 animated films
• Individual advice and support in the design of own projects and specializations
• Connection to the adjacent film trades
• Development of artistic skills

Industry connection

• Professional networking opportunities, e.g. through excursions to major international conferences such as FMX Stuttgart and the Annecy International Animation Film
• Active renowned VFX and animation creators in lecturing

Curriculum
Visual effects and CG animation expand the expressive possibilities of creative filmmaking. “Storytelling” – telling a story with cinematic means – is also the focus of the VFX & Animation specialization.

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 links to the current course list, the study plan (cohort H, cohort I) and the module handbook can be found at this point.

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.

Focus: VFX and 3D animation techniques, artistic design skills, narrative understanding
Duration: 7 semesters
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Target group: Ambitious designers with a technical interest
Group size: 12 students
Admission: every two years
Application deadline: 15 March 2021
Pre-selection (without the attendance of the applicants): March/April 2021
Entrance examination (attendance required): May 2021
Start of studies: September 2021 (Winter semester 2021)
Language: German

Workload

The study performance, the workload, is calculated with credit points according to the principles of the European Credit Transfer System. Per semester, 30 credit points are awarded. With a standard period of study of 7 semesters, 210 credit points are required to achieve the degree »Bachelor of Arts«. The Bachelor’s degree program Film is set up as a full-time program.

The VFX & Animation specialization is supervised by Prof. Sophia Zauner (3D Animation for film and non-linear media) and Prof. Rolf Mütze as (Artistic Director VFX & Animation).
Sophia Zauner studied »Digital Television« (Diploma) at the FH Salzburg. Since 2006 in the 3D animation industry, first as an animator and subsequently as a Character Technical Director, Pipeline Technical Director and Computer Graphics Supervisor, among other things.
Prof. Rolf Mütze is co-founder and managing director of the Düsseldorf studio LAVAlabs moving images, which has created effects and animations for the projects »Pettson and Findus«, »Bad Banks« and »Berlin, Berlin«, among others. After his studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, he worked in London and New Zealand for the Disney animated film “Valiant” and the Weta production »The Hobbit«, among others.

In addition to Prof. Sophia Zauner, Prof. Rolf Mütze and the other professors at the ifs, the VFX & Animation specialization is also taught by numerous renowned international guest lecturers such as David Nasser (Animation Director »I Lost my Body« Gewinner Cristal d’Annecy 2019), Joris Oprins (Animation Director »A Single Life« Oscar-Nominierung 2015), Thorsten Schrank (Character Designer »Klaus« Oscar-Nominierung 2020), Timo Berg (Animation Director »Peterchens Mondfahrt« 2020), Min Tesch (Visual Effects Supervisor »Out of Control«) Stefan Jähner (Pipeline Technical Director »Babylon Berlin«), Friedrich Schäper (Concept Artist »Wolf Walkers«), Sophia Zauner (Technical Director »Latte and the Magic Waterstone«), Nils Nißing (CGI Artist »Jim Knopf«), Waldemar Fast (Senior Character Animator »Saphirblau«), Ingo Clemens (Entwickler Tool Shapes).

Graduates of the VFX & Animation specialization now work as digital artists at renowned national and international VFX and animation companies such as Pixomondo, Rise, Das Werk, Framestore and Double Negative – depending on their specialization as compositor, 3D generalist, animator or similar positions.

Graduating class 2016

Dimitri Makrinic, Peter Anlauf, Alexander Jarosch, Jannika Eberhardt, Matthias Backmann, Jo Müller, Tom Küspert

Curricula vitae, projects and contact details of the graduates can be found under the following link.

Graduating class 2018

Cem Karayakas, Nils Nißing, Till Kleinau, Christoph Willerscheidt, Mick Mahler, Mikko Beste, Tim Henning

Curricula vitae, projects and contact details of the graduates can be found under the following link.

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. 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.

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

The application tasks must be completed in German.

The ifs is a cooperation partner of the University of Applied Science Cologne. As a BA student at the ifs, it is not generally necessary to enroll at the University of Applied Science Cologne. However, this can prove useful if you wish to take advantage of services offered by the University of Applied Science Cologne, such as the »Semester-Ticket« for public transport, access to the University of Applied Science Cologne International Office or to its sports facilities. Enrollment at the University of Applied Science Cologne is mandatory for non-EU citizens.

Students from certain countries need a visa and/or a residence permit. 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 861 euros per month, calculated for one year.

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

Are there tuition fees at the ifs?
Yes, there are tuition fee for studying at the ifs.
For the Bachelor’s Program Film, these have remained unchanged since 2003 at 1,750 euros per semester. This includes 250 euros for the Sponsors’ Association of the ifs.
The overall tuition fees for the entire duration of the program of 7 semesters until receiving a bachelor’s degree are 12,250 euros.
ifs students receive a top-notch education, of which only a small fraction is paid for by tuition fees. The ifs‘ funding mainly comes from an allowance of the State of North-Rhine Westphalia as well as from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, which is the sole shareholder of the ifs.
Every study place is heavily subsidized.

Why are there tuition fees?
– A maximum 8 – 12 students are accepted per department. This means that there is a maximum of 70 students per graduation class. Furthermore, the ifs only accepts students for the Bachelor’s Program Film once every two years.
– Studying in the BA Film at the ifs also means: individual and intensive mentoring through the small number of students and close contact to lecturers as well as fellow students. These contacts are particularly valuable for starting a career after graduation.
– Students of the ifs have access to excellent technical equipment, which is constantly updated and expanded. https://www.filmschule.de/en/about-the-ifs/technical-equipment/
– Classes are on the one hand taught by permanent professors, on the other hand by national and international lecturers from media practice and media studies, who are booked for courses.
– Students in the BA Film realize at least one project per semester, usually a short film. Final part of the program is the graduation film (or the graduation screenplay).
The ifs provides each team with a budget for these projects.
– Part of the curriculum are visits to business events such as festivals etc. Most of those costs are covered.

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 per semester: approx. 300 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

For the Bachelor’s program »Film«, »The Friends of the ifs internationale filmschule köln Society« offers scholarships for students with outstanding academic achievement or for those who require financial assistance. For year I, 2 scholarships will be awarded for the duration of three semesters starting in the winter semester 2021. For Year J, a minimum of 2 scholarships for the duration of five semesters will be awarded beginning in the winter semester of 2022. The scholarship covers the tuition fee. After successfully passing the entrance examination, interested students can apply for both a scholarship and a loan.

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
• Deutschlandstipendium
• 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.

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.

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 861 euros per month, calculated for one year.

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.

If you have specific questions regarding the specialization »VFX & Animation«, please contact:

Donna Hanisch
Head of VFX & Animation
T +49 (0) 221.920188-274
d.hanisch(at)filmschule.de

Melanie Scharfenstein
Assitance
T +49 (0) 221.920188-277
m.scharfenstein(at)filmschule.de

Janina Jansen
Office of Student Affairs
T +49 (0) 221.920188-226
studierendenservice(at)filmschule.de