Lights, Camera, Action: Craft a Short Film in Two Weeks!
Begin your filmmaking journey with our focused two-week course, perfectly suited for beginners. Hosted in the culturally vibrant city of Berlin, this English-language programme provides a comprehensive introduction to film production, from initial concept to the final cut.
Introduction
Welcome to the filmArche International Summer School 2025!
Begin your filmmaking journey with our focused two-week course in the culturally vibrant city of Berlin. Perfect for beginners, this English-language program covers everything from idea development to final cut. Engage in hands-on workshops that encompass screenwriting, preproduction, directing, and using professional equipment. Finish by shooting your own short film, complemented by lessons on editing techniques and distribution strategies. No prior experience needed — just bring your passion for film and creativity!
About filmArche
filmArche is the largest self-organised film school in Europe, with a diverse background of students and tutors. We put a special emphasis on self-organization and awareness: encouraging collaborative decision-making, creativity, responsibility and allowing each team member to contribute their unique skills through a democratic process. The practice of awareness involves anti-discrimination strategies to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all crew members.
Our Tutors
At filmArche, our tutors come from diverse corners of the globe, each bringing a rich tapestry of cultural insights and professional expertise to our film school. This international background ensures that our students receive a well-rounded and inclusive education, reflective of the global nature of the film industry.
Our tutors are not only accomplished filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinematographers but also passionate educators dedicated to the next generation of storytellers. Their unique skills span a wide array of disciplines within filmmaking, from directing and producing to editing and visual effects. This breadth of knowledge and experience provides our students with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.
Programme Highlights
This program is tailored for aspiring filmmakers who are eager to learn in a dynamic, supportive environment. No previous experience is required — just a passion for film and a desire to learn.
Introduction to Self-organization: techniques for active involvement, navigation through challenges and spaces, conflict management and knowledge transfer.
Idea Development: Start your filmmaking journey by learning how to brainstorm and refine initial ideas into compelling stories.
Screenwriting Essentials: Unlock the basics of scriptwriting, focusing on structure, character development, and dialogue to transform your ideas into a workable screenplay.
Pre-Production Techniques: Prepare for a smooth shooting process by mastering the creation of shot lists and shooting schedules. Learn how to organize and plan your film efficiently.
Directing Fundamentals: Step into the director’s shoes and learn how to guide actors or protagonists and manage a film set. Gain practical insights into visual storytelling and scene execution.
Hands-On Equipment Training: Familiarize yourself with cameras, lighting, and sound equipment through hands-on workshops.
On-Set Communication and Awareness: Learn essential communication skills and set etiquette to ensure a professional environment where everyone feels valued and no one is discriminated against during shoots.
Film Shooting Experience: Experience the excitement of filming. Apply your skills in a real shooting environment as you work alongside your peers to produce your own short film.
Post-Production Insights: Delve into the editing process. Learn how to edit your footage, integrate sound, and use editing software to shape the final version of your film.
Distribution and Film Festivals: Gain an understanding of the film distribution process. Learn how to prepare your film for submission to festivals.
Application
Dates: Saturday 12 July – Saturday 26 July 2025
Location: filmArche, Lahnstraße 25, 12055 Berlin
Cost: 850 €
Early deadline: 15th May 2025
Final deadline: 31st May 2025
filmArche is offering a scholarship to a candidate applying to take part in our International Summer School. To benefit from the free scholarship, candidates can register directly via our registration form.Contact
If you have any questions regarding your application to the summer school, please contact us! We aim to get back to you as quickly as possible.