The 9 creative fields

Before each course period, each student at European Film College will be asked to submit a wish list, and we guarantee that you get your first priority in one of the three basic courses – the remaining two courses will be based on availability and request. During the spring semester, you can choose to dive deeper into a favorite field or explore new dimensions of filmmaking.

At the end of each of the 3 basic courses, there are 2 weeks of film production, where students collaborate, try out the field that they were just taught, and create up to 25 Course Exercises together.

In today's film world, every producer and production manager faces challenges that span the entire life cycle of a project. Every phase of filmmaking, whether it's a project with a budget of $100 or $100 million, comes with its own unique problems that must be solved in collaboration with a team. However, the core principles remain the same.

We delve into the role of the producer and production manager within the creative process, where the crucial art of nurturing and developing collaboration with a variety of creative souls becomes central. From screenwriters and directors to technical teams, marketers, financiers, and decision-makers – they all play a role in the success of the project.

The course invites you into a world where scheduling, budgeting, and agreements meet the human aspect of keeping a group of people – from actors to technicians – inspired and productive. The goal is to complete the project on time, with a sense of fulfillment.

By the end of the course, you will have completed an exercise where, from concept to finished film, you have gone through the entire process: from script and pre-production to the actual filming and the delivery of the finished product. Throughout this journey, you will learn the importance of collaboration and team spirit – the cornerstones of any filmmaking process.

Through this, we hope that each student will find their own social and philosophical compass, an internal framework that not only drives their film career but also their personal journey in life. A producer is the one who makes the film possible. A remarkable producer is the one who makes the film shine.

At EFC, the acting course delves deep into the delicate interplay between the actor and the director, a relationship vital not only for actors but also for aspiring directors. It is a journey into that elusive moment when a character communicates something that words alone cannot capture – when pure expression transcends language.

Here, we explore the magic of collaboration, discovering how actors and directors together can unlock the heart of a story, breathing life into every scene with authenticity and purpose.

Throughout the course, you will hone your ability to consciously channel emotions, sharpen your awareness of your own artistic voice, and learn to give and receive energy in perfect balance. You will dissect texts and scripts with both your body and your mind, embracing the duality of working as an individual and as part of an ensemble. And, perhaps most importantly, you’ll attune yourself to the rhythm of time within a scene, learning to harness its flow with mastery.

Screenwriting is an intricate craft, one that demands both discipline and creativity. It begins with a concept, an idea that you shape into a structured narrative through carefully crafted scenes and dialogue. When you sit down in front of the keyboard, you assume the role of an architect, constructing worlds, shaping characters, and guiding the audience through a carefully planned journey.

Mastering screenwriting is essential for any aspiring filmmaker. Understanding the mechanics of storytelling – how to build tension, create compelling characters, and structure a narrative arc – is fundamental for anyone involved in film production, regardless of whether writing is your primary role or not.

At European Film College our screenwriting course provides you with the technical and creative tools necessary to excel as a screenwriter. You will learn to source inspiration, develop your narrative, and construct multi-dimensional characters. We focus on the entire process: from the initial concept, through drafting, rewriting, and polishing your script, to collaborating with directors, actors, and producers to ensure the story remains coherent and achievable within production constraints.

Moreover, we emphasize the importance of balancing creative freedom with practical realities, such as production limitations and budgetary considerations. You will also explore location scouting as a vital part of the creative process, learning how to draw inspiration from your surroundings to enrich your script.

The directing course at EFC is an exploration of the art and craft of cinematic storytelling, viewed through the eyes of the director. It goes beyond mere technical skill and invites you to dive into the heart of what makes a film come alive – the delicate balance of narrative, emotion, and visual style.

At the core of this course is the process of transforming an idea into a living, breathing story. You will learn how to research and shape your concept, turning it from a spark of inspiration into something tangible, something ready to meet the world. Imagination and practicality go hand-in-hand here, as you discover how to make your vision not only meaningful but also achievable within the medium of film.

But storytelling in film is about more than just words on a page – it’s about how content and style merge to create something greater. You’ll learn to navigate this intricate relationship, understanding how a film’s look, feel, and pacing work in harmony to evoke emotions and engage audiences.

Directing is also deeply collaborative. You will spend time honing the craft of working with actors, from the first steps of casting to rehearsals and even the spontaneity of improvisation. You’ll develop a language that allows you to guide them toward performances that feel genuine and organic. Beyond the actors, your journey will take you through the many collaborative relationships that make a film possible, from cinematographers to sound designers, editors to production teams. Each of these elements is a crucial thread in the fabric of your film.

And then there’s the nuts and bolts of directing – the practical skills that anchor your creative vision in reality. You’ll learn the art of mise en scène, how to block scenes for maximum impact, and how to plan everything from floor layouts to production schedules. You’ll dive into the director’s breakdowns, analyzing scenes to understand how every detail contributes to the whole. Piece by piece, you’ll assemble your film, bringing together both the artistic and logistical aspects of filmmaking.

By course end, directing becomes more than just managing a set – it becomes an act of creation, turning a story into an immersive, cinematic experience. 

Documentary at EFC will invite you into the compelling world of documentary film making; a world that requires many of the skills and mindsets from the fiction world, but then again, here you can find your own voice and style. This course is about assertive documentary film making.

You'll immerse yourself in directing, cinematography, editing, and sound—whether as a one-person powerhouse or through collaboration with fellow students. It’s a hands-on journey, where you’ll learn by doing—directing, filming, and editing your own short documentary.

Together, we’ll watch and discuss handpicked documentaries, diving deep into the wide spectrum of non-fiction. From the intimate, observational “fly on the wall” approach to visually striking and personal narratives, you'll also be inspired by hybrid cinematic essays and experimental forms that push the boundaries of storytelling.

You will also gain essential skills in researching, pitching, and developing your concepts. Plus, you'll learn how to connect with your subjects, gaining access to the key people and locations that will bring your stories to life.

The true goal of our sound course is to awaken your perception of sound, to teach you how to listen deeply, and to uncover the richness that sound brings to storytelling.

In this course, you’ll learn to embrace the fact that your ears never close – they’re constantly open to the world around you. You’ll fine-tune your sense of hearing, learning to appreciate the beauty and power of sound through hands-on experience and theoretical understanding. We’ll explore the processes, techniques, and best practices of sound design and recording, helping you find ways to enhance the emotional and narrative layers of a story in close collaboration with the film crew.

From the use of microphones, mixers, and recorders on set, to the delicate art of editing and mixing in post-production, you’ll master the tools and techniques that bring sound to life. Whether working in harmony with visuals or shaping the atmosphere of a scene, you’ll be part of the journey from the first sound captured on set to the final mix that completes the film.

Imagine learning to see film through an entirely new lens – one where light becomes not just an element but a storyteller in its own right. Lighting for film at EFC is designed for all aspiring filmmakers, or anyone curious about how the right light can transform a scene and elevate a story.

In this course, you’ll explore the many ways light shapes mood, emotion, and meaning on screen. You’ll begin by understanding the different sources of light, and how to not just see it, but master its nuances. From the warm glow of tungsten to the crisp clarity of daylight, you’ll learn how to harness colour temperature, control lighting ratios, and use gels and diffusions to sculpt light into the perfect visual tone.

By the end of the course, lighting will no longer be a mystery. You’ll know how to light for both daylight and tungsten exposure, achieve rich detail and contrast, and use colour correction and ND filters to fine-tune your visual palette. You’ll explore how the separation of light can add depth to a scene, and gain the tools to communicate effectively with every member of a film crew. Along the way, you’ll also dive into the technical side – learning the basics of electrical power, circuits, and safety, ensuring you can light any set with confidence.

At EFC, the camera course is more than just technical training – it’s an exploration of the camera as an artistic tool, a gateway to visual storytelling. Here, theory and practice flow together in a seamless rhythm, guiding you toward mastery of the camera’s mechanics while opening your eyes to the language of film.

You’ll often work 2 students together, sharing a camera, collaborating as you learn to navigate its many functions. Together, you’ll explore camera movements, experiment with focus pulling, and unlock the creative possibilities that emerge when you begin to see the camera as an extension of your vision. It’s not just about capturing an image – it’s about crafting a visual narrative, where every shot tells a story of its own.

By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand how to capture technically sound images – perfecting exposure, contrast, colour, and focus – but also how to engage in a meaningful dialogue with a director, shaping the visual style of a film. You’ll gain the skills to plan and execute the visual process for short films and begin to grasp the deeper principles of film language, as told through images.

The soul of a film is shaped in the editing room. It is here that raw footage is sculpted into a living, breathing narrative, where cinematic ideas take form and emotion is born. Editors are the hidden storytellers, weaving together sound, image, music, and graphics to craft a seamless flow that resonates with audiences. Their art lies in the delicate balance – guiding the viewer's experience without overwhelming or leaving them wanting.

At EFC, editing classes immerse you in hands-on learning from day one. You’ll master the industry-standard Avid Media Composer, discovering the tools that professional editors use to shape stories on the cutting edge of cinema.

But more than the technical, we’ll delve into the creative world of editing. It’s about making choices – both conscious and instinctive – that transform a collection of moments into a cohesive and powerful whole. You will also learn how to: organizing projects, managing media, setting up bins, creating your own settings, and, ultimately, delivering a final film that reflects your unique vision.