BUDAPEST FILM ACADEMY
STUDENTS OF THE BUDAPEST FILM ACADEMY
A considerable part of the Academy’s students come through ELTE (Eötvös Loránd University), because of the connection between the two institutions. These young filmmakers can be either BA or MA students; the BUDAPEST FILM ACADEMY does not separate them. They go to the same courses at BFA without any reference to their levels of study. If an MA student has never learned scriptwriting, or has no knowledge about cinematography, then he/she studies in the same beginner class as a fellow BA student who has no previous filmmaking background.
The ELTE students get credits for finishing the courses and these are accepted by EÖTVÖS LORÁND UNIVERSITY towards both academic levels (BA, MA).
Those who are not ELTE students can receive ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. These can be used in a number of European universities. After they have been provided, students have three years to get them accepted by an institution. This means that the credits can be claimed even if the student does not attend any university or college at that time, but plans to apply later. Students must ask for the ECTS credits from the Academy when they apply or once they start the course (the latest).
There are also students who do not need credits at all, only the practical filmmaking knowledge. They get 20% off of the tuition fee, and a Budapest Film Academy certificate. This will be issued for everyone.
The classes are visited by Hungarian and foreign students as well. There is no age limit, because it is never too late to get into the filmmaking field. Each of the courses provides knowledge that can be used throughout a range of different film related occupations. For instance: experts in the television industry, marketing specialists, trainers, theatre dramaturges, and people of several other professions can all find practical training in our classes.
WHICH COURSE(S) SHOULD YOU TAKE?
The management of the BUDAPEST FILM ACADEMY believes in cross-platform education, because every field is connected to the others. If someone wants to be outstanding in his/her specialty, he/she has to gather knowledge of the other areas of filmmaking as well. A director, for example, should know the screenwriting structure, the cinematography techniques, the achievable visual effects, and the needs and possibilities of the producer.
The same goes for a writer, an editor, a cinematographer, or a producer; they also need to have a knowledge that applies to the full range of filmmaking. An editor, for instance, is also a dramaturge. They perform the last rewrite of the film, so they should have an extensive knowledge of the various dramatic tools or structure. On the other hand, to pick the best shots, they should have cinematographer knowledge from the point of view of light and visual composition.
A screenwriter has to think in terms of images, so it does not hurt him to know how to tell a story through pictures. Writers also have to come up with characters that a director or a producer can use effectively to get actors, even A-list stars, if necessary for the financing. In addition, producing knowledge is needed for everyone who wants to write a marketable film.
Even a single course can be taken, but for someone to become a successful filmmaker they need to finish at least two modules on a high level. This choice depends on the student, there are no pre-determined combinations, since all of the modules perfectly complement each other.
OUR PLEDGE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Filmmaking is among the most coveted professions in the world. As such, the road to success in this field is intense, competitive, and pressure-filled. However, if navigated properly, the rewards are numerous, and can provide both creative satisfaction and a great income.
This is why, each year, thousands of students apply to film schools all over the world, spending tremendous amount of money for tuition to pursue their dreams. From the many thousands worldwide who finish their film studies each year, precious few will forge lasting, successful careers in one of the main artistic or technical fields.
We are not trying to talk our prospective students out of their dreams. If they have the hunger to make it as filmmakers, they must hold onto it – as it will be vital to their success. While the odds of success are long, they can be overcome. But to do so, students will need to acquire a few things: knowledge of the industry, an understanding of the international market place, comprehensive filmmaking skills, practical knowledge, and last but not least, international connections. And from day one, those things are exactly what Budapest Film Academy helps our students to obtain.
Our mission is to rigorously train our students to become world-class story tellers. BFA’s curriculum includes practical creative workshops and courses that cover the entire spectrum of the filmmaking process. Students are immersed in the principles and working methods of a variety of genres and dramatic forms. Through multiple practical exercises, short films, and script projects, they are encouraged to explore their understanding of the medium, with the ultimate goal of establishing each student’s personal voice.
coordinator@budapestfilmacademy.com
Múzeum krt. 6-8., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
+36 1 408 6109