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Film Directing - Film and Television, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Master’s program in Film and Television, major in Film Directing in Elo Film school Finland (ELO) concentrates on scripted fiction formats in audiovisual production. The studies strengthen the student’s capacity to generate and develop cinematic ideas, story building and narration skills in addition to developing the director’s personal cinematic style and directorial identity.Master’s studies in Film Directing deepen the student’s visual and dramaturgical abilities, provides competence in production and directing actors as well as enforces the student’s ability to lead a creative process in collaboration with other artistic leads. The goal of the education is to provide the necessary skills to direct a feature-length film and a fiction TV -series.
Degree:
Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Application period:
1 Dec 2021 – 3 Jan 2022
Language of instruction:
Finnish
English
Swedish
Duration:
2 years,
full-time
Eligibility:
Relevant Bachelor's degree
Field of study:
Art and Design
Credits:
120 ECTS
Organising school:
School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Tuition fees:
For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies)
Applying to master’s programmes
Description
Please note! No intake in 2023. Next planned intake in 2024.
Master’s program in Film and Television, major in Film Directing in Elo Film school Finland (ELO) concentrates on scripted fiction formats in audiovisual production. The studies strengthen the student’s capacity to generate and develop cinematic ideas, story building and narration skills in addition to developing the director’s personal cinematic style and directorial identity.
Master’s studies in Film Directing deepen the student’s visual and dramaturgical abilities, provides competence in production and directing actors as well as enforces the student’s ability to lead a creative process in collaboration with other artistic leads. The goal of the education is to provide the necessary skills to direct a feature-length film and a fiction TV -series.
Language of instruction
The teaching language in Film Directing is mainly Finnish (especially the courses in directing actors). However, part of the courses can be taught in English. The degree can be completed in English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Structure of studies
In master’s studies, the student develops their artistic thinking and cinematic vision.
The studies consist of four elements (30 ETC each)
1. Joint compulsory content for all majors in film, which develops the student’s skills in research and working life. It includes courses in entrepreneurial and working life skills, analytical and research skills.
2. Advanced studies only for majors in Film Directing, which combine theory, individual research, and practical workshops. Some courses concentrate on working with actors for better understanding the different acting and directing methods. Some concentrate in writing own material for finding one’s own voice as a director and somecourses arelaboratories built around a central theme and realized in collaboration with one or more majors within ELO. The courses jointly organized by Theater Academy are also part of the major’s advanced studies.
3. Elective studies, which can be composed of studies within ELO, all of Aalto or any Finnish University.
4. Written Master’s Thesis combining artistic and research elements.
The student can choose to concentrate either in feature film or tv-drama. Thus, the student shouldchoose courses from other majors (screenwriting and/or production). The student can also do a voluntary internship in the field, either in film, television or other audiovisual production.
During the MA courses in Film Directing, the student challenges their artistic thinking, studies the conventions and new forms of film and TV drama, studies dramaturgical structures and examines the starting points of their personal artistic work in more detail. The studies enforce the director’s role and defines the responsibilities during the whole production.
During master’s studies, the student learns to understand the importance of resourcing when planning and realizing a film and becomes familiar with the professional field of film and television in Finland (production companies, financing, and distribution).
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Specialisations
Film Directing is one of the majors in the Master’s Programme in Film and Television.
Each student creates their Personal Study Plan (PSP), which is a practical tool to define a student’s own study path, compiling an optimal selection of courses that are aligned with the student's interests and programme requirements. According to the personal study plan (HOPS / PSP) advised by the professor, the student can additionally deepen their competence in other fields of film such as screenwriting, production, cinematography, production design or sound.
Internationalisation
The student can take part in international studies offered by the department such as short exchange period abroad or do a voluntary international internship. Also subject to application, the student can participate in the department’s international projects and programs, if it suits the student’s study plan. During their studies, MA directing students can participate once as observers at the Nordic Talents Pitching promotional event organized by Nordic Television and Film Fund each year.
The students also attend and present their films made within the program at international film festivals, and some compensation for travel expenses is intended to encourage their participation in short international directing workshops and seminars.
Further study opportunities
Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture offers doctoral studies in the fields of architecture, art, design, media, film and scenography. For more information about our research groups visit the following link.
Career opportunities
A student who graduates from master’s studies in Film directing is able to direct a fiction feature-length film and narrative TV-series. Film directors work mostly as freelancers in film and TV production companies in Finland, directing films or narrative TV drama, or radio plays for YLE (National Broadcasting Company). They can also work as individual freelance artists, direct commercial films, video productions and non-fiction productions, or work as instructors in the field at universities of applied science and media institutions.
Research focus
Research at the Department of Film creates understanding about the means of expression and the production process. The research orientation (practice based research) is based on the fruitful dialogue of theory and practice. You can find more information about the Department’s research and research groups from: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-film-elo
Co-operation with other parties
The Department cooperates actively with major stakeholders in the field of film and television in Finland. The studies include meetings with domestic professionals in the field (commissioners, producers, TV companies). The students participate in the activities of SELO ry, the Association of Finnish Film Directors and the Major also collaborates actively with other universities, such as Theater Academy (UniArts).
Read more about filmmaking
A new boom in Finnish cinema (external link)
Finland’s film industry is thriving and attracting new audiences at home and overseas. Where does the success come from?
New Wave, radical ideas and the rise of Finnish movies — 60 years of Finnish film education
In the autumn of 2019, we celebrate the Finnish film education reaching the mature age of 60 years. We can proudly take a look at our history and say that film education in Finland began among the first in Europe, several years before the other Nordic countries. Where did it all begin, where are we now and what will the future look like?
Study-option-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria
Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option. The applications to Master’s Programme in Film and Television - Film Directing will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Phase I
|
Artistic and/or design practice |
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|
What is evaluated |
Demonstrations of artistic work or assignments |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements
|
The artistic quality, vision and uniqueness of audiovisual works, and bold and strong visual and dramatic storytelling skills. The ability to think analytically, recognise and communicate one’s personal processes. Experience in directing actors and in the processes of fiction. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Portfolio
|
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Suitability |
|
|
What is evaluated |
Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies and communication skills. The need for studies as a director and/or researcher (academic background). |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Bold visual and dramatic thinking, ability to use one’s personal experiences and insights in an artistic process. Motivation and willingness to study and to complete studies in target time. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Motivation letter |
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Relevance of previous studies |
|
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What is evaluated |
Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Degree related to film, theatre or (audio)visual arts |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
|
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Academic performance |
|
|
What is evaluated |
Grades of the previous degree(s), artistic quality of the degree(s), duration of previous studies/degree |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Degree related to film, theatre or (audio)visual arts
The selection group will take into account those who don’t have a BA degree, but sufficient amount of experience in the field of film as well as those who have a degree in other fields than film and audiovisual arts. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
|
Other areas of competence |
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What is evaluated |
Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions. |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Experience as a director: the ability to direct actors and tell stories using audiovisual means. Broader experience in the film and television sector, its funding mechanisms in particular. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Curriculum vitae The committee does not assess or consider letters of recommendation. |
Phase II
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Suitability |
|
|
What is evaluated |
Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills/ assessment of second phase assignments. The need for studies as a director and/or researcher (academic background). |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Verbal expression of one’s artistic ambitions and dramaturgical thinking. Group work skills, the ability to accept feedback and work under pressure, group leadership skills. A knowledge of film history, the Finnish and international field of film and television drama, theatre and literature is considered an advantage. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
Interview |
|
Artistic and/or design practice |
|
|
What is evaluated |
Demonstrations of artistic work or assignments |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Visionary and dramatic storytelling skills, written expression, strong visual skills and a sense of rhythm. The ability to direct and verbalise the emotions of the actors/performers. The ability to observe one’s surroundings and interpret them in a cinematic form, the ability to produce and analyse text, uniqueness. |
|
Method of demonstrating competence |
second-phase assignments
|
What we look for in an applicant?
We expect our Master's students in Film Directing to have originality, bold visual and dramatic storytelling skills, readiness for analytical thinking and openness to learning. Knowledge of film history, Finnish and international film and television field as well as theatre and literature are considered an advantage. The applicant is expected to have directed actors or performers and directed at least one film (short and documentary films are also taken into account) and/or episodes in narrative television series. We also expect the applicant to be familiar with the field of film and television and especially its financing mechanisms.
The selection group will take into account those who don’t have a BA degree, but sufficient amount of experience in the field of film as well as those who have a degree in other fields than film and audiovisual arts.
Evaluation criteria
Bold visual and dramatic thinking, ability to utilize their own personal experiences and insights in the artistic process, need for studies and willingness to study full time.
The overall assessment also emphasizes possible research interests, written expression skills and the suitability to be a director.
In the second stage, the evaluation criteria consists of communication and social skills, ability for empathy and variety of point of views, stress tolerance and ability to receive feedback.
The talented students who are selected for the major in Film Directing want to develop their directing skills and deepen their understanding in film and narrative TV as an artform as well as learn about the history and theory of the various genres of fiction film and the narrative audiovisual field in general.
Evaluation process
The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option.
The selection process for applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises of two phases:
Phase I
In Phase I, the applications are evaluated based on the following criteria
- Artistic practice/Portfolio
- Suitability/Motivation letter
- Relevance of previous studies
- Academic performance
- Other areas of competence
Bold visual and dramatic thinking and the ability to use one’s personal experiences and insights in an artistic process are emphasized alongside the applicant’s motivation and willingness to study. The overall assessment also takes account of the applicant’s possible research interests, written expression skills and suitability to be a director.
Only the applicants who fulfill the requirements/are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to phase II in the selection process.
Phase II
In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria
- Suitability/Interview
- Artistic practice
In Phase II, the evaluation criteria consist of assessing artistic vision, communication and social skills, the ability to tolerate stress and the ability to finish studies in target time. The ability to empathise and to come up with new ideas, as well as the ability to receive feedback are also assessed.
The invitation to Phase II will be send to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance. Selected applicants will need to accomplish a pre-assignment handed in by a given date before the phase II interview. This pre-assignment consists of a written and an audiovisual part which are evaluated and discussed during the interview.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
Study-option-specific documents requested
The documents requested from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). In addition, applicants to this study option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Portfolio
The applicant is required to have directed fiction films. Documentary films, short films or episodes of narrative TV drama will also be taken into account. The portfolio should include a link to at least one, maximum two films directed and selected by the applicant. Length of selected film(s) should not exceed 20 min in total and be selected to best show the applicant’s abilities and skills as a director. Excerpts are accepted, but a showreel does not count for a film. A video recording of a theatrical play can be considered as one of the films.
Please submit your films either as password protected Vimeo links or QuickTime files and ensure that they can be screened on the most common Macs and PCs. In addition, include a description of each film (why you have selected it, a synopsis and a description of the artistic intentions of the work). The maximum total length of the descriptions is one A4 sheet.
The maximum size of the file is 1.0 GB. Name the file Portfolio-lastname-firstname.pdf. If your portfolio contains password protected video links, include the password(s) in your portfolio. If a portfolio is not uploaded to the online application form by the deadline, the application will be rejected.
CV
The application must include a CV with your personal details, education, work experience, completed films (with your professional roles specified), festivals and other artistic work, awards, grants, workshops, positions of trust and other background information relevant to the application. Before sending in your application, please upload your CV as a single PDF file into the application system.
The committee does not assess or consider letters of recommendation.
Motivation letter
In the motivation letter, describe why you are applying to the major and specify what are your special interests including areas of research in the specific educational field. Also, you should specify the strengths of your directorial skills, areas of interest and your views and artistic visions as a film director. Additionally, you should explain how film directing studies at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture could support your intentions mentioned above. As part of artistic orientation, you should also describe your potential career plans after the graduation.
The maximum length of the motivation letter is 4000 characters. The motivation letter is part of the online application form.
Language of application documents
The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.
Applying to master’s programmes
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Contact information
Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.
Admissions Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.