Potsdam, Germany

Summer Film Camp

The Film Camp is a two-week intensive program for international film enthusiasts that provides insights into the theory and practice of filmmaking. The focus of the camp is set on storytelling in film and how to work in a team. Participation in the Film Camp does not require any previous knowledge of film.

Course leader

Jean Boué is an author, director and producer of documentary formats for public television and cinema.

Cosima Lange founded fliegende fische filmproduktion and works as a freelance director, author and producer for cinema and television.

Target group

The Film Camp is directed at participants aged 18 or older who have a strong interest in film and would like to explore the theory and practice of filmmaking in a workshop setting. The Film Camp is an ideal opportunity for young people who would like to check out the special atmosphere at the Filmuniversität, and who want to explore whether filmmaking could be their career. Participating in the Film Camp does not require any previous knowledge of film.

Course aim

The participants will learn a wide range of storytelling possibilities in film through the analysis of film examples, case studies and project work. These combined learnings will help participants to practice translating their ideas into film language throughout the complex collaborative system of a film production. The course instructors, Jean Boué and Cosima Lange, will accompany participants through all theoretical and practical units.

Film maker Cosima Lange will present her documentary feature film “Hello, I am David!”, a journey into the world of the outstanding pianist David Helfgott. She will break down all the steps from the development to financing, producing, directing, editing and postproduction and finally to distribution. The group will then watch “Shine”, a feature film that translates the same topic into a fictional story. Both films are discussed in the group.

Alongside the case study, the preparation of the practical project begins with introductions in cinematography, editing and sound. At the end of week one, the participants will present their film ideas in a pitch, collectively select three ideas, and then split up into teams. Every team will realise a short film sequence. They will prepare, shoot, edit and sound design their project together in week two. Jean Boué and Cosima Lange will accompany the teams and support them in each step of the process. At the end of week two, the teams will present their projects followed by an intense feedback session with the course instructors and the whole group.

Fee info

EUR 890: + 40,- EUR for hygiene measures on-site

Early Bird before April 30, 2021: 850,- EUR