Production
Production students learn to create the substantive, organisational and commercially feasible preconditions needed to realise films and drama projects. A passion for film, wilfulness and a social, critical and enterprising nature are essential characteristics for anyone who wants to work in this field. Production students are trained to become people with an artistic vision who can produce films, documentaries and television programmes in a financially responsible way. During the course special attention is devoted to the professions of production manager, recording manager, executive producer and independent producer.
Characteristics emphasized in admission tests
- A passion for film;
- The ambition to tell stories;
- Organisational, commercial and substantive talent;
- Creative and social skills;
- Flexibility.
Key attributes of a good producer
- Entrepreneurial spirit;
- A nose for a good story;
- Bridge-builder.
The NFTA offers students subjects and practical exercise in which they are called upon to develop the aforementioned characteristics and abilities. Making films is an excellent example of this. Additional subjects include research, idea development, management, recording management, law and finances.
Study programme
First year
Subject-specific theory lessons are given to 14 production students a year. Classes in general subjects such as film analysis, film history and editing theory are attended with the students in the other programmes. Coaching is provided during the development of projects by triangles of screenwriting, directing and production students. The coaching in the production of film projects is 1-on-1 teaching. During the first year, the course takes a more general approach and offers an introduction to all the disciplines in theory and practice. The practical side focuses on subjects such as camera, sound and editing and includes various exercises and assignments that the students must complete during the course of the year. Furthermore, general subjects such as film and art history, literature and television history are included. Part of the programme during the first year is devoted to the chosen specialisation. In these blocks lessons are given in the discipline for which the student has been admitted.
Educational material
Software
Movie Magic Breakdown & Scheduling
Movie Magic Budgeting
Books
A few examples of books used in production:
- Jan Verhaar, Managementvaardigheden
- Media Business School, The Film Finance Book
- Media Business School, The Fine Art of Co- Producing
- Robert McKee, Story
Student film productions
Finances
First, second and third year films are financed by the school. Fourth year films receive 7000 euro per film. Furthermore, most projects are supported by Dutch public broadcasting corporations which also bring in 7000 euro per film. Some of the students also have their film sponsored on top of this. About 8% of the total annual budget is allotted for student film productions.
Types of films
During the first year all students are given small film and photo assignments. In the second year they make two films (5 minutes each), in the third year they make a film of 10-15 minutes and they graduate with a film of 25 minutes. A director usually produces one film a year, a producer two, camera and editing students up to three or four. All students are also obliged to assist their fellow students. In principle the production student has the final cut while the school owns the copyright. When starting the course the students sign an agreement in which they transfer the rights to their films to the academy.
Average shooting ratio of the films
Fiction: up to the end of the third year 1:6 and 1:8 in the fourth year.
Documentary: varying from 1:10 to 1:25.
Average length of the films
First year: 3-5 minutes
Second year: 5-10 minutes
Third year: 10-15 minutes
Fourth year: 25 minutes
Formats used
DV, DVCam, DigiBeta, 16mm, Super 16 and very occasionally 35mm.
Cursus Productie-assistentie