Short Film – Tallinn Summer School

Non-Degree / Dates: 17 July - 4 August 2023

Tallinn Summer School, in cooperation with the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) offers an inspiring course of practical film-making.

During the three-week course, experienced tutors will take you through the stages of filmmaking, from script to post-production. As a result, you will take home a short film in which you participated creatively.

The three weeks are divided into three film production cycles: pre-production, production and post-production. Groups will use the equipment, film studios and editing facilities of BFM.

During the first week, you will learn about storytelling and get a quick introduction to the craft of filmmaking. You will pitch your idea, develop a script for a short film, get to know the camera, lights and sound equipment. Participants will choose four to five scripts to shoot and team up. Together with your creative team members, you develop the shooting script and shot list, cast your actors, search for locations, costumes and props.

The second week is spent on capturing ideas on set. Before shooting you will receive expert tips from a professional cinematographer-gaffer, a sound recordist and will discuss your ideas with your tutor. Rest of the week you will be shooting a short film together with your team.

The focus of the third week is editing. You will learn a professional editing program and cut your film using BFM’s post-production facilities. You will get feedback to your rough cut from a professional editor. The course will end with the open screening of the films in the BFM’s cinema SuperNova.

Why this course?

Thanks to its very practical and hands-on approach, many participants around the world have chosen this course to experience the exciting journey inside the art of filmmaking.
At the end of the course you will get a chance to screen your own short film in a real cinema theatre – the Supernova Cinema – in the final screening event.
This course benefits from the professional filming equipment and the modern sound and editing facilities at disposal at the Baltic Film and Media School department, the national film school of Estonia.

Teacher(s)

Madli Lääne is a writer, director, and editor, MFA in Film and Media Production, the University of Texas at Austin, USA, 2017. MA in Film Arts, Tallinn University, 2008

Eduard Emanuel Leahu is a cinematographer with more than ten years of experience in the film industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Cinematography awarded by three top European film universities (National Film School IADT, University of Theatre and Film Arts SZFE, and Baltic Film, Media and Arts School TLÜ). At the present time, he is visiting lecturer of audiovisual arts and cinematography equipment specialist at Tallinn University.

Timetable

From Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 16.00. In addition, there is independent work in the afternoons and evenings, possibly also during the weekend. Please see also the full programme.

As there is a lot of independent/group work, it’s not possible to register for the cultural programme events and workshops.

Participants

The course is suitable for all people who are interested in filmmaking and are keen on putting their creative ideas into practice. No particular experience in filmmaking is required and the school encourages the enrolment of students from all backgrounds and countries. Each participant receives a diploma and a copy of the short films produced. The course is limited to 20 participants.

Credit points

4.5 ECTS

Course fee

780€ (includes camera, sound, light and editing equipment; but not actors, locations, costumes, decorations, transport etc).

Accommodation and meals are not included in the price.

NB! Read also about scholarships!

Covid-19 Restrictions

NB! When travelling to Estonia, the requirements established in Estonia must be followed. Read about them from kriis.ee website.

Please note that restrictions may change depending on the decision made by the Estonian Government. We highly recommend taking out insurance coverage.