May 2008

One-Year Practical Filmmaking
Full-time 19 May - 27 Mar

From Story to Screen in Eight Weeks
Full-time 19 May - 11 Jul

June 2008

All Courses Open Evenings
Full-time 04 Jun - 03 Dec

Write a Feature Film
Part-time 07 Jun - 29 Nov

Three-Week Editing
Full-time 30 Jun - 18 Jul

July 2008

Acting For Film
Full-time 07 Jul - 01 Aug

August 2008

Young Filmmakers Academy
Full-time 04 Aug - 22 Aug

Young Actors Academy
Full-time 04 Aug - 22 Aug

Three Day Intensive Filmmaking
Weekend 23 Aug - 25 Aug

September 2008

English for Filmmakers
Full-time 01 Sep - 26 Sep

From Story to Screen in Eight Weeks
Full-time 15 Sep - 07 Nov

Part-Time Acting for Film
Part-time 17 Sep - 04 Dec

English for Filmmakers
Full-time 24 Sep - 19 Dec

Two-year intensive BA in filmmaking
Full-time 29 Sep - 24 Sep

Documentary Filmmaking
Full-time 29 Sep - 21 Nov

One-Year Practical Filmmaking
Full-time 29 Sep - 17 Jul

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we shoot on DV rather than Film?
Over the next few years digital technology will have a profound effect on the global film industry. More and more films will be shot on high definition video cameras instead of 35mm, and digital projectors will become commonplace in cinemas. Films will be distributed digitally, with satellite downloads replacing expensive prints and couriers. Many of these changes will help independent production companies and filmmakers, as they benefit from lower costs all along the production chain.

In addition, shooting on DV facilitates actual filmmaking: The kit is more transportable and easier to use than traditional film equipment, and it’s much less complicated to record synchronized sound. All this enables you to focus on learning the most important aspects of filmmaking – the creative process of developing a good story and understanding the principles of story-telling for the screen.

How does my film get distributed through Picturehouse cinemas?
Selected films from our course From Story to Screen will be distributed via the largest network of art-house cinemas in the UK, providing you with unique exposure of your work. The selection panel consists of senior members of the Met Film School and Picturehouse cinemas. Films that are selected will be converted to a high definition digital format and screened as a short film before the main feature.

Are there scholarships, loans or grants available to help me pay for courses?
The Met is a small private company and does not provide scholarships or grants. However, you may be able to find them. Do an internet search for grants or scholarships available for vocational media courses in your home country.

NESTA – dreamtime fellowship
Regional courses
CDLs

What accreditation or certification do I receive for different courses?
Students who successfully complete From Story to Screen or Complete Script Development: Shorts will receive a joint diploma from the Met and the National Film and Television School. Students who successfully complete other courses will receive a Metropolitan Film School Diploma.

How do I find accommodation while I'm taking my course?
London offers a variety of accommodation options for short-stay students. Depending on you budget and your preferred level of independence, you may prefer to stay either in a hotel, bed and breakfast, self-catering apartment or student residence (available at selected times of the year).

London is divided into several travel zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The further the zone is from the centre, the higher the number the less you will pay for your accommodation. The school is located in Zone 2.

If you would like a copy of our suggested hotels and guesthouses, please email us on info@metfilmschool.co.uk. If you are interested in staying with a host family, please visit the Homestay Providers Association. If you would prefer to stay in affordable, student accommodation, please refer to Britannia Student Services[/l76] or International Students House

What do I need in order to obtain a visa to attend a course?
You should apply to the British Embassy or Consulate in your own country or, if there is not one where you live, then you should apply via a British Embassy or Consulate in a neighbouring country. You are normally required to attend one or possibly two interviews, during which time you will have to prove your financial independence.

Nationals from certain countries and stateless individuals, or individuals holding a non-national travel document or passport issued by an authority not recognized by the UK, must have a valid UK visa on each occasion they enter the UK. For full visa information, contact the Home Office web site.

What prior experience do I need before taking a course?
Our courses are designed to appeal to students with a wide range of prior experience. No prior experience in filmmaking is required.

What are the minimum age and language requirements for taking a course?
Our courses are intensive and practical and require teamwork, dedication and commitment. In general we require that students are a minimum of 18 years old, but we do make exceptions on a case by case basis. However, we do run courses specifically for teenagers - Young Filmmakers Academy and Young Filmmakers Workshop.

Due to the sometimes technical nature of the language used on the courses it is essential that you have a good command of English (upper intermediate, IELTS score 5.5, TOEFL score 500 or above). If you are concerned that your English level might not be good enough please contact us either by phone on +44 (0)845 658 4400 or by email on info@metfilmschool.co.uk or contact a good language school such as Aspect. You can either take a language course to bring your English up to standard first and then take one of our filmmaking courses or even consider taking both at the same time.

What sort of facilities and kit will I have access to?
The school is located in Clapham, London, and operates here as well as in several well-known cinemas, including The Gate (Notting Hill), The Ritzy (Brixton) and The Clapham Picturehouse.

You will use professional equipment, including the latest Panasonic AG-DVX100A cameras as well as Final Cut Pro or Avid Xpress editing systems. We also have access, via our partner Remote Films, to professional post-production facilities, such as colour grading and sound mixing equipment.

What ongoing career support will I receive as an alumnus?
Many of our students are looking to break into the film industry and take one or more of our courses as a first step. Our support continues well beyond our courses through Met Net – an interactive web-based service that provides the following:

• Regular updates on film festivals and film funding schemes


• Access to special screenings and networking events


• Job and crewing opportunities


• A forum to discuss projects, share news and support fellow alumni


• A database of alumni contact details


• A database of professional crew who have worked on student films


• Access to low cost production services, including equipment

We will actively stay in touch and in some cases have found jobs for students directly through our network of contacts and partners.

What is the admissions policy?
The Met operates a rolling admissions policy for most of our courses. We accept students throughout the year until the courses are filled. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio with class sizes of around ten students – so book early!

Applicants to Complete Script Development: Features are required to submit a one to three page synopsis of their stories accompanied by a letter of intent, describing their reasons for attending the course and their future ambition. The number of students is limited to ten and applicants will be selected according to the quality of their applications.

Who owns the films that I make on a course?
Students retain full ownership of the films they make while at the school.