Filmmaking course in English

Filmmaking course in English
Filmmaking & audiovisual arts -


Italian expertise for international students

The purpose of this course is to provide an extraordinary learning experience, merging the rich cinematic heritage of Italy with a global perspective, equipping students to thrive as professionals in the film and enetertainment industry. Our program, delivered in English, imparts both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, fostering connections to a worldwide network and career possibilities in the field, all within an atmosphere inspired by the legendary directors of the past. In Italy, the birthplace of global cinema, students find themselves enveloped in an environment that ignites their creativity, readying them to tackle professional challenges on an international stage.


The program

The 5-week program offers a unique opportunity for international students to deepen their filmmaking skills through a comprehensive, hands-on, and interactive course, placing a strong emphasis on the entire filmmaking process, from script development to final on-screen product. Students will be immersed in every aspect of filmmaking, including writing, directing, cinematography, editing, and post-production, while actively engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds to experience the collaborative nature of filmmaking and gain valuable insights into different cultural perspectives on storytelling.

Throughout the course, they will be guided by industry professionals and encouraged to explore their creative potential in a supportive environment. The culmination of the program will be a final project, a short film that showcases each student’s unique vision and technical abilities, building practical skills and providing an invaluable platform to demonstrate their talents. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue successful careers in the global film industry.

The Filmmaking & Audiovisual Arts Program will occur through La Scuola Nazionale di Cinema Indipendente, or The Independent Cinema National School, in Florence, Italy. The school has been a staple of student filmmaking in the city since 1999, having produced a number of award-winning feature films and documentaries, such as “Inexistentia,” that involve participation from students.

The name “Independent Film School” is intentional. The SNCI seeks to foster an environment for students that enables them to fully express themselves as they grow in their filmmaking capabilities.

SNCI operates with the intent to give all its students the possibility and capability to make films. Through their extensive film equipment library, that include Red and Blackmagic cameras, in addition to seasoned film veterans from all disciplines of the film industry, the SNCI readies all of its students for a life in entertainment.

In conjunction with SNCI, the Filmmaking & Audiovisual Arts Program works with Ecoframes — a Florence-based, Emmy-award winning production company focused on pre-production, on-location shooting, and sound stage production. They offer services in location scouting, permits, camera rentals, and light and grip equipment for film and video production.

Ecoframes’ work ranges from Masterchef Poland, to commercials for the Infiniti car-line, to acting as the Italian production unit on “The Brutalist.” Their location in Florence has enabled Ecoframes to consistently deliver high quality and efficient services with partners from across the globe.

Ecoframes’ wide range of expertise is lead by Andrea Poli, a lecturer in Directing and Cinematography for The Filmmaking & Audiovisual Arts Program.


What you'll gain

  • DEVELOP advanced and well-rounded skills by learning from award- winning lecturers who are experts in their fields, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical insights that ensure mastery of the subject matter.
  • EXPOSE themselves to valuable, hands-on experience, engaging in real- world projects and practical assignments that will refine their abilities and provide a deep understanding of the processes and challenges within the industry.
  • GAIN proficiency in industry-specific software and tools, such as DaVinci Resolve for color grading and editing, and Movie Magic for budgeting and scheduling, essential for success in the competitive media landscape. Mastery of these programs will give students a technical edge and make them highly employable.
  • CREATE meaningful networking opportunities by connecting with seasoned industry professionals and fostering long-lasting professional relationships. These connections will extend beyond the classroom, offering students access to career-building opportunities and collaborations both locally and abroad, enhancing their global industry presence.
  • LEARN the ins and outs of every stage of the production process, from pre- production planning to post-production editing. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire workflow, equipping them to handle any challenge that arises in the production environment, and preparing them for a variety of roles within the industry.

The whole of the Tuscany region offers a wide range of unique and diverse landscapes that lend themselves to student filmmakers.

From the historic city center of Florence to the rolling hills of Siena, the snowcapped Apennine Mountains, and the coastal towns along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany offers every kind of location a filmmaker could ever need.

The global experience of participating in the Filmmaking & Audiovisual Arts Program provides students with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of the industry through both theoretical learning and real-world application.

Students will navigate both the professional film landscape as well as the interpersonal barriers of cross-cultural communication.

The course offers practical exposure to international standards of cinematography, visual effects, lighting, and color grading technique that can be applied in Italy and abroad.


Course organization

Start: 9th June 2025
End: 11th July 2025
Duration: 100 hours from Monday to Friday 09:30-13:30  
Cost: € 4.000 (payable in installments)


Meet the staff