Why Narrative Film at FAMU?
Take on a busy semester mastering both the process of filmmaking and the medium of analog film itself (16mm or 35mm). Narrative Film Production students work in groups of three or four to see their short film through every stage—from pitching to filming, and even color grading in post-production—while working alongside professionals and under the guidance of an experienced mentor at FAMU. You leave Prague with a project for your portfolio, a better sense of the ins and outs of the film industry, and the confidence and skills to take on your next future creative endeavor.
Academics
Semester
Snapshot
- Recommended Credits: 14-18
- Produce a 7- to 10-minute film
- Electives in all aspects of film production
- Focus on traditional filmmaking
- Host University: Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU)
Curriculum & Syllabi
You take two core courses in film production, one language class, and enroll in one to three FAMU International electives to meet the recommended 14 to 18 total credits. Your Czech language class is taught by CET, while the remainder of your curriculum is taught by experienced FAMU faculty active in their fields.
You take two courses taught exclusively for CET students by FAMU faculty. FAMU faculty offer mentorship as they guide you and your group through the process of creating your final film.
- PR/FILM 410 Narrative Film: Pre-Production and Production
(130 hours, 6 credits) - PR/FILM 420 Narrative Film: Post-Production and Final Product
(65 hours, 3 credits)
Many electives at FAMU are open to CET students. Take one to three electives to meet the total of 14 to 18 recommended credits. Courses and credits differ each term but past students have taken:
- Soundtrack Aesthetics
- Script Analysis
- The Realm of Montage
- Film Style and Form
- Surrealism
- Visual Theory 1
- Filming the Unfilmable
- Practical Analysis: Directing
- Introduction to International Film/TV Producing
Explore more electives at FAMU International.
- Terms: Winter is the FALL semester; Summer is the SPRING semester
You may also substitute one FAMU elective for a CET Prague elective.
You take 20 hours of intensive Czech in the first week, and have reduced class hours after that. Most students are Czech language beginners, but if you’ve taken Czech before, we have a class for you, too. This class is exclusively offered for CET students.
- PR/LANG 101 Beginning Czech Language (3 credits)
Study at FAMU
Work With Your Group
Narrative films are never solo projects, and yours won’t be either. Working in groups of three to four students, you will pitch your ideas, refine your group’s script, and make plans for your final days of shooting. Collaboration and cooperation are huge parts of filmmaking, and you have plenty of chances to build these skills during your term abroad. And when you get to your final days of shooting, the planning and relationships built over the term will help you all to shine as you take your roles as director, cinematographer, editor, and writer.
Lighting Workshop
"I learned so much from the three days in the lighting workshop! I haven't had the chance before to use that level of equipment and have that degree of creative control in a studio of that quality. It was an excellent opportunity to understand how to use the camera, light a scene, and ultimately capture the types of shots and scenes you want to."
Vassar College | Fall 2019
Housing & Meals
COVID Modifications
Because of precautions CET is taking related to COVID-19, your housing experience will look different from standard programming. Please see the COVID playbook page for more information.
- Apartment
- Off-campus housing
- Live with CET peers and local Czech students
- 2-6 people/apartment
- 2-3 people/room
- Fully equipped kitchen, living room, shared bathroom per 2-3 students, in-unit washer
- WiFi access, A/C, linens, basic furnishing, kitchenware
Share a conveniently located apartment in downtown Prague with CET peers and local Czech students. Take in the views during your beautiful 20- to 30-minute commute to class, where you either walk or take public transport with your CET-provided pass. Residences have many layouts, but you always have peers around to chat about your day and just relax with after a busy day at FAMU.
Czech Roommates
In addition to your peers, CET-picked Czech students also live in your apartment building to help you acclimate to life in a new country. Want to learn about Botas 66, the classic Czech sneakers? Find the best farmer’s market on Saturday morning? Try out one of the many Vietnamese restaurants in Prague? They also organize a regular “Czech Table” so you can practice your language skills around the city. You might visit the Prague Zoo, sample various Czech desserts, or visit the hometown of one of your roommates.
Eating in Prague
For meals, take advantage of the city’s vibrant and affordable food scene by trying all the local specialties. Větrník (caramel-dipped profiterole), anyone? What about Smažený Sýr (fried cheese with tartar sauce and potatoes)? Feeling like a home-cooked meal? Grab ingredients at the supermarket and have a night in with your roommates.
Life in Prague
- Known locally as: Praha
- Population: 1.3 million
- Local Currency: Czech Koruna (Kč)
- Famous for: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, lower cost of living in Europe, great public transport, beautiful architecture
Once class is out, Prague is waiting for you. Enjoy the perks of living in “the world’s greenest city” by reading in the park. Go paddle boating in the river on a nice day. See a world-class play at one of the city’s many beautiful theaters. Museum hop from the National Gallery to the DOX Center for Contemporary Art, then unwind at a cozy café. Prague has a little something for everybody.
Activities & Excursions
Around Prague
Each term, the program offers different extra-curricular activities that allow you to explore Prague and the local culture. Visit Prague castle. Get to know your classmates at café during orientation. Enjoy an outdoor concert by the Czech Symphony in the Senate Gardens. And there’s even more to see on your own—go to the National Theater, visit a different art gallery every week, or take a tram to the last stop and explore with your camera in hand.
Away from the City
Working on your script, attending a lighting seminar, and keeping up with your FAMU electives will take up the bulk of your time, but CET also makes sure you have plenty of opportunities to take a break and see other parts of Central Europe.
- All students visit Český Krumlov during orientation. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due the town's architecture, the castle, and the magnificent Baroque theater contained within the castle.
- You also spend a long weekend in Berlin, Germany with other CET at FAMU students. Get a backlot tour of Babelsburg Studio, visit a film museum, and discuss a film with young German filmmakers after a screening.
- Attend a film festival in the Czech Republic with CET. Fall students usually go to the Ostrava Kamera Oko International Film Festival in Ostrava, Czech Republic while Spring students usually attend the One World Fest or Febio Fest in Prague.* The film festival excursion is dependent on local conditions and options in Prague. Excursions to film festivals may not happen every semester.
- Optional excursions around the Czech Republic help you get to know the country you're studying in a little bit better. Locations vary from term to term but you might go to Kutná Hora, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary, or Plzeň.
Volunteering Weekend
Give back to the city that’s hosting you by participating in a weekend of community service. Head outside of the city limits to help further a local NGO’s mission. Working alongside CET students, Czech roommates, and other Czech volunteers, you may help out on an organic farm and education center or help with housing construction projects for those in need. Volunteering is a great way to make local friends and see another side of the Czech Republic.
The volunteering weekend is dependent on local conditions and options in Prague. Volunteering weekend may not happen every semester.
"You need to be willing to be flexible and make changes/adjust. Be ready for the constant process of pitching and re-pitching. Get to know your peers. Every step helps you toward the end goal of creating your project."
American University | Spring 2019
On-site Staff
Jiří Bukovinský
Director of Prague Programs
Kevin Johnson, Ph.D.
Academic Director of Prague Programs
Martina Tomanová
Resident Director, CET Prague
Program Fees
Spring 2022
$21,990
Fall 2021: $21,990 $21,100
Spring 2022: $21,990
Of the total program fee, $19,290 goes to tuition and fees, and $2,700 goes to housing and other student life fees.
All of your classes and program-related learning are included with your tuition.
A budget for your film project is included with your program fee. No crowd-sourcing necessary.
From pre-departure to orientation, from on site to re-entry, CET provides you with the support you need every step of the way.
You’re provided with a comprehensive insurance plan through GeoBlue that even includes medical evacuation coverage.
The excursions, workshops, and activities that we arrange are included in your tuition. All you need to do is bring your camera.
If you’re a US citizen, we process your standard visa in Washington, DC. If you’re an international student, you apply independently but we provide the documents you need and are here to answer questions along the way.
Your textbooks and course materials are covered and waiting for you on site.
You receive an official transcript jointly issued by CET and FAMU at the end of the term. You also have the option to request a School of Record transcript from the University of Minnesota for an additional fee if necessary.
Estimated
Out-of-Pocket
Costs
- Round-trip Airfare: $1,000 - $1,500
- Meals: $2,000 - $2,500
- Personal Expenses: $1,300 - $1,500
- Visa Fees: $110
General pre-requisites:
- Must be 18 or older at the time of program participation.
- Open to students from any US college or university
- GPA: 3.0 or higher preferred, but admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis; lower GPAs still encouraged to apply
- Language: Open to all levels of Czech, from absolute beginner to advanced
Narrative film pre-requisites:
- Previous experience in filmmaking, film theory, visual arts, or photography is highly recommended but not required
- Students interested in working with 35mm film: Previous experience with 16mm is required.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Submit your application by the deadline.
- CET and the Faculty Advisory Committee review your application and portfolio.
- CET issues admissions decisions approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the application deadline.
Complete the online application through your online CET account. If you’re applying for the fall semester, the application will allow you to indicate your preference to work in 16mm or 35mm.
All applicants for the CET at FAMU programs are required to submit a portfolio of visual work that will be reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee and factored into the admission decision. Learn more about portfolio requirements and the admissions process.
Use the link in your online account to send a recommendation request to one of your previous instructors.
This is an online form that your study abroad office completes to let us know you meet the requirements to study abroad. To send the electronic form request, simply enter the name and email address of your study abroad advisor in the designated fields of your online account.
Your online CET account has specific instructions for submitting an official transcript.
Spring deadline:
October 1st
Fall deadline:
April 1st
Price Subject to Change:
CET reserves the right to increase quoted charges at any time without prior notification, based on increased instruction costs, exchange rate fluctuation or other cost increases beyond CET’s control.
