Film Directing

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Film Directing program at AMA Warsaw is a two-year on-campus program for those who want to make films—from short films to documentaries, commercials, and TV series. The program is intensive and hands-on: starting in the very first semester, students shoot short films, work with actors, and learn the craft of filmmaking under the guidance of active industry professionals.

Directing at AMA involves working on a live set, making real-time decisions, and interacting with the crew and the camera. Each semester concludes with a project evaluated by industry professionals. The second year delves deeper into staging, film aesthetics, dramaturgy, and modern distribution channels—including streaming, digital media, and the potential of AI in film production.

Groups of 10 ensure a personalized approach and practical work on set for each student.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Film Directing program at AMA Warsaw is designed for people who want to learn how to lead an audiovisual project in a thoughtful, skilled, and responsible manner. This is not a school that teaches only the theory of film directing. It is a program focused on real-world work: on set, in front of the camera, with actors, and with the crew—starting from the very first semester.

The program is a two-year, intensive course. The first year lays the foundation for the craft—the grammar of film language, camera work, staging, and the basics of editing and sound production. The second year deepens students’ knowledge of aesthetics, dramaturgy, modern media, and distribution—and culminates in the creation of an original graduation film. At AMA, directors learn not only how to shoot scenes but also how to take responsibility for the entire project—from concept to the final film.

Contemporary film directing requires an understanding of the entire production process: visuals, narrative rhythm, working with actors, and the possibilities of editing and post-production. That is why the program includes elements of cinematography, sound, and post-production—because a good director must know what is happening at every stage of production.

Who is this program for?

Film Directing is for people who:

• want to learn how to make a film from the screenplay to the finished product,
• want to work with an actor, a crew, and a camera in realistic production conditions,
• want to create feature films, documentaries, commercials, or television programs,
• They don’t want to limit themselves to theory; they want to work hands-on on set,
• want to develop their own directorial style and unique cinematic language,
• are planning a career in the film, advertising, or television industry in Poland or abroad.

This is a good field of study for those who want to be not only the originator of an idea, but also a true leader of the creative process.

What You’ll Learn

During the program, you will develop skills related to managing an audiovisual project from the perspectives of directing, storytelling, and visual design. You will learn:

• construct scenes and develop the dramatic narrative,
• write and develop a short film screenplay,
• working with an actor—from the audition to filming the scene on set,
• stage a variety of scenes: dialogues, descriptive scenes, and scenes conveying meaning,
• analyze the material in terms of rhythm, drama, and visual language,
• make decisions regarding visuals, sound, and scene structure,
• work with the cinematographer, editor, sound engineer, and producer,
• produce short films, documentaries, and commercials,
• understand film distribution, festival policies, and modern media,
• Plan the project in a cohesive manner—from development to final assembly.

What Is Learning Like?

The program is practical and project-based. Students don’t limit themselves to theoretical exercises—they work on set, on directing assignments, and on their own film projects. A key element is developing decision-making skills within the actual creative process: during the preparation phase, on set, and while working on the final cut of the footage.

The program includes, among other things:

• the grammar of film language and the principles of scene direction,
• screenwriting and film dramaturgy,
• feature film, documentary, and commercial directing,
• working with actors and directing on set,
• the basics of sound engineering, editing, and production,
• image post-production and VFX principles,
• film analysis and aesthetics,
• the theory of modern media and film distribution,
• the production of short films and individual film projects,
• preparing to work in the industry and building a portfolio.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• is able to consciously manage an audiovisual project from concept to finished product,
• understands the relationship between directing, cinematography, editing, and post-production,
• makes creative and organizational decisions in a consistent and responsible manner,
• is able to work with actors and develop scenes across various film genres,
• is able to communicate the project to the team and coordinate the team’s work,
• is ready to break into the film, advertising, or television industry.

The Film Directing program at AMA is designed for those who want to take charge of a project as a whole—not just come up with ideas, but actually bring them to life.

FAQ — Film Directing in Warsaw (On-Campus Program)

What do I learn in the Film Directing program at AMA? The program covers the full spectrum of directing: from the grammar of film language and working with actors, through staging and dramaturgy, to directing fiction films, documentaries, and commercials. Students also learn the basics of cinematography, editing, post-production, and sound production—because a good director understands the work of the entire crew.

What kinds of films do students make while they’re studying? Over the course of two years, students produce short films and complete exercises in various genres (master shot, on-camera editing, multi-camera systems), as well as a final project at the end of the first year and an original graduation film at the conclusion of the entire program. The projects are evaluated by professionals from the film industry.

What is it like to work with actors in this program? Working with actors is one of the key elements of the program. Students learn how to direct actors in dialogue, descriptive, and symbolic scenes, how to stage scenes on set, and how to build relationships between the director and the cast. Classes are taught by experienced directors who are currently active in the Polish film industry.

Do I need prior filmmaking experience to enroll? It is not required. The admission requirements are an interview and the submission of a portfolio—of film, photography, visual art, or literary work—that allows us to assess the candidate’s aptitude and motivation. The program is built from the ground up, so we accept both those who are new to filmmaking and those with some prior experience.

What is a graduation film, and what does the final exam entail? To complete the program and earn a diploma, students must produce an original graduation film, which is then presented to the public during an open exam. Students also take a theoretical exam. Those who pass both parts receive an AMA Film Academy diploma.

What kinds of jobs can a Film Directing graduate pursue? Graduates are prepared to work as directors of feature films, documentaries, commercials, and television programs. The program also opens up career paths as an assistant director, second unit director, editing director, video content creator for streaming platforms, or director of commercials and corporate videos. Some graduates build careers as filmmakers at national and international film festivals.

Does the program also cover working with new media and AI tools? Yes. The second year of the program covers topics related to modern media, digital distribution, and new film formats specific to streaming platforms and social media. Students will also learn about the possibilities that AI tools offer during the pre-production phase—visualization, storyboarding, and shot planning—which is an increasingly important skill for today’s directors.

DIPLOMA

To complete the Film Directing program and earn a diploma, students must produce an original graduation film that is screened for an audience during an open exam and pass a theoretical exam. Students who pass both parts of the exam receive an AMA Film Academy diploma.