Operational

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Cinematography program at AMA Warsaw is a two-year on-campus program for those who want to learn how to create a cinematic image—from exposure and optics to lighting, color, and frame composition. The program combines a solid theoretical foundation in cinematography with intensive practical work: each semester concludes with a cinematography short film assessed by industry professionals.

Classes are held from Tuesday through Thursday—every day, on a regular schedule throughout the academic year. This is an intensive program focused on quickly developing cinematography skills through systematic work behind the camera, on set, and in the studio. Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 students, which ensures that every student gets real hands-on experience working with the camera.

The program is offered in collaboration with Non Stop Filmservice and Luksfilm, and is supported by the Polish Film Institute.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Cinematography program at AMA Warsaw is designed for people who want to learn how to consciously craft a cinematic image—to understand lighting, framing, and camera movement, and to use them to tell a story. This is not a course on how to operate equipment. It is a program that teaches cinematography as both a craft and a visual language—from the technical fundamentals to creative aesthetic decisions.

The program is a two-year, on-campus program: classes are held from Tuesday through Thursday on a regular weekly schedule, which allows students to quickly and systematically develop their cinematography skills. The first year lays the foundation: working with the camera, exposure, optics, lighting, and black-and-white and color film exercises. The second year focuses on specialization and in-depth study—advanced lighting techniques, camera movement, on-set VFX, internships on film sets, and the production of an original graduation film.

At AMA, cinematographers learn not only how to shoot—they learn to think in images. The program covers the history and analysis of cinematographic styles, color theory, aesthetics, and visual storytelling—all of which directly inform the decisions made on set, behind the camera, and in collaboration with the director.

Who is this program for?

The Film Production program is for people who:

• want to learn the trade of a film operator through a weekend program,
• are interested in imagery, light, composition, and visual language,
• want to work on feature films, documentaries, commercials, or television productions,
• combine their studies with work and need a flexible class schedule,
• want to develop their own visual style and original approach to imagery,
• They want to gain practical experience on a film set, not just in the classroom.

This is a good program for those who want to enter the film industry with a solid foundation in cinematography—regardless of their starting point.

What You’ll Learn

During the program, you will develop the skills required of a cinematographer—from technical, artistic, and production perspectives. You will learn:

• operate HD, 4K, 6K, and 8K video cameras and work with RAW, LOG, and HDR formats,
• set the exposure, select the lens, and work with digital cinematography reference charts,
• set up lighting in a studio, on location, and in natural indoor settings,
• compose shots and operate the camera—including using a Steadicam, cranes, and dollies,
• shoot dynamic footage: car chases, helicopters, scenes in challenging conditions,
• understand color theory and develop a cohesive visual concept for a project,
• analyze directorial styles and consciously draw on the history of cinema,
• work with the director and crew on set,
• produce cinematography studies—black-and-white, color, and graduation projects,
• work with on-set VFX and understand image post-production.

What Is Learning Like?

The program is practical and project-based—each semester concludes with a cinematography etude that is presented to and evaluated by industry professionals. Classes are held on weekends every other week (8 sessions per semester), which allows for an intensive learning experience while maintaining flexibility. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 students.

The program includes, among other things:

• working with a camera — from the basics to advanced production techniques,
• lighting and staging workshops,
• lens tests and style tests,
• exercises with a Steadicam, stabilizers, and grip systems,
• the production of cinematography studies—black-and-white and color (first year),
• thesis film (second year) with individual consultations,
• classes on the film set and at the AMA studio,
• internships on film sets and in productions through a partnership with PRG Cinegate,
• film analysis and cinematography theory,
• art history and aesthetics.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• is able to operate professional camera and lighting equipment independently,
• He consciously constructs the cinematic image—framing, lighting, color, movement,
• makes aesthetic and technical decisions appropriate to the style and genre of the production,
• understands the relationship between camerawork and directing, editing, and post-production,
• is able to work on a film crew and communicate a visual concept,
• He is ready to enter the film, advertising, and television industries as a cinematographer.

The Cinematography program at AMA is a path to a career that combines technical precision with artistic sensibility—for those who want to be in charge of how every shot looks.

FAQ — Telecommunications in Warsaw (Part-Time)

What do I learn in the Film Production program at AMA? The program covers the full scope of a cinematographer’s work: exposure, optics, frame composition, lighting techniques in the studio and on location, working with digital cameras (4K, 6K, 8K, RAW, LOG), camera movement using a Steadicam and dolly, stylistic tests, and on-set VFX. Alongside practical training comes theory: the history of cinematography, aesthetics, visual storytelling, and style analysis.

What is the part-time program like—when and how often are classes held? Classes are held on weekends: Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on a biweekly basis. One semester consists of 8 sessions. This schedule allows students to balance their studies with work or other activities.

Do I need my own equipment for this major? No. Students have access to AMA’s well-stocked rental inventory—including camera, lighting, sound, and grip equipment—as well as a film studio and state-of-the-art editing suites. The program is offered in collaboration with PRG Cinegate by AMA Rental.

What etudes are covered during the course? In their first year, students complete an individual black-and-white etude (first-semester requirement) and a color etude (second-semester requirement). Both projects are evaluated by industry professionals. In the second year, students produce an original graduation film, on which they work with individual consultations.

Is it possible to work on actual movie sets? Yes. As part of the program, students participate in productions by AMA Film Production and complete internships on professional film sets and on projects in collaboration with PRG Cinegate. This is a key element of the program—learning through real-world production experience.

What is on-set VFX, and why is it included in the program? On-set VFX refers to techniques for working with visual effects directly on set—including green screen, practical effects, and planning shots for post-production. A modern cinematographer must understand how the footage will be processed after production in order to make the right technical and artistic decisions while shooting.

What is a graduation film, and what does the final exam entail? To graduate from the program, students must produce an original graduation film, which is presented to an audience during an open exam, and pass a theoretical exam. Students who pass receive a diploma from the AMA Film Academy.

DIPLOMA

To complete the Cinematography program and earn a diploma, students must produce an original graduation film, which is presented to 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.

Institutions Supporting the Program

Program supported by
The Polish Film Institute
and its equipment partners.