COURSE OVERVIEW
The only two-year specialist cinematography MA in the UK.
Learn the art and craft of cinematography, combining creative expression with technical expertise. Collaborate with fellow students, shooting several films, with the opportunity to shoot both live action and animation. You’ll have access to a range of camera equipment including 16mm and 35mm film as well as Alexa XT and Alexa Mini Cameras, while you learn first-hand from Industry professionals and then graduate with the experience and knowledge to shoot cross-genre for film and television.
Content Tabs
This highly practical course explores the many ways in which the cinematographer participates in the collaborative process of translating screenplays into films. Exercises, workshops, masterclasses and productions, supported by critical and analytical study of the history and development of cinematography, will give you a solid foundation in the art and craft of your future career.
COURSE FACILITIES
You will have access to our range of over 50 film and digital video cameras, which includes Arri Alexa, Alexa Mini, Arri SRIII (S16mm), Aaton XTR Prod (S16mm), Aaton 35mm, Blackmagic Ursas, Pockets and Mini Ursas (including outside broadcast ability), Sony FS7, Canon C200 and Panasonic DVX200 Doc/Broadcast cameras. Our large stock of grip equipment and a wide range of lighting allows you to maximise your creativity in any situation.
You’ll be working with film, and also training in High Definition, Digital Cinema and Digital Post Production. We emphasise visual storytelling alongside the art of creating mood and evoking emotion through the right combination of composition and lighting. You’ll be working closely with students of other specialisations, and have the opportunity to shoot fiction, animation and documentary films, commercials and multi-camera television.
During the course you will be provided with tutorials, seminars, screen studies, workshops and Masterclasses with specialist tutors and visiting professionals.
We are looking for people with innate talent. Therefore, previous training in these areas is not mandatory but some basic technical knowledge is required. Experience gained from working in the camera department of the film and television industry is helpful but not essential.
You will need an understanding of the role of the Director of Photography and its creative and logistical responsibilities, and demonstrate good communication, collaborative skills and leadership qualities.
You must have a good understanding of “cinematic language” and demonstrate this in your submitted film material.
While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record (for instance, in theatre or other arts) or an alternative qualification.
International students Visa and English language requirements
If you have any questions, please email info@nfts.co.uk.
The following item(s) should accompany your online application:
- You will be asked to provide up to 3 Vimeo link(s) of your work. The total combined length of those links should not exceed 15 minutes.
- At least one piece of work should contain a continuous narrative piece of fiction and/or documentary film that you have shot. It should clearly identify you as the camera operator and also the creator of the lighting design, i.e. that you are Cinematographer/Director of Photography.
- Your work should demonstrate a strong visual sensibility and an awareness of the considerations of camera operating, composition and lighting and their potential for creating mood and atmosphere. Most importantly, your fiction film should have a clear element of visual narrative and show your ability to tell a story with images, using all the elements that can be brought to contribute to it. Each submitted item must have original titles and credits at the beginning and the end. Works in progress are not acceptable.
Applications open 8th January 2024. We are happy to receive applications from 8th January until the midnight of the application deadline date.
Funding Available
The NFTS awards more scholarships and bursaries to British students, relative to the size of our student body, than almost any other educational institution in the UK. Scholarships available include the Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship, supported by Netflix. If you’re successful at gaining a place on the course, you will be contacted by our funding team with details on how to apply for one of these scholarships.
Tutors
Student Showcase
Jellyfish and Lobster (trailer)
2023 graduation film
Director/Writer - Yasmin Afifi
Producer - Elizabeth Rufai
Cinematographer - Linda Wu
Two residents of a care home form an unlikely relationship while struggling to come to terms with the inevitability of their impending end of life.
Tremolo (trailer)
2022 graduation film
Director/Writer - Jade Li
Producer - Thijme Grol
Cinematographer - Martyna Jakimowska
A young Chinese violinist battles with a tremble in her right hand that resurfaces during her first week as a soloist for a prestigious British orchestra.
From The Top (trailer)
2023 graduation animation film
Director/Animator - Rich Farris
Producer - Martina Buendia Silva
Cinematographer - R. J. Ong
Things haven’t gone quite the way Robin expected them to, so she decides the time has come to get rid of her drum kit. But giving up her passion might not be as simple as she anticipates.
Do Not Feed The Pigeons (trailer)
2021 graduation animation film
Director - Antonin Niclass
Producer - Jordi Morera
Cinematographer - Taylor Shulin
In a coach station, around 2am, a collection of lonely and tired travellers are waiting for the coach. Somehow, in that cold and depressing place, the resident pigeons manage to create a magical connection between them for a beautiful instant.
Winner of the 2022 BAFTA for Best British Short Animation
Car Projection Workshop (behind the scenes)
Watch behind the scenes where first year students are taking part in a rear projection workshop as part of the course – learning the craft of rear projection when shooting in cars.
Take 2 Painting Workshop (behind the scenes)
MA Cinematography students take part in a series of lighting and camerawork challenges.
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Tetris
Cinematographer Alwin Kuchler
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Heartstopper
Series 1: Cinematographer Diana Olifirova
Series 2: Cinematographer Simona Susnea
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Ted Lasso
Cinematographer Vanessa Whyte
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
This Is Going To Hurt
Cinematographer Nick Cooke
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Russian Doll
Cinematographer Urszula Pontikos
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Wednesday
Cinematographer Stephen Pehrsson
Graduate Success
NFTS graduates are in demand internationally, and consistently work as Cinematographers on feature films, High-End TV, commercials and other award-winning productions for major broadcasters and streamers.
Recent credits include...
Empire of Light
Cinematographer Roger Deakins
Nominated for the EE BAFTA and Academy Awards 2023 for Cinematography.
Social Media Highlights
Students light up church in Large Light Spaces workshop
Beyond Time NFTS workshop, shot with two rolls of 16mm 250D
Huge thanks to Anthony Dod Mantle ASC for coming in to talk to our students!
Filming at the River Thames with Head of Department Oliver Stapleton.
