Cinematography

Scholarships Available

2 Years Full-time

Main Campus In person

Application deadline has now passed for Jan 2025

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Cinematography

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.

camera crew on tv show set
Roger Deakins

"I don’t think I would have had an opportunity to make a living as a DoP without the NFTS. It was everything for me."

Suzie Lavelle
Normal People, Conversations with Friends, His Dark Materials

“I am grateful every day for the opportunity that I was given. The NFTS gave me a solid base from which to move forward.”

Sir Roger Deakins
Oscar-winning NFTS graduate

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.

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.

Upcoming Events

Tutors

Student Showcase

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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...

Doctor Who (2023-4)

73 Yards and Dot and Bubble: Cinematographer Sam Care

Doctor Who publicity still

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...

Inside No. 9

Cinematographer Sean Van Hales

Inside No 9 publicity still

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...

The End We Start From

Cinematographer Suzie Lavelle

The End We Start From film poster

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

Tetris publicity still

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

Heartstopper TV poster

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

Ted Lasso Season 3

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

Russian Doll TV Poster

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

Wednesday poster for Netflix

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.

Empire of Light poster

Social Media Highlights

NFTS Cinematography students visiting Panavision
2nd Year Cinematography students go behind the scenes at Panavision

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New students participating in workshop
1st year students on main stage participating in our Camera Operating Workshop

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Church lit up for large light spaces workshop
Students light up church in Large Light Spaces workshop

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image of man with reflection of woman in window
Beyond Time NFTS workshop, shot with two rolls of 16mm 250D

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Students sitting with Anthony Dod Mantle
Huge thanks to Anthony Dod Mantle ASC for coming in to talk to our students!

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Oliver Stapleton with student on shoot at River Thames
Filming at the River Thames with Head of Department Oliver Stapleton.

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Students with Ben Davis
Thanks to Ben Davis for giving up his time and sharing his advice. Ben recently shot the amazing The Banshees of Inisherin.

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