Qualification
5-Week Intensive Filmmaking Programme
5-Week Intensive Filmmaking Programme
Five weeks of filmmaking at ESCAC: shoot on 16 mm, direct actors and co-direct two short films on a professionally prepared set, from script to final screening.
This five-week intensive programme immerses aspiring filmmakers in the creative and practical processes of filmmaking, with a particular focus on directing actors. Students explore character, dramatic action, performance, mise-en-scène, cinematography and sound through workshops and collaborative productions.
The first week centres on a short character-introduction exercise shot on 16 mm: an immediate encounter with analogue filmmaking, creative constraints and teamwork. During the second and third weeks, students deepen their directing skills through rehearsals with actors, scene work and preparation for two short films per team.
In the final two weeks, students shoot on a set prepared by ESCAC and rotate roles between productions. Each team makes two short films, for a total of ten across the programme. Editing, sound and finishing culminate in a final showcase.
Each student arrives with an original three-page script based on a shared premise provided in advance by the school and takes part in selecting the two projects for their team.
For emerging filmmakers and international students seeking an intensive, hands-on film directing experience. Ideal for those interested in performance, storytelling, analogue filmmaking and collaborative creation. A willingness to share decisions and responsibilities is required.
Through practical workshops and three collaborative film projects, students develop creative judgement, technical knowledge and the ability to transform a script into a completed audiovisual work.
Create distinctive characters and concise dramatic situations.
Translate narrative intent into mise-en-scène and visual storytelling.
Direct actors through objectives, actions, movement and rehearsals.
Shape performances, rhythm and point of view through cinematic choices.
Adapt a creative vision to the possibilities and limitations of a set.
Understand the 16 mm filming process, from exposure to scanning.
Plan shots, camera positions, lighting and coverage.
Prepare a set for filming and collaborate in different crew roles.
Organise filmed material and develop an edit with a coherent dramatic rhythm.
Take part in sound editing, basic finishing and delivery.
Analyse scenes, characters and dramatic objectives.
Assess script proposals for artistic potential and feasibility.
Prepare breakdowns, shot lists, storyboards and shooting schedules.
Anticipate continuity, performance and production constraints.
Review filmed material and identify possible improvements.
Present and clearly defend a creative proposal.
Give actors useful direction and constructive feedback.
Listen to the team and negotiate shared creative decisions.
Coordinate responsibilities within a small team.
Present and discuss completed work with an audience.
Make decisions confidently within time and resource constraints.
Respond constructively to criticism and creative uncertainty.
Take on individual responsibilities and shared deliverables.
Adapt to rotating roles and collaborative leadership.
Reflect critically on your own filmmaking practice.
The programme develops skills useful to aspiring directors and creative collaborators in fiction filmmaking. It offers practical experience for continuing studies, producing independent short films and taking entry-level roles in audiovisual projects.



Character development, scriptwriting, shot design, and camera and lighting preparation. Teams shoot a brief character introduction on 16 mm, then develop, scan, edit and finish the piece.
Communication between directors and performers, objectives, motivation, movement and rehearsals. Teams work with actors, select two scripts based on the shared prompt and begin breaking them down and planning shots.
Subtext, emotional transitions, scene work and final rehearsals with actors. Teams finalise scripts, casting, shot lists, lighting plans, crew roles and shooting schedules.
Each team shoots two short films on a set prepared by ESCAC, alternating responsibilities between productions. A simple exterior shoot may be scheduled if justified.
Editing, sound and finishing the films, followed by a public screening, presentations and feedback. The programme may be complemented by masterclasses or film experiences.
Learning is practical and collaborative. Students begin by making a character piece on 16 mm and then develop their directing skills through workshops with actors, scene analysis and rehearsals. Each participant contributes a three-page script based on a shared prompt; each team selects two to produce. Tutors support development, planning and pre-production.
In the final two weeks, teams shoot two short films on a set prepared by ESCAC and rotate roles. Editing, sound and finishing culminate in a screening.
Film experiences, masterclasses and participation in the BASS Festival complement the practical work, depending on the schedule.
Collective creation of a character piece, from the idea and filming through to scanning and post-production.
Practical rehearsals, movement, scene work and directing performances with actors.
Collective project selection, narrative analysis, shot design, production planning and rehearsals.
Two collective shoots per team, with rotating roles and the possibility of a simple exterior shoot.
Selected masterclasses and screenings, subject to scheduling.
Editing, sound, finishing and presentation of the completed films.
A continuous, practical assessment is proposed, evaluating participation, preparation, collaboration, creative decisions and development in directing. Evidence includes the 16 mm piece, exercises with actors, the script and pre-production documentation, contributions to the two final short films and the public presentation. The specific criteria and any weighting must be approved by academic coordination.
The programme will feature filmmakers and industry professionals who regularly collaborate with ESCAC and combine professional experience with practical teaching.
Adriana Vila (16 mm filmmaking), Adrián de Núñez (directing actors), Gerard Claramunt (short film development), Andrea Mezquida (cinematography) and Joaquín Fáundez (sound) are expected to take part.
Their participation is subject to availability; if necessary, they will be replaced by professionals and teachers of equivalent standing from ESCAC’s regular network.
5-Week Intensive Filmmaking Programme
Christian Checa
28/06/2026
Week 1: Monday to Friday, 7 hours/day (10:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00).
Weeks 2–3: Monday to Friday, 10:00–14:00.
Weeks 4–5: filming in shifts, usually 08:00–20:00, including preparation; final editing and post-production, and Saturday screening.
Special weekend activities vary.
In person
€4.500 including accommodation
€3.500 without accommodation
20-24
TBC
31/07/2026
English
9 ECTS — provisional estimate of study workload
ESCAC Terrassa Campus
The programme is aimed at emerging filmmakers and international students interested in collective film directing and production.
Professional experience is not required. Basic knowledge of storytelling and audiovisual language is recommended, as is feeling comfortable developing a short dramatic scene in script form and showing curiosity, initiative and a willingness to work as part of a team.
Previous training in film, audiovisual media or creative disciplines may be useful, but is not compulsory.
Before arrival, admitted students must prepare an original script of approximately three pages. ESCAC will provide each team with a shared dramatic situation involving two characters and a predetermined set/location. Each student will develop their own version. Teams will be assigned in advance based on portfolios and creative profiles. A simple exterior location may be included if the story warrants it.
Registration opens for the 27-28 academic year: 2 November 2026
Candidates must complete the pre-registration form available on this same website.
Candidates must provide links to their Portfolio, a Video pitch (maximum 3 minutes) and their CV.
The Admissions team and academic coordination will review the submitted documentation and assess the application.
If deemed necessary, the programme management may conduct an online interview with the applicant as part of the selection process.
Once admission has been communicated, the applicant may proceed to reserve a place and then complete enrolment, following the instructions provided by ESCAC.