Overview
The Master in Cinematography will train you to become the professional responsible for the artistic creation of images for the mise-en-scène of cinematic, television, and audiovisual productions. To carry out this role, the cinematographer must make crucial decisions regarding lighting, lenses, framing, composition, and textures, with the clear objective of collaborating in the creation of the visual identity of the audiovisual work.
Over the past ten years, cinematography has undergone the greatest technological revolution in its history. The transition from photochemical to digital technology has posed a major challenge for many professionals, leading them into a new universe of possibilities where it is easy to fall behind or simply never fully grasp the medium.
There are very few schools left in the world that continue to use film negative as an essential part of a cinematographer’s learning phase. At ESCAC, we believe that shooting on celluloid provides the student with a fundamental learning tool for the mental visualization of a lighting setup. The absence of the monitoring tools provided by digital cameras enhances the student’s visual learning and leaves a lasting mark, equipping them with a unique methodology.
This method, which has been part of our school since its foundation and has trained several generations of renowned cinematography professionals, teaches students to trust their own eye, gain confidence through experience and, ultimately, follow their creative instincts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s programme, the student will be able to master:
- AESTHETIC AND VISUAL DIRECTION
- Design the visual style and creative approach of a project, achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.
- NARRATIVE LIGHTING
- Design lighting schemes that support and enhance the screenplay from a narrative and dramatic perspective for each set or location.
- IMAGE SUPERVISION
- Oversee the overall visual quality and consistency of each scene.
- CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
- Research and develop conceptual designs, reaching an aesthetic consensus with the other departments involved in the production.
- AUDIOVISUAL ARTISTIC CREATION
- Take responsibility for the artistic creation of images for the staging of any audiovisual work.
- ON-SET LEADERSHIP
- Lead a crew effectively and make appropriate technical and creative decisions in a real production environment.
- TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
- Acquire the technical knowledge required to confidently undertake any project and demonstrate the leadership expected from a department head.
- INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
- Gain a thorough understanding of the tools, workflows and procedures used in the contemporary film industry.
Applicant Profile
- Graduates and degree holders in Audiovisual Communication, Fine Arts, or other university-level degrees related to the audiovisual field, who can demonstrate their experience in the medium through a showreel.
- Students from film schools or other artistic disciplines.
- Students holding a Higher Vocational Training Certificate (HND equivalent) in audiovisual project realization and live events, or equivalent.
- Professionals with proven experience in the audiovisual sector wishing to make a career switch or update their skills.
- Professionals in the film or audiovisual sector seeking to deepen their knowledge of cinematography.
Admissions
To apply for this Master’s programme, the following materials must be submitted:
- Video pitch (max. 3 minutes).
- CV / Resume.
- A selection of projects completed as a cinematographer or an updated showreel.
In cases where further clarification is needed to make a final admission decision, the programme directors will conduct an online interview with the candidate.
Curriculum
Programme Name: Master in Cinematography (Institutional Degree)
Minimum programme duration and credits: One academic year and 60 credits
Dates
Academic Calendar
- Start of the academic year: September 14, 2026.
- End of the instructional period: February 26, 2027.
- First call for Master’s Final Project submission: July 1, 2027.
- Second call for Master’s Final Project submission: October 1, 2027.
Schedule
- Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.