FAQs about the L.F.S.
We are frequently asked the following questions, the answers to which will provide you with additional information about the film school. The list will be updated from time to time, if and when any relevant questions arise.
Questions:
- Do I need a degree to study at LFS?
- Do you accept students who haven't made films?
- How practical are the courses?
- Can I specialise?
- What is included in the fees?
- Where can I get funding?
- Do I have to attend an interview?
- What are the deadlines for applications?
- Can I contact recent graduates?
- When can I visit the school?
Answers:
Do I need a degree to study at LFS?
You don't need a degree to enrol on the MA Filmmaking course if you have been working as a filmmaker, or in a related field. For our MA Screenwriting course you may already have been working in a writing environment, though not necessarily in film. We actively support applicants who have a commitment to filmmaking or screenwriting and wants to expand their skills and understanding. We are happy to take the right experience as equivalent to a first degree.
Do you accept students who haven't made films?
If you haven't made films but feel you have the ability and fit our minimum entry requirements then apply. We believe that filmmaking talent shows itself in many different ways, so we would be interested in you if you have a passion for film but a background or portfolio of work in theatre or journalism or still photography or graphic design or other creative discipline - we are open to listen to why you think you are a filmmaker.
How practical are the courses?
The MA Filmmaking at LFS must be one of the most practical film courses in the world. We are dedicated to teaching people to make films by making films. In each twelve week term 120 students between them make 50 or so films in 16mm and 35mm, (as well as directing exercises on dv, practices shoots on film, etc.) Each student is trained in the central filmmaking skills, directing, lighting, cameras, editing, sound and production design, on professional equipment, Panaflex, digital Nagra, Avid etc., learning professional procedures, and then developing them in the film exercises.
Can I specialise?
Most students join our course with a clear sense of their direction: they will be directors, directors of photography, editors, etc. Nonetheless every MA Filmmaking student attends classes in all the different craft areas, develop their skills in these areas to a reasonable level, and demonstrate their abilities by working on film exercises. Whatever your speciality, we give you a serious practical knowledge of what the different people working on your films will be doing. We think this is central to creating filmmakers. Of course you will wish to take your own specialisms much further than that and we will do that with you.
We also have a new 4 intensive weeks programme spread over one year in Editing, Producing, Production Design and Sound and a range of short and part-time courses under the LFS Workshops banner.
What is included in the fees?
As well as the cost of tuition, the fees for MA Filmmaking include production costs on your films and film stock, equipment and processing, as well as a substantial budget for your graduation film. LFS is a non-profit educational charity and spends its money only on your education.
Where can I get funding?
Skillset funding enables LFS to offer bursary-funded places for the MA Filmmaking programme until 2009. Bursaries cover all but £5,200 of each year's fees and are available to UK QUALIFYING STUDENTS (UK or EU citizens) who can demonstrate economic need through a MEANS TEST. Applicants need to be offered a place before they can apply for a bursary. MA degrees at LFS are eligible for US Federal Stafford Loans and private loans.
Students are also encouraged to investigate funding opportunities in their own countries. Below are some web-based resources on scholarships and loans which may prove useful -
- UK Students
- Advice on funding further study (Prospects)
- Scholarship Search
- http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/postgraduate.htm - (for Scottish Students)
- Assistance with Training and Study
- Information about Career Development Loans (Directgov)
- Studying expenses and advice on financial help (HERO)
- Financial help and advice if you are studying (support4learning)
- Students outside the UK
- The Council for International Education - www.ukcosa.org.uk
- Association of Commonwealth Universities - www.acu.ac.uk
- Funding your studies (British Council)
- US - Federal Student Aid including information on Stafford Loans - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
- US - Marshall Scholarships http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Do I have to attend an interview?
If you live in Britain, you will be expected to attend an interview when your application is being considered. Applicants living abroad and who cannot visit the school will be required to take part in a telephone interview.
What are the deadlines for applications?
MA Filmmaking: Deadlines are usually around two months before the end of the term before the one you wish to join. Approximate dates would be 1st June for the following Autumn Term, starting in September; 1st October for the Spring Term, starting in January; and 1st February for the Summer Term, starting in May. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, particularly if they wish to apply for one of the Skillset bursaries.
Check the enrolment page for the next deadline
MA Screenwriting: The deadline for applications for the one-year course starting in September is 1st June. September is the only entry point for this course. Special consideration may be given in individual circumstances, so always enquire if there are valid reasons why you are unable to submit your application in time.
Can I contact recent graduates?
The school has a database of graduates who are very willing to talk to prospective students and offer advice. If you would like to contact a graduate in your territory, please email the school secretary Lesley Edge
In addition you can read testimonials by graduates.
When can I visit the school?
We offer guided tours around the school on most Thursday afternoons throughout the term which includes a chance to look at some student films. If you would like to book a place on one of the tours, please email Roger Chinn - r.chinn@lfs.org.uk. It is essential that you contact us in advance to check tour dates.
