University degrees: Postgraduate
Course length: 2 years
Course city: Cologne
The MA Serial Storytelling at the ifs internationale filmschule köln is the first graduate degree program of its kind. Focusing on both local and international series markets, this intensive two-year degree program combines story development skills with collaboration techniques and the innovative approach of artistic research.
This program is ideal for young professionals who aspire to make story development for series projects in a variety of forms and platforms their professional goal. It is the new vision of young professionals like our students that is driving revolutionary change in the industry today.
In a curriculum equally balanced in theory and practice a selected group of max. 16 international students explore traditional, current, and future ways of serial storytelling. Prospective students may apply for one of two tracks: either to study and write in English for international audiences (international track), or in German with a focus on German-language series markets (German track). Over the course of two years, the groups will join together for English language case studies and most seminars, but for more elaborate writing projects they will split into two »tracks«, with approx. 8 students each.
This unique combination of local and international qualities, combined with a strong focus on collaboration skills and innovative strategies will provide the students with the following exceptional learning experiences:
Acquire a wide-ranging skill set that combines the tools of professional screenwriters and an in-depth knowledge of creative teamwork.
Master models and methods of serial storytelling formats.
Learn to create fascinating characters, compelling ensembles, surprising plots, and sustainable concepts.
Gain hands-on experience in collaborative as well as individual screenwriting, including the creation of a complete drama series within a writers’ room led by an expert professional showrunner.
Develop 4-5 serial storytelling projects in different formats over 4 semesters.
Meet and work with highly acclaimed international writers, producers, showrunners and executives such as Lisa Albert (Mad Men), Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time, Game of Thrones), Hagai Levi (The Affair), Jeppe Gjervig Gram & Ingolf Gabold (Borgen), Matthew Graham & John Yorke (Life on Mars), Frank Spotnitz (X-Files, The Man in the High Castle), Peter Nadermann (The Team), Anna & Jörg Winger (Deutschland ’83), Annette Hess (Ku’damm 56), Janna Nandzik (About: Kate), Orkun Ertener (KDD Kriminaldauerdienst), Phil Parker (The Art and Science of Screenwriting), Laurie Hutzler (Nine Powers).
Enjoy privileged networking opportunities, e.g. at international series festivals such as Série Series in Fontainebleau.
Gain professional work experience as a participant of co-operations with German and international broadcasters and festivals (e.g. RTL, ZDF, Sky Germany, Film Festival Cologne).
Explore philosophical and ethical topics and expand your knowledge of serial storytelling in academic as well as artistic research projects.
Experience the opportunity of Cologne’s diverse production community as a center for TV production, software development, web companies, and hi-tech video gaming.
Obtain a skill-set that is directly applicable to a wide range of career paths involving story development.
The MA Serial Storytelling starts every two years in the winter semester.
Duration:
2 years (4 semesters)
Residency:
With 120 ECTS the MA Serial Storytelling is a full-time M.A.. Attendance runs for 11 weeks each semester for the first three semesters. During the fourth semester students will focus on their master’s thesis, which is why attendance in Cologne will be required only for the colloquium, optional bridging Workshops, and the final presentations (approx. 6 weeks).
Degree:
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Number of students:
max. 8 students in the »German track«, max. 8 students in the »international track«
