FILM AND TV DIRECTING (BA)

About the Study Program

The undergraduate university program in Film and Television Directing at the Academy of Dramatic Art integrates expressive forms of television program production, fiction, documentary, and hybrid film. The graduate program offers two specializations: fiction and documentary directing. Although there have been initiatives to establish a graduate program in television directing, this has not yet materialized.

The undergraduate program in Film and TV Directing is based on continuous practical work through film directing exercises, most of which result in complete film or television works. Each year, an average of five applicants are admitted to the undergraduate program, having met the requirements of the entrance exam. In addition to familiarity with the recommended film studies literature and a general interest in film, applicants must submit a complete film work. The admissions committee evaluates all submitted works with equal attention, whether they were created independently or through some form of collaboration. Both documentary and fiction films produced within school programs or educational initiatives of film associations are welcomed. The specific elements and process of the entrance exam for both the undergraduate (BA) and graduate (MA) programs are published on the Academy’s website.

Courses in the undergraduate Film and TV Directing program are divided into three major groups: practical courses in film directing, practical courses in television directing, and practical courses in screenwriting, along with film studies courses covering film theory and film history. Throughout their three years of study, students will engage with fiction film, documentary film, commissioned film, and hybrid forms. Each academic year, alongside passing theoretical courses in film theory, film history, and film aesthetics, students will complete at least one exercise in at least three of these film categories.

Beyond the practical directing courses, the curriculum across all three years includes screenwriting courses. Given that film is a collaborative art form, the program also offers courses that foster collaboration with other film artists, as well as courses in world literature. In addition to mandatory courses, students can choose from a variety of elective courses based on their interests.

Throughout their studies, students collaborate on their academic productions with three other autonomous film departments (Cinematography, Editing, and Production). This organic connection closely mirrors the professional environment they will encounter after graduation. The study of film-related content is systematically integrated with other departments at the Academy of Dramatic Art, such as the Department of Dramaturgy (screenwriting and script analysis), the Acting Department (acting exercises), and occasionally the Theater and Radio Directing Department, particularly in cases of live television broadcasts of student theater productions.

Some student projects created as part of coursework go on to become independent films screened at international and regional film festivals or on television. However, it is important to note that awards and festival participation are not the primary goals of the program, but rather opportunities for students to gain experience and expand their knowledge and skills.

The professional equipment used for instruction is regularly updated and aligned with global technical, technological, and innovative standards. Today, the Academy of Dramatic Art boasts an impressive technological base, including state-of-the-art camera, lighting, and editing equipment, allowing for the simultaneous production of numerous student projects. Funding for student productions is provided by the Academy’s administration, while the mentor overseeing each production assesses the scope and justification of the costs. Students have the freedom to independently choose and assemble their production teams.

History and Tradition

The Film and TV Directing program originated from the Film Directing courses taught by Ante Babaja and Zvonimir Berković, introduced in 1967 at the Academy of Theatrical Arts. Following the reorganization of the Academy in the 1976/1977 academic year, the Film and TV Directing program became an independent study program alongside the Editing and Cinematography programs. At that time, the Academy became part of the University of Zagreb, and the Film and TV Directing program was established as a four-year university program.

In 2008, as part of the Bologna Process reform of higher education, the previously existing four-year program was restructured. Today, the Film and TV Directing program is divided into undergraduate and graduate study programs.

About the Teachers

The influence of the program’s founders remains present today in the Department of Film and TV Directing, where faculty members bring diverse sensibilities, interests, and expertise, adding significant value to the program. All faculty members are actively involved in various aspects of film and television directing, participate in major film festivals, professional associations, film councils, and the Croatian Audiovisual Center (HAVC). Our professors and lecturers direct television, fiction, and documentary series, television programs, as well as short and feature-length fiction, documentary, and hybrid films. They have received numerous awards at regional and international festivals, a number only surpassed by our students.

The mandatory and/or recommended elective courses in the BA Film and TV Directing program are taught by the following faculty members: Igor Bezinović, Goran Dević, Tonći Gaćina, Zvonimir Jurić, Hana Jušić, Mario Kozina, Ivan Miladinov, Antonio Nuić, Zrinko Ogresta, Robert Orhel, Sonja Tarokić, and Snježana Tribuson.

Career Prospects after Graduation

Upon completing the undergraduate program in Film and TV Directing, students earn the academic title of Bachelor (Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea) of Film and Television Directing. In their professional careers, they engage with all aspects of film and television production and are prepared to work in professional environments as directors of film or television content.

Thanks to the extensive collaborations and knowledge acquired during their studies, graduates can also work as assistant and associate directors, as well as in production roles. Alumni of the Film and TV Directing program currently direct over sixty percent of all fiction and documentary projects funded by the Croatian Audiovisual Center and have successful careers as directors of commissioned films. Many are involved in the most-watched television projects as directors and creative producers.