Film-related universities. Directing department: where to apply, where to study

People ask me (and this happens all the time) where the best directing schools are, and how (and where) is the best way to get into directing for theatre, television or film. Although there are not many directing departments, I decided to speak on this topic in more detail. Let me make a reservation in advance: we are talking about the directing departments of Moscow universities (i.e., Moscow).

Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t advise enrolling in drama directing at my native “alma mater” - RATI-GITIS. Yes, yes, the force of inertia and habit is at work here: after all, I studied there for five years. Which flew by like one day. And what names (we have now): Sergey Zhenovach, Leonid Heifetz, Oleg Kudryashov, Evgeny Kamenkovich, Dmitry Krymov...Behind each name - if not an entire era theatrical arts, then at least half an era - for sure.

However, earlier (back when I was studying) the composition of the drama directing department was, in my opinion, stronger. Firstly, M.A.’s workshop has sunk into oblivion. Zakharov and (and once upon a time, along with Oleg’s workshops Kudryashov and Sergei Zhenovach Yes, it was considered the strongest workshop of the directing department of GITIS). Secondly, for various reasons, several really strong teachers who previously (and long time) were part of the “star” workshops - but integral and self-sufficient creative units. In particular, German has not taught at RATI for a long time Sidakov, who opened his own theater school, within which he is trained in “synthetic” directing, M.L. works as a regular teacher. Feigin, previously part of the workshop of S.A. Golomazov A. Sergei Golomazov himself, a VERY bright and original master with whom I took my “universities,” is not a member of the directing department. Did they get an equivalent replacement? In my opinion, unlikely.

This, however, does not mean at all that training at the directing department of RATI-GITIS has become weaker in recent years. Not at all. There are still places to go and people to teach. Another thing is that, in my opinion, there is a lack of “younger generation” among those teachers who in the future could replace the luminaries. There are few personalities. Those who represented something left or changed their status. And others... No, no, I won’t say anything so as not to offend anyone. But, of course, I have my own opinion about what is happening at the directing department at RATI.

I must say (and this is my strong opinion, tested over the years and by the news of colleagues) that studying at the directing department (for actors) is better than at the acting department. And this despite the fact that recent years there (at the acting department) the composition of the department almost completely changed (Vladimir appeared Andreev,Boris Plotnikov, Sergey Golomazov, Paul Borodin), which, of course, greatly improved the quality of training. In the same time, The acting department of the RATI has never been considered a particularly strong place for training actors, “to please” the more top-end “Pike”, “Sliver”, and partly the Moscow Art Theater School-Studio. However, everything ultimately depends on the workshop. Personally, I liked the way craftsmanship was taught in our course. Although, now I clearly understand where and what mistakes were made by the teachers, and what could be improved (and significantly) in the preparation.

The age for admission to directing at RATI has no clear limit. As a rule, an applicant 30-40 years old is considered suitable for enrollment. Duration of training: 5 years. The number of recruitment places is not clearly regulated.

Previously mentioned by me "School of Drama of German Sidakov"- these are short-term (4 months) acting and directing courses “in one package”. Sidakov - promotes comprehensive training in related theater and film professions, in general group actors, directors and so-called “showrunners” are engaged in— screenwriters and producers are those who develop the idea of ​​a short film and bring it to film embodiment. Wherein, The teacher does not differentiate teaching by niches, cinema and theater are perceived by him as a single creative organism, as a result of which there is no need to separate the training methodology.

Reviews of the school among professionals are extremely positive. If you don’t want to bother with entering classical theater (or film) universities, then this option is just right for you. Although, to be honest, I don’t quite understand how you can master a profession in 4 months. But this probably screams the excessive limitations of my perception.

Directing Department of the Boris Shchukin Theater School- essentially the “younger brother” of what is in RATI. Although “by name” he deviates slightly from his “elder brother”: Sergei Yashin, Yuri Pogrebnichko, Yuri Eremin, Rimas Tuminas— they completely create an aura of “branding” and “nobility”. There are no significant (and very specific) differences in teaching methods between RATI and Pike, but there is a difference in the number of applicants recruited: no more than 28 per course, 50% of which are budget-funded. Besides, if at RATI (in certain cases) you can be enrolled immediately in the second or even third year (this is rare, of course, but such cases have happened), then at “Pike” you will have to start studying from the first year, even if you are as talented as Stanislavsky :)) It’s a pity, but that’s how it is.

By the way, it should be added that - You can also enroll in distance learning at both RATI and Pike. Its specificity is expressed in the fact that you will go to “face-to-face” classes - from time to time. To be honest, I’ve never heard anything special about correspondence courses. good reviews or words. However, if you live somewhere far from Moscow and do not plan to move to the capital or its adjacent areas, an absentee program can become a completely self-sufficient starting point for your creative biography. Although - without extreme reasons - to recommend correspondence form theater training for residents of the capital or near the capital - I would not.

Moscow Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting (MITRO)- the project is, of course, VERY promoted. The Institute positions itself as the most comprehensive cesspool of training in related professions of theater, film and television (show business). Almost every week there are master classes and thematic classes from the invited "stars". Moreover, it doesn’t matter whether they are stars with fundamental creative training or people with, so to speak, ambiguous creative environment reputation, but “exposed” on TV. But there are, of course, many times more “frontments”. Nikita Mikhalkov, Timur Bekmambetov, Alexander Filippenko, Eugene Mironov, Vladimir Vladimirovich Posner, Vladimir Khotinenko, Vladimir Menshov- here is a very incomplete list of leading MITRO master classes.

The presence of such “names” on the lists of people teaching MITRO classes is, of course, amazing. However, what is surprising is that in all the past years (until now) I have not received a single expert (or simply amateur) opinion about the quality of education received at this university. Of course, I exist mainly in a theatrical environment, and MITRO comes from a slightly different opera. But - nevertheless... There is a university, it is promoted, but there is absolutely nothing to say about it (essentially).

Personally, this whole information boom gives me the impression of a kind of incessant cinema-TV party with a spot of streamlining of individual Russian stars, which (party) lasts forever and (almost) does not involve serious training creative professions. This is my personal feeling. Which may not coincide with reality.

The number of available places for MITRO courses is not officially regulated. The university is “famous” for having the shortest (among its existing analogues) set of documents for admission: passport, educational document and three photos. Duration of training (acting and film and television directing): two years.

If you want to engage in film or television directing, it makes sense to pay attention to Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting (GITR). This is a budget and little-promoted analogue of MITRO. But - with a rather strange reputation. Although... if you are not afraid of difficulties, then go ahead!

Since March 2017, in our Moscow theater school short-term (two-month) directing courses are opening. They are addressed to those who want to enter the directing department - a theater university. I won’t explain anything in particular, all the information is presented »

There are many theater theaters in Russia educational institutions and each has its own specifics of work and program for training gifted people. In order for your dream of theater or cinema to come true, you need to choose the right one and enroll in your chosen educational institution. The best theater educational institutions are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

GITIS appeared thanks to P.A. Shostakovsky initially as the Music and Drama School. It is located in Moscow and is the largest in Russia and in the world. GITIS is the best educational institution for studying stage speech. It represents the dream of performing arts talents.

Theater universities, including GITIS, are very different from other educational institutions.

• To enter you need to pass qualifying rounds(there are three of them), after which the applicant has the opportunity to take entrance exams in acting.
• The next stage is a colloquium that evaluates the level of aesthetic and cultural development.
• The final stage of admission is the summation of all points scored with Unified State Examination scores in Russian literature and the Russian language.

Training is carried out on-site and correspondence department. GITIS teaches at eight faculties in all theater disciplines. Directing department is the oldest, there are 9 workshops there. There they train in circus directing and drama directing. Dramatic directing consists of theoretical and practical parts. Practical training teaches the future director to better understand the actor, using knowledge of what components include acting on stage.

What is VGIK

• VGIK is located in Moscow. The university prepares specialists with higher, secondary specialized and additional education. Today, almost all professional filmmakers Russian Federation are graduates of VGIK.
• The directing department of VGIK trains future sound engineers, animation, feature and non-fiction film directors. Admission of those wishing to study is carried out on a competitive basis.
• VGIK trains film and drama actors. Those wishing to study at VGIK in the acting department prepare a reading program, which must be brought to a convincing, exciting viewing, and prepare answers to the questions of the masters.
• The educational institution has an Educational Film Studio for film and video production. VGIK is the only screen arts school in Russia that has such a film studio.

VGIK provides the opportunity to obtain secondary vocational education, as it includes the College of Cinema, Television and Multimedia.

Admission to a theater university

A seminar for applicants will provide information on admission to GITIS or VGIK. The seminar provides information on how to prepare, what is needed, what is important, and where to start. The seminar is held together with GITIS, so teachers who are recruiting students this year are present there. The seminar will tell you the direction of movement and the textbook you need to prepare for.

The seminar is held on a paid basis, lasts several hours, includes master classes and lectures.

Many applicants apply to several educational institutions at once, so their chances of admission increase. From year to year, the competition at GITIS, VGIK and other theater educational institutions is gigantic: up to two hundred people apply for one place. Therefore, auditions are often held before accepting documents.

There are no clear rules by which exams are conducted, as well as criteria for assessing giftedness, since the profession is creative. Admission depends on the person taking the course, so you should find out what he prefers, what his requirements are, and the nature of teaching. An important selection criterion is external data. The acting must be supported by the bright, charismatic appearance of the actor. You should also master the basics of acting theory by choosing a suitable textbook.

What kind of educational institution is VKSR?

Higher Courses for Scriptwriters and Directors is a non-governmental institution of higher and postgraduate professional education in Russia. This is one of the oldest educational institutions in Russia for people with higher education.

The educational institution Higher Courses for Scriptwriters and Directors was founded in 1963 in Moscow. It consists of producing, scriptwriting and directing departments.

At the beginning of the work of the VKSR, students were accepted exclusively from the direction of the Unions of Cinematographers, film studios, and the Republican State Cinema Committee. A little later, during the “thaw” of Khrushchev, courses opened the way to cinema for talented people who had previously received higher education in another specialty. Examples are architect Georgy Danelia, physician Ilya Averbakh, engineer Gleb Panfilov.

How to proceed

Those who wish to study under 35 years of age are enrolled in the courses based on their results creative competition, which is carried out in two stages.

• The preliminary competition is a review by a commission of the submitted works in the form of an autobiography, set out in literary form, works in in writing on the topic “An event or incident in which you were a witness or participant” and reviews of a feature film. In addition, you can submit creative works, made in other types and genres (film, photography, drawings).
• Entrance exams in the form of an interview. The exams are designed to reveal the general level of cultural development of the future student, knowledge in the fields of cinema, music, literature, theater, visual arts. A special task related to the chosen profession is also performed.

Reception of persons who provided Required documents and passed the competition, is carried out after the conclusion of an agreement on the provision of educational services on a paid basis and payment for training.

Training at VKSR

Training takes place in creative workshops, whose leaders are leading film masters. Methodological management is carried out by the councils of the directing and screenwriting departments. The competence of the councils includes discussing all issues related to training, supporting the defense of coursework and dissertations, and making decisions on the graduation of students.

The result of training at the scriptwriting department of VKSR is graduate work as a script full-length film, proposed for release.

Those graduating from the directing department need to prepare a diploma short film consisting of no more than three parts. Graduates are sent to work at the film studios that sent them for training.

Theater educational institutions in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is called the cultural capital of Russia. St. Petersburg is famous for its theater universities and schools. Shchepkinskoye and Shchukinskoye are located here drama schools, which differ radically in the methods of teaching students.

Located in St. Petersburg graduate School directors and screenwriters. Preparation here takes place in two directions:

• Long-term training lasting 2 years (4 semesters), workshops. Takes place in the evenings and on weekends.
• Trainings and courses consisting of 10–15 lessons.

Upon completion of long-term training, a Certificate is issued; if a thesis (script, film) is defended, then a Diploma of Additional Professional Education is issued.

Short-term training involves attending courses and trainings consisting of three, ten or fifteen sessions. They will help you understand the basics of the cinematic profession and which path you should take next, which books on directing you should study, which textbook to prefer.

THE WORLD of Boris Yukhananov

The individual directing workshop of Boris Yuryevich Yukhananov is located in Moscow. Here we work with an actor, composer, artist, choreographer, cameraman, teach the basics of acting, acting and the art of creating a drawing, staging, developing a situation.

The individual directing workshop teaches dramaturgy, screenwriting, philosophy of art, creation of information projects, performances, installations in the field of contemporary art. The specifics of directing, analysis and analysis of the script, frame construction, editing basics, episode development, modern technologies to the cinema.

Creation is being considered television formats, directing television projects and reality shows, the basics of working on TV series, the basics of organizing casting, marketing, the basics of working as a producer.

The workshop implements professional retraining and advanced training in full-time, part-time, part-time and distance learning forms. The purpose of the workshop is to train craftsmen who are able to work effectively in the current modern conditions.

Development of directing abilities in children

In children, director's play appears at an earlier stage than plot-role play. Already in the first year of life, the child moves objects, creating a semblance of communication. Director's play V childhood appears at a time when communication skills with peers are not yet sufficiently developed, the child does not know how to take into account the desires and interests of other people.

By the end of the third year of life, the baby “directs” his own plan with toys that act as characters in the game. Such a game is easier for a child, because inanimate objects do not have own desires. Director's play serves as preparation for communication with peers.

The director's play has a pronounced role-playing character, the main component in it is speech: the child comments on events and his own actions, while changing the intonation, tempo and volume of expressions. The director's play is based on the experience and children's ideas about the world around them. Properly organized by a teacher, parent or educator, it will develop children’s thinking, imagination, and reveal the unknown, which is important during the period of growing up.

Creative skills needs to be developed from the very beginning early childhood. This will determine comprehensive development personality in the future, will lay the foundations for communication with other people, and will allow the development of innate talent. Thanks to improving talent from early childhood, hard work on the path to making your dreams come true, the doors of the best will open theater universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Stage director - director creative group, working on the creation of a film, play or show.

Who is the director?

(fr. regisseur, from lat. rego manage) - the head of a creative team working on the creation of a film, play or show. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in world artistic culture (see choosing a profession based on your interest in school subjects).

Features of the profession

A production director is the creative leader of a film, television or theater project. He is responsible for the artistic component of the work. Actors, cameramen, sound engineers, production designers, movement directors, etc. work under his leadership. The literary basis is a script or a play, and the production director is not always their author. But in the end, it is he who is responsible for what the viewer sees. The success or failure of the project will be associated with his name.

A production director may specialize in the production of feature films or documentaries, theater performances, circus programs, music shows, mass events.

Usually the production director is simply called the director, because and without a clarifying “trailer” it is clear that he is responsible for the production. This applies to any production director, regardless of specialization.

Let us describe some options for this profession.

In the theatre the director manages the creative team involved in the production: he selects actors, works with them on roles, together with the sound engineer and stage designer thinks through the design of the performance, etc. At the same time, he reports to the creative director of the theater (if he is not one himself), and they jointly select the plays for the production. The assistant director helps him solve organizational issues during rehearsals and during the performance. He interacts with technical services, actors, and makes sure that everything happens without a hitch during the performance.

Circus art radically different from the theatrical. Just as a circus troupe differs from a theater troupe: circus performers work in dynasties, practicing their routines for years. They often involve a risk to life. In addition, the circus troupe is not only people, but also trained animals. The circus works to entertain the public, and the main task of the circus director is to make each act as bright and spectacular as possible. All this brings its own specifics to the work of a circus director. However, the principles of his work are similar to the work of a theater director. He thinks through the intrigue of the performance, works with the actors, production designer, design engineers, prop makers, lighting engineers, sound engineer and other participants in the circus show.

Movie- it's complicated manufacturing process. (Like television.) A film director has a whole team of assistants: a second director, a director for working with actors, an assistant director (an assistant director who keeps track of the footage), consultants, etc.

Although at least two of this crew are designated by the word "director", they perform other tasks. For example, the second director (in Western cinema - First Assistant Director) helps the production director in developing the director's script, formulates information for makeup artists, costume artists, acting assistants, etc., and plans the filming process. And makes sure that the entire production process goes smoothly, so that every time set was ready to work, the actors and costume designers were in place, etc. This is a very large amount of work, and usually a film director has two second directors. The acting director (also known as acting assistant or casting director) looks for suitable performers for roles and organizes their photo and screen tests.

The main organizational burden when creating a film is borne by producers, who deal with issues of budget, distribution, etc. The film producer is also responsible for attracting key participants in the process, including the director, unless, of course, he himself is the initiator of the production. Both the producers and the director report to the management of the film studio. The director's work on the film begins with the script. He can take ready script, or can write it himself or in collaboration with a professional screenwriter. He can take ready-made literary work or a completely fresh plot. Even if a film director makes a film based on a ready-made script, he finalizes it in his own way: second-by-second and frame-by-frame he describes the shooting plan for each scene. The result is a director's script. He always studies materials related to the theme of the film and turns to specialists who can advise him on some issues. Participates in drawing up estimates and, together with the producer and second director, outlines a work plan. Together with the production designer, chief cinematographer, and sound engineer, he discusses the artistic concept of the film and its design, approves sketches, designs, scenery, etc. Together with the composer and sound engineer, he outlines the explication of the sound (graphic diagram). Selects actors (with the help of a casting assistant), works with each of them on the role, rehearses scenes, etc. Supervises the filming. When the filming process is completed, he selects the necessary takes and manages the editing and dubbing process.

Some directors successfully combine work in theater and cinema. For example, artistic director Lenkom Theater Mark Zakharov became known back in the 1960s as a theater director. Having headed the theater in 1973 (at that time - the Moscow Theater named after Leninsky Komsomol), he very quickly brought it to the ranks of the most popular in Moscow. Every performance by Zakharov is an event theatrical life capitals: “Funeral Prayer”, “Royal Games”, “Barbarian and Heretic”, the legendary “Juno and Avos” and many others. At the same time, he is the author of wonderful films, loved by millions: “The Twelve Chairs”, “ An ordinary miracle", "The Same Munchausen", "The House That Swift Built", "Formula of Love", "Kill the Dragon".

Workplace

A production director can work in cinema, television, theater, circus, etc. - depending on his specialization. Although some directors successfully realize themselves in different areas.

Salary

Salary as of 04/04/2019

Russia 17000—50000 ₽

Moscow 90000—90000 ₽

Important qualities

The profession of a stage director requires artistry, imaginative thinking, good intelligence, broad outlook, imagination, self-discipline, high ability to work and leadership qualities. One more thing important quality- sense of modernity. The director must feel how relevant a particular topic or idea is in the modern world.

Knowledge and skills

The director must master the theory and practice of directing, acting, the basics of stage and musical arrangement, camera art, understand the laws of dramaturgy. Knowledge of the history of literature, fine arts, theater, and cinema is very important. Knowledge of classical and modern works dramaturgy, cinematography. Knowledge of foreign languages ​​is desirable.

Where to study to become a stage director

Drama and musical theater

• Russian University of Theater Arts - GITIS. Directing department. Department of Drama Directing
• St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. Faculty of Arts. Specialty: Theater Directing
• Theater Institute named after. B. Shchukina. Directing department. Specialty: Theater Directing

And other universities of theatrical art.

Circus, show programs

• Russian University of Theater Arts - GITIS. Directing department. Department of Circus Directing. Specialty: Circus Directing
• Moscow State University culture and arts (MGUKI). Theater and Directing Faculty. Specialty: Theater Directing. Specialization "Variety Directing"
  Specialty: Directing theatrical performances and celebrations. Specializations: “Directing theatrical performances and celebrations” and “Directing show programs.”
• Russian State University physical culture, sports and tourism. Direction of “Directing theatrical performances and celebrations”

Film and television

• All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimova (VGIK). Directing department. Specialties: “Directing feature films”, “Directing non-fiction films”, “Directing animated films”;
• Higher courses of cinema and television at VGIK. Professions: “Film directing”, “Directing non-fiction films and television films”;
• Humanitarian Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting named after. M.A. Lithuania (GITR). Faculty of TV and Multimedia Directing.

The names and surnames of the world's and country's leading directors are on everyone's lips. However, few people know how to get this profession, where to study and how to get a job. Find out by reading our detailed review.

Demand

Payability

Competition

Entry barrier

Prospects

The director is the person who controls everyone creative processes in theatre, cinema or television. He has a fairly wide range of responsibilities, the competent implementation of which will allow him to create a real masterpiece. The first directors appeared simultaneously with theatrical performances. They are first mentioned in Dahl's dictionary as people who control the performance of actors and the creation of a performance. But the very concept of directing arose only at the end of the 19th century. It was used as an ensemble or the subordination of all processes in the theater to one concept. This idea originated simultaneously in Paris and Berlin. In the 20th century, directing began to develop rapidly in cinema. But it should be remembered that the origins of this art remain in the theater, from where the director's experience was transferred.

Description

Nowadays, directing has undergone tremendous development. Now this is not one person, but a whole range of specialists who report to the production director. Depending on the type of work, the essence of the profession is determined. There are such directions of directing:

The essence of the director's profession is the management of filming processes. He sees the big picture and clearly understands what each character should be like. The director is the interpreter of the script, who conveys the author's idea to the actors and monitors its implementation.

What specialties to study?

In order to get a chance to get a job as a director, you should choose one of the following specialties:

• Theater directing.
• Directing feature films.
• Directing non-fiction films.
• Directing an animated film.
• Filmmaking.
• Directing non-fiction film and television films.
• Directing theatrical performances and celebrations.
• Directing shows.
• Stage direction.
• Circus directing.
• Directing.

All of the above specialties will allow you to work as a director. You should choose based on the area in which you would like to show your talent: cinema, theater, television, circus, pop, etc.

Where to study

There are not so many higher educational institutions where directing is taught in our country, but the most prestigious are:

• Russian University of Theater Arts (GITIS).
• All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimova (VGIK).
• Moscow State University of Culture and Arts (MGUKI).
• St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions.
• Theater Institute named after. B. Shchukina.

These universities are not the only ones, but they are recognized as the most prestigious. If you managed to enter one of them and successfully graduate, you will definitely not be left without a job.

What do you have to do at work and specializations?

Each director performs a whole range of management responsibilities:

The director, in the full range of his responsibilities, acts as a link between all components of the filming process. Good direction is a guarantee of success for any film or show.

Who is this profession suitable for?

This profession is suitable for strong and strong-willed people. The director must be a born leader and be able to manage a huge amount personnel at the same time. He must be a professional in his field and have great creative potential. The director is impartial and does not play favorites - this is important in creative team. This specialist must be well-read, artistic and intellectually developed. Broad outlook - best helper director

Demand

This profession is not in great demand. Few people dare to invest in young, unknown directors.

How much do people working in this profession earn?

The director's fees depend on where he is employed. If these are not very profitable small theaters or a circus, then the salary is about 15-30 thousand per month. Large-scale performances in large, famous theaters and filming a movie is completely different numbers. The amounts are not disclosed.

Is it easy to get a job?

If you are a famous director, then projects will find you on their own. It's difficult for beginners. Investors usually look for eminent professionals, not university graduates. Directing is available to those who have connections and solid sponsors. They are the decisive factor and help to reach people.

How does one usually build a career?

The beginning of his career is the position of assistant director. You will carry out small assignments and gain the most important thing - practice and experience. After all, by watching a professional work, you will very quickly learn from his accumulated experience over the years.

The director is the next stage of development. If you are not working on a very large project, this is the top. In large-scale events, you are an assistant director. You control the supporting processes and get the opportunity to show your directorial qualities. Your work is checked and corrected by the production director. It is he who corrects shortcomings and teaches you the most significant subtleties of this work.

A stage director is the pinnacle of a career. You get all the power and assistants who will take care of secondary processes. Now you're in charge creative directions work. This position is given only to the most experienced and well-established directors.

Prospects for the profession

The main prospect of the profession is participation in famous film projects. As a result, you will be able to gain popularity and love from the public and investors. They are the ones who will provide you with further work and substantial fees. High-quality films that are admired by critics are a passport to the world of foreign cinema. This is a completely different level and an opportunity to earn substantial amounts.