ONE YEAR PROGRAM
The IFAS Acting Summer School offers an intensive four-week journey into the world of screen acting, combining professional training with practical on-camera experience. Guided by experienced industry professionals, students explore acting techniques, character development, scene work, and performance for film and television, gaining the skills and confidence needed to bring characters to life on screen.
Set in the beautiful city of Lucca, Italy, the program provides a vibrant international environment where creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange thrive. Through immersive workshops, rehearsals, and filming sessions, participants work closely with fellow actors and filmmakers while developing their artistic voice and screen presence.
The experience culminates in the production and presentation of filmed scenes, giving students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned in a professional setting and build valuable material for their acting portfolio.
FIRST SEMESTER
The foundation of filmmaking
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The IFAS One Year Filmmaking Program is an intensive, full-time educational experience designed for international students who wish to acquire a solid and comprehensive foundation in contemporary filmmaking within a professional and practice-oriented environment.
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The program runs from November to June, for a total duration of approximately eight months, including short academic breaks. Classes are held Monday to Friday, with an average attendance of four hours per day, and participation is mandatory. Students are required to attend at least 70% of the scheduled hours for each subject in order to be admitted to the corresponding examinations.
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The educational model of IFAS is strongly practice-based: approximately 80% of the program is dedicated to practical activities, while 20% focuses on theoretical foundations. Throughout the year, students actively work on multiple projects and are required to experience all the key professional roles involved in a film production, fostering both technical competence and collaborative awareness.
SECOND SEMESTER
The craft and specialization
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During the One Year Filmmaking Program, students are introduced to ten core disciplines, providing a broad and transversal understanding of the filmmaking process:
1. Film Direction
2. Screenwriting
3. Cinematography (with a focus on lighting, cameras and lenses)
4. Filmmaking (equipment and on-set technical practice)
5. Editing
6. Post-Production
7. Creative Production
8. Economic and Executive Production
9. Film History (international perspective)
10. Audio and Sound for Film
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A distinctive feature of the One Year Filmmaking Program is its role as an orientation and self-assessment year. While many students enter the academy with a clear idea of their desired career, the first year allows them to explore different roles in depth and to understand which professional path best suits their skills and inclinations.
Curriculum Highlights
Directing & Screenwriting: Develop storytelling techniques, scriptwriting skills, and directorial vision.
Cinematography & Lighting: Master camera operations, lighting setups, and visual composition.
Editing & Post-Production: Learn industry-standard editing software and post-production workflows.
Production Management: Understand budgeting, scheduling, and the logistics of film production.
Sound Design & Music: Explore audio recording, sound editing, and integrating music into film.
Acting for Directors: Gain insights into working with actors to elicit compelling performances.
Portfolio Development: Create a diverse portfolio showcasing your skills across various film projects.
From day one, students are immersed in practical filmmaking activities. Collaborate on multiple short films, participate in workshops, and engage in real-world projects that mirror industry practices. This experiential learning approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the film industry.
COURSE FEE
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Two-semester full-time filmmaking course (Monday–Friday)
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Hands-on training with real film projects
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Professional mentoring and access to industry-standard equipment.
Payment plans available upon request.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Discounted Tuition:
for scholarship recipients
Theme for 2026:
Real & Unreal
Submission Options:
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Short Film
(max 90 sec) -
Screenplay
(up to 5 pages)
DEADLINE:
September 12, 2026.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Tuition does not include: Accommodation, meals, travel, insurance, or personal equipment.
Optional Housing Package: €4,200 (full duration)
Includes private room and shared common areas
Convictus Rooms: on-site assistance, welcome support, utilities included.
Accommodation is subject to availability. Contact us directly if you need assistance with accommodation.
HOW TO APPLY
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Submit your materials
Your CV, portfolio, motivational letter (Acting Path only) a self-tape (max 3 minutes) by email to: international@accademiacinematoscana.it
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Interview with the IFAS team
After reviewing your materials, we will invite you to an online interview.
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Admission decision
The IFAS committee will evaluate your application and you will receive a final decision by email. In case of acceptance, you will receive your official admission confirmation
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Application Form (after the interview)
Fill the Application Form and upload: a copy of your ID or passport and the payment receipt for your deposit
SUMMER SCHOOL: FILMMAKING
A four-week immersive filmmaking program where students learn every stage of film production through hands-on training, industry mentorship, and the creation of an original short film.
WEEK 1
Foundations of Filmmaking
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Introduction to directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing and production
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Team-building exercises and creative brainstorming sessions
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Hands-on workshops with professional equipment
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Development of short film concepts and pre-production plannin
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Simulation of real-world pitching scenarios
WEEK 2
Pre-Prod & Storyboarding
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Script finalization and storyboarding techniques
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Casting sessions and location scouting around Lucca
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Workshops on production design and scheduling
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Preparation for principal photography
WEEK 3
Production Phase
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Shooting of short films with guidance from industry professionals
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Practical experience in directing, camera operation, lighting, and sound recording
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Daily reviews and feedback sessions to refine techniques
WEEK 4
Post-Production & Screening
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Editing sessions covering video and sound post-production
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Color correction and finalizing the short films
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Preparation for the final screening event
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Presentation of completed films to peers and instructors
Filmmaking Track: program highlight
Comprehensive Filmmaking Training: One-month immersive experience in filmmaking, covering screenwriting, directing, production, cinematography, editing, and acting.
Learn from Industry Professionals: Gain practical, hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced filmmakers and industry experts.
International Creative Environment: Collaborate with students from around the world in a multicultural setting that encourages creativity and teamwork.
Create Your Own Short Film: Explore the entire filmmaking process—from pre-production to post-production—and bring your vision to life through the creation of an original short film.
COURSE FEE
An intensive four-week filmmaking or acting program in English, combining hands-on workshops, professional mentoring, industry-led sessions, access to high-quality equipment, and the opportunity to create your own short film.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Discounted Tuition:
€ 1000 grant scholarship
Submission Options for Filmmaking:
-
Short Film
(max 90 sec) -
Screenplay
(up to 5 pages)
DEADLINE:
April 30, 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
-
Submit your materials
Your CV, portfolio, motivational letter
by email to: international@accademiacinematoscana.it
-
Interview with the IFAS team
After reviewing your materials, we will invite you to an online interview.
-
Admission decision
The IFAS committee will evaluate your application and you will receive a final decision by email. In case of acceptance, you will receive your official admission confirmation
-
Application Form (after the interview)
Fill the Application Form and upload: a copy of your ID or passport and the payment receipt for your deposit
SUMMER SCHOOL: ACTING
A four-week immersive screen acting program combining professional training, on-camera experience, and industry mentorship in an international environment.
WEEK 1
Foundations of Filmmaking & Intro to Screen Acting
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Introduction to directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing and production
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Team-building exercises and creative brainstorming sessions
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Hands-on workshops with professional equipment
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Development of short film concepts and pre-production planning
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Simulation of real-world pitching scenarios
WEEK 2
Character Development & Filmmaking Integration
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In-depth character analysis and backstory creation
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Rehearsals for scenes to be filmed in Week 3
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Workshops on emotional expression and on-camera presence
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Continued collaboration with filmmaking students for role assignments
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Participation in filmmaking lessons to gain a broader understanding of the film production process
WEEK 3
On-Set Performance & Mentorship
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Filming of scenes with student directors and crews
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Real-time feedback on performances during shoots
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Adaptation to various directing styles and set environments
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Ongoing voice and movement training
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Guidance from acting coaches on set to enhance performance
WEEK 4
Post-Production Insight & Career Development
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Editing sessions covering video and sound post-production
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Color correction and finalizing the short films
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Preparation for the final screening event
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Presentation of completed films to peers and instructors
Acting Track: program highlight
Professional Screen Acting Training: Immerse yourself in four weeks of intensive, hands-on acting training designed for film and television.
Learn from Industry Professionals: Develop professional acting techniques and on-camera confidence with industry experts.
An International Creative Environment: Study in Lucca, Italy, and connect with an international community of students.
Workshops, Rehearsals & Filming: Take part in practical workshops, rehearsals, and filming sessions that bring your training to life.
Build Your Screen Acting Portfolio: Apply your skills in front of the camera and showcase your work through professionally filmed scenes.
COURSE FEE
An intensive four-week filmmaking or acting program in English, combining hands-on workshops, professional mentoring, industry-led sessions, access to high-quality equipment, and the opportunity to create your own short film.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Discounted Tuition:
€ 1000 grant scholarship
Submission Options for Acting:
-
Self Tape
(max 180 sec for acting skills)
DEADLINE:
April 30, 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
-
Submit your materials
Your CV, portfolio, motivational letter, a self-tape (max 3 minutes) by email to: international@accademiacinematoscana.it
-
Interview with the IFAS team
After reviewing your materials, we will invite you to an online interview.
-
Admission decision
The IFAS committee will evaluate your application and you will receive a final decision by email. In case of acceptance, you will receive your official admission confirmation
-
Application Form (after the interview)
Fill the Application Form and upload: a copy of your ID or passport and the payment receipt for your deposit
CONTACT US
Applications for the 2026 IFAS Summer School are now open.
Places are limited. Request more information or contact us to schedule a personal meeting with our Admissions Team.
The IFAS application process is designed to be accessible, transparent, and focused on understanding each candidate’s motivation, talent, and potential.
Please note that availability is limited, and we are unable to accept every application.
After submitting your request, you will receive a reply from IFAS International Film & Acting.
If you do not see our message, please check your spam or junk mail folder.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY: GOOD TO KNOW
4
Specializations to choose from after a foundation year
+180
Students attending our academies every day
+10
Organized film set simulation days
+45
New productions every year
+5
International learning experiences
HERE ARE SOME OF THE PRODUCTIONS OUR FACULTY MEMBERS HAVE WORKED ON.
2.
Interview with the IFAS team
-
After reviewing your materials, we will invite you to an online interview.
3.
Admission decision
-
The IFAS committee will evaluate your application and you will receive a final decision by email. In case of acceptance, you will receive your official admission confirmation.
4.
Application Form (after the interview)
Fill the Application Form and upload:
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A copy of your ID or passport
-
The payment receipt for your deposit