ArtEZ University of the Arts

Bachelor Moving Image

Throughout your studies Moving Image, you explore new ways of understanding moving image, allowing you to create visual experiments that are both unexpected and groundbreaking. The programme starts from the idea that the worlds created through moving image are entirely new and real in themselves—not representations of something else. This approach helps you grow into an autonomous, conceptual maker who can translate ideas and vision into innovative projects.

You study in an inspiring and challenging yet accessible environment, where exchange with lecturers and especially with fellow students—plays a central role. The programme is small-scale and strongly internationally oriented.

Learn a lot in a short time

Learning processes are never linear. This is especially true for creative processes: sometimes it takes weeks to move a single step forward or you may even need to step back, while at other moments you make a big leap within an hour. The study programme takes this into account by alternating short, intensive periods of theoretical and practical teaching with longer periods of independent work. At times you work individually on projects and productions, and at other moments you collaborate with others.

Each year consists of two semesters. At the end of each semester, your work is assessed. The curriculum alternates practical (technical) classes with project-based courses. Short, intensive assignments with fast results allow you to practise and refine your skills. By practising these regularly, you gradually build towards longer, more complex assignments. The theory offered throughout the programme directly connects to the project work.

Projects

During the programme, you work on a wide range of projects, such as:

• Photography in combination with installations.
• Cinema projects focusing on interactive film, multiple projections and multimedia.
• VR video projects.
• 360-degree video projects.
• Stop-motion and digital animation.
• 2D and 3D photographic projects.
• In addition to projects, assignments and classes, you follow workshops and lectures, visit exhibitions and take part in excursions—for example to IDFA, the Netherlands Film Festival, ZKM Museum (Karlsruhe, Germany), Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria), Nordland Art and Film College (Kabelvåg, Norway) and New York.

Year 1: experimentation and inspiration

In the first year, the focus is on experimentation and short-term assignments. This helps you develop a critical approach and your own working routine. You learn the basics of video, film, photography, storyboarding, audio editing and video installation. Short workshops allow you to practise technical skills such as stop-motion, analogue photography, film development and the use of editing software. In the theory classes, you read texts, watch films and artworks, and explore conceptual aspects of image, media, perception and technology.

In your first year, you can also apply for the Honours Programme as an additional theoretical component alongside the Moving Image curriculum.

Years 2 & 3: projects and research

From the second year onwards, you gradually gain more space to design, develop and carry out your own projects. In these creative phases, you generate and reconsider concepts, receive feedback and present your ideas. You also start finding partners, such as actors and other professionals in the field, to help you realise your plans and to plan, produce and edit your work. Practical workshops allow you to further develop your skills in cinematography, acting, interviewing, directing, VR and sound design.

In the theory courses, the focus shifts to moving image and editing. Courses such as Research, Authorship Methodologies and Creative Process help you define your interests and encourage you to reflect on your own work in preparation for your thesis.

In the third year, you work on your portfolio. You use this to secure a place for an exchange or internship, or to initiate a project of your own.

Year 4: graduation

In your final year, you write your thesis and complete your graduation project. The courses you follow during this exam year offer insight into the various professional perspectives within the field of moving image. Throughout the year, you have individual meetings with your mentors and group presentations with fellow students. You complete your portfolio and connect with relevant experts and professionals within the Moving Image network. During the AKI ArtEZ finals exhibition, you present your graduation work and thesis.

What you'll learn

In the Moving Image programme, you develop both your intellectual and creative abilities as an image-maker. What makes Moving Image unique is that the focus is not only on creating images and the potential narrative elements that come with them; you primarily learn to explore and understand the very essence of moving image. You gain new insights into making images and analysing their structures. This leads to visual experiments closely connected to all the senses, allowing you to develop your own visual language.

You work with photography, (digital) animation techniques, short live-action films, larger video projects and cinematography. You also become familiar with the fundamentals of editing, video and photography, including storyboarding, writing and sound design. You learn to work with lighting and cameras, editing software, 360-degree cameras and greenscreen recording. Intensive short workshops introduce you to acting and working with actors, directing and scriptwriting. The theoretical courses offer historical and philosophical perspectives on image, media and film.

Courses you follow:

• Image Lab / Expanded Photography / Expanded Cinema
• Film & Video / Image Design / Docu-Fiction
• Photography / Studio / Sound Design
• Animation / Editing / Motion
• Storytelling / Acting / Directing
• Authorship Methodologies / Creative Process / Context & Networks
• Interactive Media / Immersive (non)fiction / Experimental Technologies
• Media Theory / Moving Image Theory / Montage Theory
• Contemporary Philosophy
• History of Moving Image

After graduating, you can work as an independent image-maker or filmmaker, or take on other roles within the fields of art, media, design or education. You will find yourself working in areas such as digital communication, commercial image production, experimental film, docu-fiction, cinematography and visual arts design. Many graduates combine autonomous projects with commissions or collaborative work. Your clients may come from the cultural sector, but also from education, media or the social domain. Some alumni establish collectives or set up their own festivals or platforms.