Serial Storytelling

The Serial Storytelling program at the International Filmschool Cologne is a comprehensive and innovative academic offering designed to prepare students for the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of serial content creation. This program focuses on developing the skills necessary to conceive, write, and produce compelling serialized narratives across various media platforms, including television, streaming services, and digital formats. Students are immersed in the art of storytelling, learning how to craft multi-layered characters, intricate plotlines, and engaging worlds that captivate audiences over multiple episodes or seasons. The curriculum emphasizes both creative and technical aspects, combining classroom instruction with practical exercises, workshops, and projects that simulate real-world industry environments.

Throughout the program, students explore the fundamentals of screenplay writing, scene development, and narrative structure, as well as the unique demands of serial storytelling such as pacing, cliffhangers, and character arcs. They also study the production process, gaining insights into directing, producing, and editing serialized content. The program encourages collaboration among students from various disciplines, fostering teamwork and a multidisciplinary approach crucial for successful serial storytelling in today's multimedia landscape. Additionally, students have access to industry experts and participate in networking opportunities, internships, and masterclasses to bridge academic learning with industry practice.

The Serial Storytelling program is tailored to meet the demands of modern media consumption, emphasizing innovative storytelling techniques, digital distribution strategies, and audience engagement analytics. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as screenwriters, showrunners, directors, producers, and content creators in television and digital media. The program’s emphasis on both creative prowess and practical skills ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the future of serialized entertainment, making it an excellent choice for aspiring storytellers eager to shape the stories of tomorrow.

Educational organisation

Degree Structure

FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR
Module
Introduction to Serial Storytelling (Semester 1)

• Ideation
• Writing Project: Web Series

Story Development and Series Markets (Semesters 1-2)

• Domestic and International Series Markets incl. field trip to MIPTV in Cannes
• Series Analysis: Case Studies
• Series Dramaturgy I & II
• Character and Genre
• Writing Project: Spec Script
• Calculation

Media Studies (Semesters 1-2)

• Comparative Media Studies: Networks
• Series History and Analysis

Collaboration: Writers' Room (Semester 2)

• Collaboration: Models and Techniques
• Writing Project: Writers' Room

New Forms of Serial Storytelling I (Semester 2)

• Today's and Future Serial Formats
• Research Project I

SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR
Module
New Forms of Serial Storytelling II (Semester 3)

• Research Project II
• Storytelling in the Expanded Field

Writers' Lab (Semester 3)

• Genre
• Writing Project: Writers' Lab
• Pitching and Presentation

Master's Project I (Semester 3)

• Advanced Character Development
• Sequence Structure
• Writing Project: Master's (Part I)

Master's Project II (Semester 4)

• Writing Project: Master's (Part II)
• Colloquium

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 and the final presentations (approx. six weeks).

Language requirements

Applicants need to provide proof of their English language skills at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, e.g., by a TOEFL score of 87 points (internet-based) or equivalent test results. Native English speakers are exempted from this requirement. In addition, all applicants have to demonstrate the appropriate level of English during the selection process (interviews and writing assignments).

Applicants only need to speak German if they apply for the "German track".

Academic requirements

To obtain a Master's degree, applicants must have an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits or a higher degree (e.g., a German "Magister" or "Diplom") from an accredited university, and must have worked in the field of media production for at least one year. The ifs welcomes applicants who have received degrees in unrelated fields, providing that they show proof of substantial writing experience. In addition, applicants must provide proof of their English language skills. German language skills are only required for students in the German track.

Enrolment fees

One-time registration fee: 400 EUR

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Funding opportunities within the university

For financial assistance to cover tuition fees and/or living expenses, first-semester students may apply for an interest-free loan from "The Friends of the ifs international filmschule köln Society". Approval of the interest-free loans depends on the funds available as well as on the applicant's financial situation. Repayment of the loan begins six months after graduation/termination of studies.
"The Friends of the ifs internationale filmschule köln Society" also offers second-semester students two scholarships for outstanding academic achievement (one scholarship for each "track"). These scholarships run until the end of the Master's programme. They cover the tuition fees as well as an additional monthly allowance of up to 500 EUR to cover living expenses (up to a total of 9,000 EUR), paid throughout the course of studies until completion of the Master's programme.

The Serial Storytelling program at the International Filmschool Cologne is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to create compelling narrative series across various media formats. This program emphasizes the development of both creative storytelling abilities and technical expertise, enabling graduates to produce engaging stories for television, streaming platforms, and other digital outlets. Students explore the fundamentals of serial storytelling, including character development, plot structuring, pacing, and the creation of overarching narratives that maintain viewer interest over multiple episodes.

The curriculum often integrates theoretical analysis of successful serials, practical workshop sessions, and collaborative projects, fostering an environment where students can experiment with innovative formats and storytelling techniques. They may learn about screenwriting, directing, production planning, and post-production processes tailored for serialized content. The program also emphasizes understanding audience engagement, market trends, and the business aspects of serial productions, preparing students to meet industry demands.

Faculty members typically include experienced professionals from the film and television industry, providing mentorship and up-to-date insight into industry practice. Networking opportunities, internships, and collaboration with industry partners are integral parts of the educational experience, aiming to facilitate successful careers in serial storytelling. Graduates of this program are expected to possess a comprehensive skill set that allows them to develop, pitch, and produce serial narratives suitable for diverse platforms, contributing innovative ideas to the global entertainment industry.