Develop, refine and challenge your filmmaking capabilities through practice-based research

Bring your film proposal to life through our flexible framework for negotiated and self-directed learning. This MA programme enables you to pursue your chosen interest or specialisation through an iterative practice-based research approach that combines artistic and academic processes.

You’ll be supported by seminars, workshops, individual and group supervision, guest lectures and our modern filmmaking facilities. Our seminars and workshops provide a thorough grounding in practice-led research theory and methodology alongside a wider range of research in audiovisual storytelling and the arts. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with other Catalyst students from the Film & Visual Media, Acting and Music & Sound schools. 

Rather than supplying you with answers, the taught component is intended to stimulate curiosity, widen and deepen frames in your field of interest, grow conceptual reference and – most importantly – to provide a set of tools with which to explore and develop your personal research ideas. By identifying and engaging with the creative processes that your proposal demands, you’ll be given the scope to innovate and challenge your capabilities as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, editor, writer, producer or audiovisual artist, whilst building an industry profile and vision.

During this intensive and challenging year (or 2 years, part-time), our expert tutors will supervise and guide you through a constant cycle of imagination, creation, critique, self-discovery and growth. 

Creative Production (Film) MA at Catalyst in Berlin

Creative production is an intentionally broad term that not only encompasses traditional film production and cinematography, but also audiovisual art, interdisciplinary and multimedia works, narrative and world-building and creative nonfiction. You’ll investigate for yourself the most appropriate production methods to express your ideas as fully as possible. Then, go through a cycle of critique and hone back in on your proposal, allowing it to morph with newly-discovered concepts, meanings or influences.

Watching and reflecting upon yourself doing the action is an invaluable process. One which can convert vulnerabilities into strengths, barriers into new pathways and fears into exciting new frontiers for exploration. Consider this a turning point – a moment to define or redefine the next chapter of your career whilst asking yourself this essential question: Who are you and what does your work contribute to the field of cinema and audiovisual arts?

“The MA treats you as an independent creative and, in some ways, as an artist. I find that incredibly empowering… The MA makes you really structure your work. You are held highly accountable for how you think about your projects.”
–​Alexandra Concordia, filmmaker and Creative Production (Film) alumna

Get hands-on access to industry-standard facilities and tons of bookable gear

Our international creative campus is located at the historic Funkhaus in Berlin – it’s hard to imagine a better location for creative endeavour and learning! Through the lens of an international cohort of students, we aim to promote and support the exchange and debate of philosophical, political, social and ethical issues from a range of different cultures and backgrounds. 

Our engaged postgraduate community is then well-placed to spearhead these conversations and create work that addresses the challenges of a multicultural but ever more connected world – to see our shared human concerns, whilst celebrating our diversity and our mutually enriching differences.

“I liked the idea of working toward my own unique vision – with some guidance from the tutors – as opposed to creating projects that had to fit certain criteria.”
– Jennifer Jo Stokka, creative producer, writer and Creative Production (Film) alumna

Our tutors are industry-acclaimed experts in their field, with a passion for passing on their knowledge to others. 

“You can express your dreams with a film. It's like writing a book, but bringing to life what you saw in your head. It's really free as an expression, without limits.”
– Leonardo Greco, director and Creative Production (Film) alumnus

Visual Effects, Digital Arts & Animation BA (Hons) / HE Certificate

Screenwriting BA (Hons) / HE Certificate

Film Production BA (Hons)/ HE Certificate

Deepen your creative practice as a filmmaker through artistic research on our master's degree in film production.

Creative Production (Film) MA

Film Production BA (Hons) / HE Certificate

Express your authentic self through film 

Our Film Production programme transcends borders and teaches you to disrupt the status quo – making you part of a new wave of cinema that better reflects the world we live in today. You will create original work by diving deep into your own unique point of view and by embracing the global perspectives that your peers and tutors bring, here in the heart of Europe.

The programme covers and offers guidance on a variety of filmmaking styles, including experimental, music videos, hybrid films and documentary as well as various formats such as short films, feature-length projects and series. Our inclusive approach ensures that you will develop the versatile skills needed to work across different mediums and storytelling modes.

Your filmmaking journey will begin the moment you walk through the door, and you will walk away proudly with a body of real-life work and an expansive network of filmmakers, actors, visual effect specialists and sound artists.

You can study this programme either as a full three-year BA degree or the first year only as a one-year HE Certificate.

Film Production at Catalyst in Berlin

During your time here, you will acquire a full understanding and experience of the process of filmmaking, from conception to distribution, with practical skill acquisition for both production and  post-production. This 360° knowledge will make you indispensable on set while reinforcing the social skills essential to bringing a production to life. The value we place in team building and collaborative practices will in turn provide you with transferable skills that can have a lasting effect in both your personal and career development.

When you study here, you’ll learn by doing. Our curriculum of project-based learning will guide you through the various roles and skills of filmmaking. However, the ultimate goal of technical understanding is to be able to fully express your own authentic creative voice, both on and off set.

“My year [at Catalyst] was insightful and nothing short of phenomenal.”

– Brenda Young, filmmaker and Film Production alumna

Get hands-on access to industry-standard facilities and tons of bookable gear.

“Studying here was nothing short of amazing and to throw all of my talents and passions into one medium was magical.”
– Adam Munnings, filmmaker and Film Production alumnus

You should be interested in some or all of the following:

Refining your creative skills and artistic voice.

Making work that adds to the current conversation.

Understanding the ‘why’ of filmmaking, not just the ‘how’.

Approaching a problem from a range of angles in order to solve it.

Making work that contains your fingerprint.

Developing an understanding of every ingredient that brings a film to life.

“The privilege of studying Film Production was completely life-changing. It really helped me be able to express myself and pursue my passion. It was also a career decision that really allowed me to forge relationships that I will always have with me.”
– Helena Marinho, producer and Film Production alumna

In the end, it’s our students’ work that counts. Take a look at a selection of recent examples below.

A selection of our favourite work by Catalyst filmmakers, screen actors and visual effects artists.

Catalyst Filmmakers Showcase

Our Film Production programme will help you translate your personal perspectives into film. Join our international community on either 1- or 3-year courses.

Explore, develop, innovate and magnify your capabilities as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, editor, writer, producer, sound designer or audiovisual artist, whilst building and enhancing an artistic & creative industry profile.

The course provides a clear but flexible framework for negotiated and self-directed learning. Pursue your chosen interest or specialisation through an iterative practice-based research approach supported by seminars, workshops, informal meetings, our excellent film facilities and individual consultation. Our seminars and workshops provide a thorough grounding in practice-led research theory and methodology alongside a wider range of research in audiovisual storytelling and the arts.

The taught component is not intended to give answers to your questions, but to stimulate curiosity, to widen and deepen frames in your field of interest, grow conceptual reference, and most importantly to provide a set of tools with which to explore and develop your personal research ideas and concepts.

During this intensive and challenging year (or 2 years part-time) our team will supervise and guide you through a constant cycle of imagining, creating, critiquing, self discovery and growth. 

Celebrate, explore, develop, innovate and magnify your capabilities as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, editor, writer, producer, sound designer or audiovisual artist, whilst building and enhancing an artistic and creative industry profile. Our Creative Production (Film) M.A provides a clear but flexible framework for negotiated and self-directed learning. Pursue your chosen interest or specialisation through an iterative practice-based research approach supported by industry experts, seminars and workshops from our excellent studio facilities. 

Malachi Rempen - filmmaker, writer, illustrator, entrepreneur and Film Production Certificate Lead, Juli Saragosa - filmmaker, sound designer and film sound tutor, and Jon-Carlos Evans - screenwriting, production & industry specialist and cinematography tutor; discuss the benefits of self directed learning and joining our creative community at Berlin's historic Funkhaus. 

Find out more: https://www.dbsfilm.net/creative-production-masters

Creative Production Masters Degree in Film

Creative Production is an intentionally broad term that not only encompasses traditional film production and cinematography, but also audiovisual art, interdisciplinary and multimedia works, narrative and world-building, and creative nonfiction.

Convert vulnerabilities into strengths, barriers into new pathways, pain points into pleasure and fears into exciting new frontiers for exploration. It’s a chance to explore all that you are and all that you are…not yet(!) whilst mapping out your future potential and your possible futures.

Collaborate with students across our filmmaking, visual effects, acting and music courses. Gain access to professional film facilities, equipment, software and more. 

Our tutors are industry experienced with a passion for passing on their knowledge to others. Here are a few of the experienced and friendly tutors that will be supporting you throughout your learning process.

Our international creative campus is located at the historic Funkhaus in Berlin – it’s hard to imagine a better location for creative endeavour and learning! Through the lens of an international cohort of students we aim to promote and support the exchange and debate of philosophical, political, social and ethical issues from a range of different cultures and backgrounds. Our engaged postgraduate community are then well-placed to spearhead these conversations and create work that addresses the challenges of a multi cultural but ever more connected world. To see our shared concerns as human beings whilst celebrating our diversity and our mutually enriching differences.

Celebrate and explore your capabilities as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, editor, writer or producer on our master's degree in film production.

The film industry never stands still and neither does María, who prides herself on constantly innovating her own creative process and those of her students. The Venezuelan teaches research methods, development, editing and narrative, and art direction on our Film Production BA and Creative Production (Film) MA film programmes. 

Before joining Catalyst in 2020, María founded an independent production company in Sevilla and worked in many different kinds of audiovisual projects. “I’m pretty excellent at working under pressure,” she tells us. 

In 2023, her film "On The Go" was selected for the Goes to Cannes initiative as part of the Marché du Film and selected at Locarno Film Festival as part of Cineasti del Presente competition.⁠ ⁠Read the feature in Variety magazine here.

One of the things that excites María most in life is true kindness. Her biggest piece of advice: never leave your inner child behind.

Filmmaker María Gisèle Royo teaches on Catalyst Berlin's Film Production Bachelor and Master's courses. Read Maria Gisele Royo's bio.

María Gisèle Royo

Courses that María tutors on:

Find María online: