Creative Technology
Creating your future
Cinematography, editing, sound editing and visual effects (vfx) form the technical fundamentals of all filmmaking. During this 120-credit diploma study (two years) students acquire professional skills in these four disciplines. A unique education, a practical, valuable and highly sought-after training in the rapidly growing film and television industry. Studies are for the most part practical as students collaborate on a vast array of projects, as well learning the specialized discipline of that particular department. All the teachers are active professionals in the field.
The school's equipment rental offers a wide range of professional equipment from the biggest names in the business (Arri, Matthews, Blackmagic, Canon, Kinoflo, etc.). Our equipment manager does his best to answer the needs of the student, acquiring equipment we currently do not have in stock from our fellow equipment rentals Kukl, Luxor and MediaRental.
Numerous paths are taken after graduation. Many graduates commence work within the Icelandic film, television and social media sector while others start their own companies or go abroad for further studies.
Find out more about the department’s syllabus in the curriculum.
Department 2 prepares you for the following jobs
- Assistant Editor
- Best Boy
- Boom operator
- Camera operator
- Camera operator studio and OB
- Colorist
- Compositor
- Director of photography
- Editor
- First Assistant Camera
- Gaffer
- Grip
- Lighting Technician
- Production Sound Manager
- Re-Recording Mixer
- Script Supervisor (aka continuity)
- Sound Designer
- Steadicam operator
- Supervising Sound Editor
Creative Technology department heads
Ágústa Margrét Jóhannsdóttir
Tomas Orn Tomasson
Tomas has been in the film industry since he was a student in college. After graduation he enrolled in The University of Iceland and later in Köbenhavn Universitet, where he studied History. Along with his studies he seized all work he could get his hands on in cinematography. Tomas wanted to make documentaries, where he would write, shoot and direct his own films. When he came back home from his studies in the summer of 1996, he took on many job offers in filmmaking. It was in 2002 when he decided to dedicate all his time to cinematography. On his website you can find his work experience summary and links to his main projects he has shot. www.tomastomasson.com
Kjartan Kjartansson
Kjartan is one of the most experienced sound recorder in Iceland. He has recored sound for many of Icelands famous films like "Sodoma Reykjavik", "Myrkrahofdinginn" and "Englar Alheimsins", to name a few.
Rob Tasker
Rob has worked on feature films, television shows, and commercials since 2009. With over 40 credits to his name,Rob has received quite a few nominations for his work, such as a Primetime Emmy Awards Nomination for the television show "Hannibal", and two Canadian Screen Award nominations for the feature film "Wet Bum", and for the television show "Copper". He has worked on productions for a variety of clients, including SagaFilm, Universal Pictures, NBC, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, New Line Cinema, Sony Pictures, SyFy, and many others.
First Semester
The course is both theoretical and practical. The theoretical section deals with cinematography and lighting, composition and the make of the camera, different shooting methods, lens optics and filter, and more camera-related issues. Then lighting and lighting equipment, color temperature and measurements and the basic principles of lighting are examined. In the practical section the students complete various exercises in the studio where emphasis is on their ability to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge they have acquired.
Course outline PDF download
This course is both theoretical and practical. Basic concepts and the physics of sound are explained. The process of sound recording is addressed and all the necessary equipment introduced. Elementary sound recording projects are produced. Variety of sound post-production projects are made while learning the skills to use sound post-production software.
Course outline PDF download
The role of the editor is defined and put into context. Students learn to operate the editing software, learn about the properties of digital audio and video files and how to handle the material. A thorough examination of the role of the assistant editor follows; an emphasis is placed on the organisation and logging of all the data an editor needs before starting an edit, and where that information comes from. To conclude, students are tasked with a shorter project such as a music video or a trailer/compilation to familiarize themselves with the editing software.
Course outline PDF download
An introductory course where the history of special effects for film is reviewed. Furthermore, the newest developments in image processing for films are examined. Important image processing software for today’s film industry is introduced, like After Effects, Premiere Pro from Adobe, Da Vinci Resolve & Fusion from Blackmagic. Student practice creating special effects and graphics and are introduced personally to the various stages of special effects work and image processing.
Course outline PDF download
Students work on a short of a maximum length of 7 minutes in a team effort with other departments where the students focus on the field of specialty of their respective departments. The goal is that the project is a completed film of some kind. Emphasis is placed on students working with their own ideas and capitalizing on the experience they have acquired in other courses throughout the semester.
Course outline PDF download
This is a first semester beginners’ course and the goal is to teach students the basics of film production and the use and application of filmmaking equipment. Furthermore, the fundamentals of visual language are reviewed. The course is divided into three parts:
1. Preparation – Film production.
2. Location – Film and sound recording.
3. Post-production – Editing and finishing touches.
Course outline PDF download
Each semester students from all departments must earn credit in collaboration with other departments. The goal is that each department is ensured access to the other departments and to establish a thriving relationship between the departments.
Course outline PDF download
Some of the greatest works in the history of film are introduced, screened and discussed. Ten movies are shown each semester, a total of forty movies. Each semester represents a section of film history. The movies are screened mostly in a chronological order from the silent era well into the late twentieth century.
Course outline PDF download
Second Semester
The main task in this course is to tell a story with images. Students are assigned written stories which they translate into images, without words. Strong emphasis is placed on close preparation and that the students be conscious of the methods and style of their work. Students continue work on the film in SKT210 (editing).
Course outline PDF download
Second semester students are taught how to use a multichannel sound recorder, wireless microphones and all location and onset sound recording equipment. Students work on the post-production sound of short films which they themselves have made in other classes of the school or on extracurricular media chosen by the teacher. The elements in question are:
a. The recording of sound effects, post-sync (ADR) and foley.
b. Sound post-production where all the elements in a section are brought together.
Course outline PDF download
Students are tasked with editing narrative material, their own as well as that of others. There will be an emphasis on storytelling, rhythm and getting both information and emotion across with maximum impact and efficiency. Students will also come to a deeper understanding of the digital workspace, image compression and the duties of the editor as the linchpin of post-production. The basic principles of color correction and mastering of film are introduced. The artistic and technical history of film editing will also be covered and films will be analyzed with regard to their editing.
Course outline PDF download
Students are introduced to Adobe After Effects and Blackmagic Fusion software. The interfaces and main attributes of the two types of software are examined. The main emphasis is on motion graphics in all kinds of title sequences and how we alter motion pictures. The students complete various projects and the goal is that they gain skills to capitalize on the potential of the software.
Course outline PDF download
Second-semester students gain insight into the role of the art director in addition to working on the art direction for a telefilm (LSJ) in a collaborative project between all departments. Students are in charge of the stage and costume design for a TV pilot, a collaborative project for all departments. (Note: They are also responsible for the sound recording. See HLE 205.)
Course outline PDF download
This course provides an overview of art history with a focus on the relationship between film and painting. What can films learn from painting? The characteristics of various periods in art history are examined and examples taken from film history illustrating the close relationship between films and certain paintings, or artists and how moviemakers draw on paintings for inspiration for their films.
Course outline PDF download
This course is in continuation of KJA101G. The goal is to further strengthen the basic technical knowledge of the students in the main fields of filmmaking. Each student then makes a film showcasing a personal style and the student’s skill in his or her field of interest. The film should be able to serve as a promotional calling card for the student.
Course outline PDF download
Each semester students from all departments must earn credit in collaboration with other departments. The goal is that each department is ensured access to the other departments and to establish a thriving relationship between the departments.
Course outline PDF download
Some of the greatest works in the history of film are introduced, screened and discussed. Ten movies are shown each semester, a total of forty movies. Each semester represents a section of film history. The movies are screened mostly in a chronological order from the silent era well into the late twentieth century.
Course outline PDF download
Third Semester
The course delves deeper into various theoretical aspects of cinematography, lens optics, photics (the study of light) and filters. The students complete a project/documentary where they shoot tests and develop the style of a project. An introduction to the organization and general work processes involved in the cinematography on a produced completed film.
Course outline PDF download
This course explores the psychological effects of sound and various ways of using sound to provoke an audience’s reaction with an audio track, and how these can be drawn on to support and enhance a visual narration. Examples from films are studied and analyzed from a dramatic narration standpoint. Students design an auditory narration without visuals with the audio software Pro Tools. They design sound for an animated scene and complete the voice over in collaboration with the Acting department. The students complete a report where they analyze their own work on the projects.
Course outline PDF download
Students edit a documentary of their own making, learning the role of the editor as author and storyteller. Lessons include the proper logging and cataloging of interviews, how to keep track of a large collection of gathered material and insight into how long and meandering the process of editing a documentary can be. The ethical ramifications of representing real people will also be addressed. Documentaries of various types and genres will be screened and analyzed. The best practices for final delivery of a completed edit conclude the course.
Course outline PDF download
The students learn compositing with the After Effects software. The process of compositing, i.e. how shots are integrated to form a visual whole, is reviewed. The use of a “green screen” to blend a key image into an added background is taught. The students learn how to “track” shots and are taught the fundamentals of the Roto software. A 3D camera and how to work with “3D layers” are demonstrated in a cursory manner. The students record material and complete its post-production in After Effects. The students are given a lecture on other image processing software, e.g. Nuke and Maya. The students then learn the fundamentals of chromatics and color grading a documentary with a color grading software.
Course outline PDF download
This course introduces the basic principles of classical screenwriting. The course covers narrative structure, form and style, dialogue, plotting and endings. Students learn the basics of screenwriting software. Those students interested in writing their own scripts for their 4th semester thesis film can use this course as a way of preparation.
Course outline PDF download
Each student selects two specific specialties within the specialized departments, where he or she wishes to gain a firmer grasp of the discipline in question: For example, lighting in the field of cinematography, foley recording in the area of sound design, etc. The selection is reported at the beginning of semester to the director of studies who arranges for the student to study with experts in chosen areas.
Course outline PDF download
A look at visual language and composition by viewing and analyzing film scenes from various periods. The students stage a film scene in consultation with instructors and examine the visual language impacts, narrative progression and the audience’s experience of the film.
Course outline PDF download
Each semester students from all departments must earn credit in collaboration with other departments. The goal is that each department is ensured access to the other departments and to establish a thriving relationship between the departments.
Course outline PDF download
Some of the greatest works in the history of film are introduced, screened and discussed. Ten movies are shown each semester, a total of forty movies. Each semester represents a section of film history. The movies are screened mostly in a chronological order from the silent era well into the late twentieth century.
Course outline PDF download
Fourth Semester
This course is linked to the graduation projects. At the beginning of the course various theoretical and technical aspects of cinematography from prior courses are reviewed. The students undergo written and practical examination to corroborate their skills. The students are expected to complete preparations for the thesis film shoot, decide on a cinematography style, conduct tests, make shooting lists or floor plans to be well prepared for the shoots. The students presents the preparation materials for evaluation. The student then directs the shooting of his or her thesis project and the cinematography is graded.
Course outline PDF download
This course is linked to the students’ graduation project. Initially we review various theoretical and technical issues from previous courses. The students undergo a written and practical examination corroborating their skills. Before the students start shooting their thesis projects they briefly review the basics of location shooting and have the opportunity to ask their instructor questions about their projects. The major part of the course focuses on the sound design of the thesis project where the instructor readily assists every student and they receive the support and advice they need. If a student does not have a thesis project for development in this course he or she completes the sound design on an extracurricular project or one from other programs, in collaboration with the instructor, in which case the instructor’s evaluation of skills and demands must be satisfied.
Course outline PDF download
Apart from a short refresher, this course is entirely dedicated to the editing of a graduation project, where students put all the knowledge and skill they have acquired, to use. The teacher’s role at this point is first and foremost as an advisor, albeit making sure, as a supervisor, that professional precision and vigilance are maintained throughout the editing process.
Course outline PDF download
The course is linked with the students’ graduation course, SKT423. Initially material from previous courses is reviewed. The students undergo an examination to confirm their abilities. The student colorgrades, designs titles and special effects for his or her thesis film. The image processing is graded specifically. An instructor is available for advice and consultation throughout the process.
Course outline PDF download
The students attend a course in film production. This study phase is intended to help the students with the preparation for their thesis film. The course involves weekly meetings where students produce their own film with the goal of organizing their shoots to run as smoothly as possible.
Course outline PDF download
The final 4th semester project is an independent individual undertaking of the student’s own choosing, produced under the guidance of an instructor. The work in question is a film of some kind, 8-20 minutes in length. All the semester’s courses, with the exception of core subjects, are intertwined in this project. The lead instructor of the final project meets regularly with the students during the preparatory process and gives screenwriting advice and suggestions regarding the direction of the film. At the end of the shoot the students embark on three post-production phases, editing, post-production sound and color correction and all these phases are linked to the graduation project. There the students are assisted by the lead instructor but receive additional advice from professional specialists in the field of editing, post-production, sound and color grading with the goal of creating a professional graduation project.
Course outline PDF download
This course covers contemporary filmmaking. What trends and vogues have been prevalent during the last decade? What is happening right now and what does the near future hold in store? The course emphasizes student participation in finding answers to these questions. Each student makes a presentation with film samples where he or she discusses contemporary influences and artists.
Course outline PDF download
Each semester students from all departments must earn credit in collaboration with other departments. The goal is that each department is ensured access to the other departments and to establish a thriving relationship between the departments.
Course outline PDF download
Some of the greatest works in the history of film are introduced, screened and discussed. Ten movies are shown each semester, a total of forty movies. Each semester represents a section of film history. The movies are screened mostly in a chronological order from the silent era well into the late twentieth century.
Course outline PDF download
This course is intended to prepare students for entering the workforce. The establishment of companies, the most common types of job contracts are examined, as well as the responsibilities they entail for contractors and clients or employees and employers. Fees and taxes which have to be accounted for are studied, such as VAT, pension funds, union memberships, etc. Students work on a grant application to The Icelandic Film Centre along with a budget plan.
Course outline PDF download
Former Students
Hjálmar Þór Hjálmarsson
"I applied to the Icelandic Film School due to my desire to acquire more skills and develop more connections to the film industry. The courses offered a diverse, enjoyable and hands on experience and helped me to prepare for what was to come.
Today I work mostly as an Assistant Cameraman and am working mainly in international productions such as Dr. Strange, Aquaman, Transformers, The Flight Attendant to name a few."
- Hjálmar Þór Hjálmarsson, graduated 2018
Assistant Cameraman
Óttar Ingi Þorbergsson
"I have for long dabbled in the production of various videos and short films. I took a course in short film production in elementary school and was a member in a video committee in college so when I saw the opportunity to apply for the Icelandic Film School, I jumped on that boat and don't regret that.
The program was brilliant and I learnt a lot from the very first semester. For me, the best thing about it was that this was a platform and environment for me to be creative and to learn new things every day. This was a place where I had access to equipment, great teachers who were deeply integrated in the industry and fellow students that I still work with to this day.
Since my graduation, I have been building my career as a cinematographer in the movie and commercial industry in Iceland. I have shot music videos for musicians such as Aron Can and Emmsjé Gauti. I just put the finishing touches on a short film I produced with director Fannar Birgisson and more projects are in the pipeline including a full length feature film."
- Óttar Ingi Þorbergsson, graduated 2018
Cinematographer
Matthías Hálfdánarson
"I graduated from Creative Technology in spring 2010 and have been working in film making ever since. Those two years in the Icelandic Film School gave me a lot and were both fun and awarding. The school is a perfect environment to experiment under the guidance of professionals from the industry. You quickly achieve a fundamental knowledge in most areas of film making, such as sound recording and mixing, cinematography, lighting, editing, production and much more. The program gave me an extensive skillset and network, which I consider necessary to cross the threshold into the industry.
I wholeheartedly recommend this education for all those who dream of working in film making in the future."
- Matthías Hálfdánarson
Cinematographer
Sigurður Pétur
"I always liked to film and edit and I didn't know what to do after college so I thought why not apply for the film school?
What surprised me the most was the group of both amazing students and instructors that welcomed me. I was introduced to a plethora of great collaborators and friends and I built a valuable network. After graduating, I worked at the digital advertisement company KIWI for a year and a half but quit in January 2022 to start working independently. Now I focus on outdoor filming and I am loving it! Who knows what the future holds."
- Sigurður Pétur
Arnar Dór
"What got me to apply to the Icelandic Film School was my past interest in making videos ever since I remember myself. The Icelandic Film School was always in my mind after elementary school and after graduating from college. I had for a long time, wanted to be a cinematographer so I decided to seize the opportunity immediately after graduating from college.
The study was very enjoyable and diverse. There were a lot of technical and practical courses where you have the opportunity to test yourself. What was most pleasant to me was how many amazing and talented people I got to meet. One of the best things about the Icelandic Film School to me is the connection and collaboration between students. I still to this day, work with people I met in the school.
After graduating from the film school in June 2020, I was offered a job at the production company Skjáskot, I accepted this offer and work there to this day. I have worked on various commercials, live streams and TV series since I graduated."
- Arnar Dór, graduated 2020