Audiovisual Media

The 3-year Media BA study programme adopts a ‘learning-by-doing’ approach to deliver the skills and understanding essential for the production of audiovisual content for multiple platforms. Students acquire hands-on experience in developing and creating audiovisual work in a variety of formats, including short films, documentaries, music videos and advertising.

Each semester students will work on semester projects like:

• Documentary TV shows
• Live TV
• Creative documentary
• Advertising
• Genre Based TV series 
• Music Video production

+ additional exercises, films, and assignments 

3rd year of studies is focused on Thesis project Development and production that can be Short Fiction Film, Music Video, Documentary or TV content.
The intake of students is organized into two specialty modules: ’creative’ and ’technical’. The selection of the students into either Creative Module or Technical Module is done right from the admission. In specific assignments, the students have to qualify for either one track or the other.

See the study programme

General requirements and info

• Completed Secondary School Graduation Certificate, Certificate of Vocational Secondary Education or a corresponding qualification giving access to higher education
• Proof of English Proficiency

• The study programme has 40 student places. A score of 75 points or more in the entrance exam guarantees
  the candidate a student place. The remaining student places are filled with candidates who have exceeded
  the admission threshold based on the ranking. 

• For the purposes of identity verification at the admission procedure the Admission Committee has 
  the right to take a screenshot during the oral part of the admission exam carried out via video bridge.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Entrance exam: 

The Audiovisual media admission consists of the following elements:

• Portfolio, CV, and Filmography 30%
• Creative assignments (sent to applicant's email) 35%
• Interview 35% 

Creative assignments are sent at a specific time. However, if the applicant needs a new time for the assignment, it has to be reasoned. 
In this case, please contact media@tlu.ee. It is not possible to change the interview time.

General structure

Round 1: Candidates must upload their motivation letter, CV, filmography and portfolio to DreamApply/SAIS on a given deadline.

Round 2: 2 Creative assignments. Candidates will receive on their e-mail guidelines for a creative assignment that they have 90 minutes to fulfil. After finishing the first creative assignment, they will receive another assignment that they have 24 hours to finish.
 
Round 3: Time of the individual interview will be informed to each candidate via e-mail. Every candidate has 15 minutes for an interview with the admission committee.

Round 1 and round 2 will be evaluated. Students must get 40 points out of possible 65 to get to round 3 (interview). 

Portfolio, CV and Filmography: max 30 points
Creative assignment: max 18 points
Written assignment: max 17 points
Maximum total: 65 points 
Threshold: 40 points

Evaluation criteria for the creative module

We evaluate the work shared with us and students’ involvement in the area of audiovisual media plus curiosity in filmmaking. Creativity, expression and coherence.

Portfolio, CV and Filmography:

Students previous involvement and commitment in the artistic field (writing, art, music, film, acting etc). Creative and structural coherence in their work.

Creative and Written assignment:

Creative and artistic capacity based on assignments. 

Interview: 

We evaluate the capacity of students to work in a team and activities related to team work as well as analytical skills about art, self-reflective abilities about their own work.

The portfolio of the candidate for the creative module

1. Motivation letter in English (PDF file).
2. CV in English (PDF file) - if you have previous experience in the art, writing, music or relevant audiovisual fields in the previous years, please include this in your CV. If in doubt, please follow Europass CV format.
3. Filmography in English (PDF file) - list the films/audiovisual projects where you participated and your position. Film title, year, length, director (if other) and applicant’s role(s) in the project.
4. Short film(s) Selection and ranking of your films up to 15 minutes (film, clips, showreel) in total. Include links to YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive. Instagram or TikTok links are not accepted. Clarify your position in the films (director, producer, screenwriter, etc).
5. Other artistic works of your own: screenplays, essays, stories, poems or other writings which should show us your creative expression skills in written language (mandatory) (one PDF file in English) and paintings, drawings, installations (optional).

All required portfolio content must be presented in English (or with subtitles if necessary).

Portfolio structure:

• CV, Filmography, Motivational letter in one folder
• Video materials and links, including other artistic works, in PDF file in one folder

All required portfolio content must be sent to us as a Drive link (make the link public, must be accessible to everyone without registration). Upload a PDF file with the Drive link to DreamApply/SAIS. 

Evaluation criteria for the technical module 

Portfolio, CV and Filmography:

• All documents are in English, are clear and follow the commonly used formatting;
• Audiovisual selection of the portfolio shouldn't be shorter than 9 minutes or longer than 12 minutes;
• Portfolio and filmography clearly shows student’s interest and skills either in the 2 selected specializations or in all 3 specializations (cinematography, sound, editing);
• Works in the portfolio are technically correct;
• Portfolio shows candidate’s unique strengths. Think - what makes your work different from the works of others;
• Photography part of the portfolio shows the candidate's understanding of different genres, showcases their technical skill as well as artistic skill. 

Written assignment: 

• Assignment is well written, has clear structure, has beginning, middle and end;
• Assignment should be written as a literary story, it shouldn't include the camera directions, editing notes or any other notes that “break the 4th wall”;
• The assignment should showcase students ability to tell the story engagingly as well as show the candidate's audiovisual perception of the world. 

Creative assignment (1 minute video of the given theme):

• Technically correct; 
• Showcases candidate’s creative take on the topic of the assignment;
• Includes only the shots and images done within the 24 hours, that have been given for the assignment.

Interview:

• Candidate provides clear and genuine answers to the questions given;
• Candidate has good understanding of the technical module specializations and can motivate their choice of 1st and 2nd specialization;
• Candidate has a good understanding of the field of filmmaking, can analyze the audiovisual components (cinematography, sound, editing) of the film or audiovisual piece;
• Candidate showcases teamwork abilities and problem solving abilities;
• Candidate shows reflective skills, is able to analyze both, their successes as well as their failures.

The portfolio of the candidate for the technical module

1. Motivation letter in English (PDF file). Should include what specialization (1st and 2nd choice) you are most interested in at the moment (ie 1. Sound 2. Editing). If you have previous experience in the art, writing, music, or relevant audiovisual fields, please include it as well. 
2. CV in English (PDF file) - If in doubt, please follow Europass CV format.
3. Filmography in English (PDF file) - list the films/audiovisual projects where you participated and your position. Film title, year, length, director (if other) and applicant’s role(s) in the project. 
4. The applicant has to select or take 10 photos as follows:
   a. 2x portrait
   b. 2x landscape / cityscape
   c. 2x still life
   d. 2x everyday life
   e. 2x of any theme, applicant's choice
   Please include both, color as well as BW photos. Drive link (JPG files). 
5. Audiovisual portfolio (sound, video, editing). Please select 10 minutes of your best work. 
6. Optional: Include links to YouTube, Vimeo, or Googole Drive (films, photography, editing, music etc). Instagram or TikTok links are not accepted).

All required portfolio content must be presented in English (or with subtitles if necessary).

Portfolio structure:

• CV, Filmography, Motivational letter in one folder
• Photos in one folder, no subfolders
• Video materials and links in PDF file in one folder

All required portfolio content must be sent to us as a Drive link (make the link public, must be accessible to everyone without registration). Upload a PDF file with the Drive link to DreamApply/SAIS.

Example of Filmography

Title: Self Reflection
Year: 2023
Length: 3 min
Role: Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer.
Genre: Short film

Title: Cooking Show 101
Year: 2024
Network: TV1
Role: Camera assistant
Genre: Television

Short Film
Title: Yesterday
Year: 2021
Length: 10 min
Director: John Doe
Role: Camera operator, editor
Genre: Student film

Title: Today
Year: 2022
Length: 1 min
Director: Joe Black
Role: Actor
Genre: TV commercial

Title: Music Video“Blue” for Pink Flip Phone
Year: 2023
Length: 3 min
Director: Joe Black
Role: Graphic Designer
Genre: Music Video

Title: The Square
Year: 2022
Role: Sound design
Genre: Art Installation

Sample Interview Questions

1. Creativity and Artistic Expression
Showcase your creative thinking through examples in your portfolio and discuss how you've conveyed ideas in various media.

2. Technical Proficiency
Technical Module
Highlight your technical skills by elaborating on your experience with audio and video equipment, editing software, and industry tools.
Creative Module
Highlight your technical skills by elaborating on your experience with writing, directing actors, camera work, etc.

3. Communication Skills
Articulate your ideas and share insights into past projects during the interview to demonstrate effective communication.

4. Understanding of Industry Trends
Technical Module
Briefly discuss your awareness of current trends and emerging technologies in audiovisual media.
Creative Module
Briefly discuss your awareness of current trends, filmmakers, festivals, TV series and film genres.

5. Passion for the Field
Connect your favorite projects and long-term goals in the industry with your passion for audiovisual media.

6. Teamwork and Collaboration
Emphasize your interpersonal skills and teamwork experience during the interview.

7. Adaptability and Openness to Feedback
Briefly touch on your adaptability and openness to constructive criticism within the fast-paced industry.  

General Admissions Information

Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) has more than 20 years of teaching experience.

• Graduates leave with an extensive portfolio of films and audio-visual content for further career, plus an internationally validated university degree.
• BFM believes in hands-on approach.
• Internship possibilities in different media enterprises and also in the Estonian Public Broadcasting.
• Lectures at BFM are given by well-known filmmakers and media professionals in Estonia such as Miguel Llanso Pinilla, Astrida Konstante, Dirk Hoyer, Marianna Kaat, Michael Andrew Keerdo-Dawson, Mart Raun, Kaur Kokk, Katariina Unt, Mihkel Ulk, Priit Pääsuke, Lili Pilt, Liis Nimik, Marianna Ostrat and many others.
• The university provides students with a state of the art facilities and equipment. BFM building houses Estonia’s first 4K cinema hall, film and sound studios, and editing rooms.
• BFM has over 30 partner universities in Europe and China, which offers a truly exciting mix of cultures that creates an invaluable professional network for your later career.

Scholarships

• Scholarships available

• Every semester, BFM covers one student’s tuition fee for one person from each study programme!
  Students have to apply for the tuition fee discount themselves and the discount can be applied starting from the
  second semester of their year of enrolment. More information.

Remarkable Alumni

Media programme alumni include known faces from Estonian TV and film but also filmmakers in the beginning of their journeys: Esko Bros, Eldar Basmanov, Ahmed Fouad, Ville Koskinen, Maksim Golomidov, Andres Arukask and Ivan Pavljutškov.

In what fields can you find work?

Alumni can find work in creative journalistic, editing or directing fields, as well as producing and production-related fields both in television and film.

Further Studies

 Students can continue their studies at Master's level at BFM or in related fields.

Mart Raun 

Cinematographer, colorist, screenwriter and illustrator Mart Raun studied directing and cinematography in Tallinn university Baltic Film and Media School. From 2005 he started working as illustrator and freelance storyboard artist for local and international commercials. As a big film lover, he started writing reviews for online space in 2012 and also worked as a weekly film critic for “Äripäev”, one of the most successful economic newspapers in Europe.

After graduating from film school he worked for a few years as a Camera Assistant and gaffer/electrician before becoming a full time cinematographer. He has been shooting commercials, TV, fiction and documentaries. Feature Films as cinematographer: "Cormorans” (2011) and “Kids of The Night” (2021), where he also shares co-writing credit.

Since 2015 he has been working as course director and teacher in Tallinn university with international Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes like “Kino Eyes MA”  & "Viewfinder MA".

Mart Raun on IMDB

Miguel Llansó 

A big fan of experimental-punk-weird music and films, he studied philosophy and cinema before leaving on his many adventures. For him, filmmaking is friendship, risk, provocation, subversion and freedom.

Based in Tallinn since 2017, Miguel teaches writing and directing at BFM. His international recognition came when he started filming in Ethiopia. His films have been screened and awarded at many international film festivals such as Sundance, Rotterdam, Locarno, Fantasia, Sitges, Buenos Aires or Los Angeles.

Crumbs (2015), Miguel's feature film debut, was screened at more than 100 film festivals, TVs, airplanes and theatres worldwide. It got positive reviews in the New York Times, Hollywood Reporter and Filmmaker Magazine, among others.

Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway (2019) - SciFi political satire shot between Ethiopia, Estonia, Latvia and Spain - is getting selected at more than 60 film festivals and released by Arrow Films, the reference distributor for horror, sci-fi and cult films. The film got positive reviews in Variety, Screen Anarchy or CineEuropa.

Miguel Llansó on IMDB

Dirk Hoyer

German born filmmaker, script consultant and scholar. He obtained his Master degree from the Sorbonne and his Doctor of Arts from Aalto University. Thus far he is the author of two books, directed and wrote  two documentaries and one feature film. His film “Hinterland Hideout” won the 2021 “Best  Documentary Feature Award” at the Artists Forum in New York. His latest book “Retopia- Creating New Spaces for Possibility” is published by Routledge in 2023. In his research he focuses on storytelling, film history, artistic research and political imaginaries.

Dirk Hoyer in ETIS

Astrida Konstante
Head of Technical Module & lecturer

Cinematographer, colorist and editor Astrīda Konstante holds a BA degree from Latvian Academy of Culture in Arts, TV and video and MA from Tallinn University Baltic Film and Media school in Film Arts. From 2000 - 2005 she worked in Latvian production company SIA TV un Video parks as a cinematographer and editor and from 2010–15 in Production company Vesilind as a freelance colorist and cinematographer.

Marianna Kaat
Associate Professor of Documentary

Marianna Kaat is one of the most successful Estonian documentary filmmakers and an important authority in central-eastern european documentary community. She graduated Phd studies from the St. Petersburg´s State Theatre Arts Academy in Russia. She founded independent production company Baltic Film Production (BFP) in 1998 and since then she produces and directed TV series and feature documentaries for local and international film markets. For example Rodnye (Close Relations) (2016), A Working Title: Wunderkind (2012) or Pit No. 8 are the most known productions which won national and international awards and were broadcasted worldwide. Her films were traditionally a part of the East Silver market catalogs and The last relict received a main East Doc Platform award in 2018 in Prague.

Michael Keerdo-Dawson

Dr Michael Keerdo-Dawson is an award-winning lecturer and artistic researcher who specialises in experimental approaches to screenwriting, storytelling, and film production. He holds three degrees, including a PhD in Audiovisual Arts, and has two decades of experience in the film and television industry. Keerdo-Dawson has written and directed short and feature films selected for prestigious film festivals; most recently the interactive feature film The Limits of Consent (2022) which featured nine possible endings depending on the audience’s choices.

Kaur Kokk

Kaur Kokk (born 1987) is an Estonian director-screenwriter. He has both a BA and MA degree in feature-film directing, both from the Baltic Film and Media School in Tallinn. He is the author of numerous award-winning short films, most notably "Olga", which received Special Jury Mention in Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2014. His debut feature-length film "The Riddle of Jaan Niemand'' premiered in 2018.

Besides directing and writing for his own projects, he has worked as a freelance script editor, lecturer and documentary editor in recent years.

Sangam Panta

Sangam Panta is a professional in the field of sound recording, sound design, and music for cinema.  He holds a Master's degree in Ethnomusicology from Kathmandu University, and a KINO Eyes Master's degree in Cinema Sound from both Tallinn University and Universidade Lusófona.

From 2015 to 2020, Sangam was a lecturer at Kathmandu University's Department of Music, where he taught the Eastern Philosophy of Sound and Music in Eastern Classical Music. Since 2022, he has been a lecturer at the Baltic Film, Media, Arts and Communication School (BFM) at Tallinn University, where he teaches the art of sound recording and sound design for films and documentaries. Additionally, he serves as a film project supervisor and cinema administrator at BFM.

Beyond his academic career, Sangam founded Maya Satsang, an organization where he teaches mindfulness and meditation. His approach emphasizes the practice of understanding and accepting the sounds and noises of both the exterior environment and the interior mind.

Sangam's website

Sangam on IMDB

Liis Nimik

Liis Nimik (1979) is a documentary filmmaker, fiction editor, lecturer and researcher. She graduated from Baltic Film and Media School - BA in Film Art in 2012 as an editor and MA in 2015 as a documentary filmmaker. Liis has been an active member of the filmmaking community in Estonia and abroad since 2010. She has edited 4 fiction feature films and worked together with the renowned director Veiko Õunpuu in two feature films - “Free Range” (2013) and “Roukli” (2015). She has also edited the widely distributed festival hit “In the Crosswind” (2014), being one of the authors of the original idea. Liis Nimik is currently producing and directing documentaries. Her debut feature documentary “Sundial” premiered at Visions du Réel and HotDocs in 2023 and won the Best International Film Award at Beldocs 2024. The recent films she produced through her company Klara Films - “Lembri Uudu” (2017), “The Weight of All the Beauty” (2019) and “A Loss of Something Ever Felt” (2020) and two co-produciton projects "Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway" (2019) and "Lynxman" (2023) have all been international festival successes, having being premiered, shown and awarded in festivals like DocLeipzig, Sarajevo, HotDocs, Melbourne IFF, Jihlava, Vision du Reél, CPH:Dox, Fantasia and many more. “The Weight of all the Beauty” participated in the Oscar competition for short docs in 2021. Liis believes chance, curiosity and humor are the three most important components of life and keeps researching film through this perspective as a junior researcher at Tallinn University. Based both on her long experience as a filmmaker and editing lecturer for advanced film editors, her ongoing artistic research PhD is titled "Film Editors as Chance-Seekers", focusing on both practice and pedagogy of film editing. Liis is a member of European Film Academy and an alumni of Emerging Producers 2024.

Liis Nimik on IMDB

Liis Nimik in ETIS

Klara Films

Marianne Ostrat

A graduate of BFM Film Arts MA (2009), is an Estonian film producer, founder and CEO of Alexandra Film and Fork Film. Active in the field of fiction, documentary and animation her earlier films have screened at festivals such as Venice, San Sebastian, Karlovy Vary and SXSW. After producing two fiction features by Priit Pääsuke - The End of The Chain and Kids of The Night - Marianne’s third feature length film Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (2023) became one of the most successful European documentaries of the recent years garnering numerous accolades both in Europe and US: Sundance Directing Award, European Documentary 2023 and Ostrat being nominated to the Producer’s Guild of America PGA Award in 2024. Since then she has premiered a stop-motion short On Weary Wings Go By (2024) at Locarno IFF, short drama Jungle Law awarded at Odense IFF and Alice nella Città and a Polish-Estonian-Czech fiction feature Wet Monday. She is a member of the Estonian Film Industry Cluster, European Film Academy and Producers Guild of America.

• Specific questions regarding the programme should be directed to the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School: 

Maria-Silvia Kaarep

Audiovisual Media Programme Study Counsellor and Specialist

• For additional guidelines regarding admission procedure please contact the international admission specialist.