Screenwriting & Directing
Make your own stories come to life
This department offers a versatile and creative course of study in the fields of writing and directing for the screen. You will learn various methods for developing your ideas and writing scripts for feature films, shorts, television and other visual media. You will also receive extensive training in directing your own scripts as well as those of others.
The Screenwriting and Directing department represents a perfect choice for those who wish to be the authors of their own films, write screenplays as well as direct. During this 120-credit diploma study (two years) students write scripts for various film genres which they in turn direct and bring to completion. The department has proven extremely popular and a vast number of dynamic filmmakers have graduated from the department.
The goal with the education is that upon graduation the student will have acquired a firm understanding of the basics of filmmaking and is capable of working independently on his or her own film projects as director, screenwriter or both. The department seeks students with an artistic vision and great ambition.
Find out more about the department’s syllabus in the curriculum.
Department 3 prepares you for the following jobs
- Casting director
- Director
- First Assistant Director (first AD)
- Screenwriter
- Script Development Executive
- Script Editor
- Script Reader
- Script Supervisor (aka continuity)
- Second Assistant Director
SCREENWRITING AND DIRECTING DEPARTMENT HEADS
Heidar Sumarlidason
Heidar has an BA hons degree from The Icelandic University of the Arts in Theatre and performance making and an MA degree in Creative writing from The University of Iceland and in Directing from East15 in London. Now he is getting his teacher license at the Icelandic University of the Arts. Heidar has written stage works and screenplays, among his works is "90(210) Gardabaer", which was shown at The National Theatre, "Rautt brennur fyrir" which was shown in Borgarleikhusid, "Svin", a radio play which was performed on The National Broadcasting Stations Radio theatre and the film "Þad sem við gerum í einrumi" which was shown at Tjarnarbio. Heiðar has directed 10 plays in professional theatres; "Segdu mer satt" written by Havar Sigurjonsson, "Glerdyrin" written by Tennessee Williams, "Pizzasendillinn" written by Elisabet Jokulsdottir, among his own work, to name a few. Heidar is a film critic for Visir news media and has his own podcast "Stjornubio"
Hilmar Oddsson
Hilmar studied filmmaking at Hochschule für Fernsehehen und Film IN München in Germany. He premiered his first film in 1986 and since then Hilmar has made 5 feature films, 5 TV movies, 5 short films and over 25 music videos. He has made various documentaries and over 100 TV shows. He has directed two sitcom series and directed commercials and educational materials. Hilmar has talked about films in TV and written many articles about film related topics. He has taught filmmaking and acting for films for two decades at The Icelandic University of the Arts and at The Icelandic Film School, where he served as Dean from 2010 to 2017.
First Semester
In this workshop course the students work under the guidance of an instructor on the development of an idea for a feature motion picture. The structural elements of feature screenplays are also analyzed. The students write and turn in a 4-5-page synopsis.
Course outline PDF download
The role and position of the film director as an instructor and collaborator of the actor are analyzed: His or her relationship with the actor, the basis of this relationship and how it can be most rewarding. Emphasis is on fundamental training where students are introduced to the actor’s technical training process, exercises and characterization methods, what forms the inner life of a character that reflects in the character’s actions and behavior.
Course outline PDF download
This is a first semester beginners’ course and introduces students to elements of dramatic narrative all the way back to Aristotle. Students are introduced to the main theories and textbooks of screenwriting as well as being taught how to format a screenplay. The class is partly a workshop under the tutelage of an instructor where each student works with a short film concept and develops the idea into a 7 minute script. This script is then produced in the course HAN120G later in that semester.
Course outline PDF download
Different standard genres of TV series are examined; sitcoms, crime series, family dramas, etc. Students work on this kind of material in groups under the tutelage of an instructor in a so called writers’ room and gain insight into dramaturgy, dramatic structure, character development and the TV series format in this manner. The course is a precursor of HAN211G in the 2nd semester where students write a pilot for a dramatic TV series.
Course outline PDF download
This course examines the form and nature of film grammar. Specific examples from films are viewed and analyzed with regard to proportional representation, perspective, the composition of sequences, symbols and messages. There is also a practical component to the course where students direct, among other material, their own scenes. In addition, the course examines the preparatory process of the director before shoots, i.e making a shoot list.
Course outline PDF download
Students work on a short, 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 be 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
This is a 2nd semester continuing course and the goal to have the students develop an idea for a full-length feature which will prove useful in HAN303G. The students hand in a 5-6-page outline following a thorough preparation of the structure of the story, character development and narrative method.
Course outline PDF download
This course continues to explore the main principles of film directing with particular emphasis on working with actors. Through practical, hands-on training students are introduced to a variety of methods and tools to direct actors. The students learn to plan their work process thoroughly through exercises with actors.
Course outline PDF download
Drawing on the synopses students wrote in HAN110G as a point of departure, they write a draft for a dramatic TV pilot based on their own idea. The students work under the guidance of an instructor and collectively in a so called writers’ room.
Course outline PDF download
The course examines various and different forms of documentary films, their origin and history. A special emphasis is placed on examining different methodologies. The idea development and screenwriting process are investigated, the artistic choices in the shooting and post-production process. The students must come up with an idea for a documentary, conduct research and write a short documentary script subsequently to be produced that semester in the course HAN221G.
Course outline PDF download
An overview course focusing on the relationship between film and painting. What can film learn from painting? The characteristics of different periods of art history are examined. Examples of close relationships between films and certain paintings or artists are cited and how filmmakers have drawn on and been inspired by painting.
Course outline PDF download
Students direct a documentary based on the script they wrote in HAN212G earlier in the semester.
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
In this course the student expands his or her treatment from the course HAN202G into a full-length feature screenplay (85–100 pages).
Course outline PDF download
This course continues the work from previous directing courses. Students develop their own methods for working with actors further, in addition to being introduced to the main trends in film acting and directing actors. The course assignment consists of rehearsing scenes from screenplays, directing actors through the scenes and recording them. The relationship between the actor and the camera is examined as well as the principles that apply to positioning and eye-line matches, as well as the influence that camera position has on the performance and movements of the actor. Other key factors of film directing, such as the relationship with the cinematographer and other intimate collaborators, are examined.
Course outline PDF download
This course is conducted as a workshop in collaboration with the Acting Department. Screenwriting students further develop different texts and monologues improvised by acting students under their instructor’s guidance. The writers then hand in a completed script which the Acting Department stages as their final project.
Course outline PDF download
The process of adapting previously published printed material into cinematic form is examined. The fundamental differences between the literary and cinematic form, which must be taken into consideration and understood during the process of adaptation, are investigated. A host of adaptation examples are evaluated and analyzed and a special emphasis placed on adaptation in the history of Icelandic film. The students must complete a project and in addition write a 7-10-page script based on a previously published text. The students subsequently film their script that semester in the course HAN322G.
Course outline PDF download
The students complete a short based on a script written in the course HAN322G earlier that semester.
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
In this course the student works under the guidance of an instructor on a first-draft rewrite of his or her screenplay from the course HAN303G
Course outline PDF download
The course is linked to the semester’s final project where the directorial strategies of each individual project are examined and reviewed from the standpoint of the screenplay and the director’s personal take. Students are expected to draw on the methods they have learned and developed in relation to their collaboration with the actor and visual narratives.
Course outline PDF download
The course offers support for the thesis project. Various methods of idea development are employed to strengthen the script for the thesis film.
Course outline PDF download
The department head selects a course in a field where he or she feels that the students need additional knowledge, e.g. cinematography, editing, production or post-production sound. He or she does this after consultation with the students at the beginning of semester.
Course outline PDF download
The role of the producer and different aspects of his or her job are examined. The motion picture process from concept to final distribution and the role of the producer and production manager at various production stages are thoroughly explored. The main funding methods and types of contracts in the filmmaking world are introduced. Also examined are the fundamentals of copyright. The course is linked to the thesis film process in course HAN423G.
Course outline PDF download
This is an individual project where the student writes and directs a 8-12-minute short. The project is also the student’s graduation piece and strong emphasis is placed on ambitious craftsmanship in all production aspects. The student him- or herself is the main supervisor over the project and is responsible for directing and writing the film but is encouraged to have a smoothly functional and professional production team and crew bringing all phases of production to a satisfactory standard. The students work under the guidance of an instructor.
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
Ólöf Birna Torfadóttir
"I had worked as a make up artist in various student films for the Icelandic Film School and every student praised the school. I had been contemplating for long to write my own stories, until I came across an advertisement about the film school on Facebook and I applied without delay. For me, these studies was of utmost importance and gave me all the tools I needed to write good stories and tread my path to making films.
What pleasantly surprised me was the collection of teachers who all were versed and fresh in the industry and thus capable of enlightening students on how exactly the ever changing, growing and evolving the industry is. What also amazed me was how much I learnt in every aspect of film making. I was in the Screenwriting and Directing department but I also learnt to edit and produce myself which has helped a great deal for working independently on my own short films and later my own feature film.
After graduating, I established a small company of film makers called MyrkvaMyndir and together we made two short films and later produced another for a student in the London Film School. This company evolved and became a full fledged production company in 2019 and it produced its first feature film, which I wrote and directed and released in cinema in 2021. Now we have embarked on another production for a movie called Top 10 Must which is a thrilling, full feature comedy. We plan to start shooting in Fall 2022."
- Ólöf Birna Torfadóttir, útskrifuð 2016
Screenwriter and Director - Hvernig á að vera klassa drusla
Nína Petersen
"I have always been interested in film making and creative work. I found no courses in University that sparked my interest the same way as the Icelandic Film School did so I decided to risk applying for something I did not fully know. I was immensely excited for the studies so it quickly diminished all doubts that I had chosen the right path for me.
When I applied for Screenwriting and Directing, I had never before seen or read a script before. I promptly grasped the format and learnt how to write in a creative way, with the aid from teachers who all were exceptionally brilliant at conveying their experience and knowledge from the industry. I got to know other, fellow students and attained good friends that I learnt a lot from.
The 2 years in school passed by fast and every day was an exciting joy no matter the project I faced. I had freedom to develop and use my creativity to take on the various projects and learnt to work independently with confidence and this was a great preparation for the coming years in the film industry. Shortly after graduating, I started working in the office of the Icelandic production company, Pegasus. There, I attained a skillset in production and development, but most importantly, I continued to add to my experience in screenwriting and developing of material for cinema and TV.
From 2019, I have worked independently as a screenwriter and since then I have gotten opportunities to work on various interesting projects. I wrote the screenplay for Cop Secret, along with Hannes Þór and Sveppi, which was premiered in cinema in 2021 and was nominated for the Edda awards, including for best screenplay. I am currently working on developing and writing screenplays for a film and series."
- Nína Petersen
Screenwriter - Cop Secret (Icelandic Film Awards nomination)
Snævar Sölvi Sölvason
“My years in The Icelandic Film School were excellent. I got to know how vastly experienced screenwriters and directors at the school approached their business and I immediately adopted the methods that I knew would improve me as a filmmaker. I also was acquainted to other students who dreamt of a future in film making who were all ready and willing to join me on my quest to make my first feature film, Albatross that premiered in cinema some years ago. The people that accompanied me in this film making was mostly my fellow students from the film school.
After graduation, I have written screenplays, including one that was given a grant from the Icelandic Film Center and the process to finance this next film has begun.
Between my screenwriting, I have worked on various film sets to afford the rent, including the filming of Þrestir by Rúnar Rúnarsson and Ég Man Þig by Óskar Axels."
- Snævar Sölvi Sölvason
Screenwriter and Director - Albatross | From Iceland to Eden
Teitur Magnússon
"My dream to be a part of the film industry was a part of me since I was 6-7 years old but had been in hibernation during my teen years. In in the end of 2014, I got my first smartphone and promptly started using it to film my co workers in a warehouse I was working at. During one lunch break, I was persuaded to apply to the Icelandic Film School which I did.
The studies was very interesting, despite the short duration, I believe that I attained everything from the school I could possibly acquire in those 2 years. The final semester was the ultimate experience for me. There I felt I got the right time and support from industry professionals to achieve my goal. The one aspect that surprised me the most was the extensive network you gain throughout the program, I still work to this day with many of the people I got to know during my studies.
After graduating, I made two short films but soon after started writing a screenplay for a full length feature and also wrote some scripts for practice. This process soon after lead to my first feature, UGLUR, which I wrote, produced and directed. The film was screened at various film festivals and is now being screened at Bíó Paradís in Iceland. I am working on getting another feature film into production. I began writing the screenplay for it in 2018. I am also co-writing a TV series."
- Teitur Magnússon
Screenwriter, Director and Producer - Uglur
Þorsteinn Sturla Gunnarsson
"I applied for the Icelandic Film School because I wanted to educate myself in the industry and at the same time connect with the industry in Iceland and the Icelandic Film School was the idyllic place to do both. The studies were both demanding and enjoyable and I got an opportunity to challenge myself in projects that formed my voice as a director and screenwriter. Along my own projects, I also got the chance to help out fellow students with their scripts and to shape their vision, which was an incredibly valuable and enjoyable education. The peak of the studies was without doubt the people I met, both students and instructors, all of which are first class talent and I hope to work with most of them in the future. Since graduation, I have been working on a script for a full length feature, as well as writing a script for a TV series with a very good group of people, a task I received through my network built during my time in the film school."
- Þorsteinn Sturla Gunnarsson, graduated 2021
Screenwriter