What are the minimum requirements a student must meet before they can apply for admissions to Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

There are three minimum requirements a student must meet before they can apply for admission to the Berkeley Digital Film Institute.

(1) A student must be 18 years or older, this is a legal requirement that cannot be waived.

(2) A student must conversant in English because at this time everything we do; all of the lectures, labs, and tests are done in English.

(3) A student must be a high school graduate or have a GED or the foreign equivalent to being a high school graduate.

Do I need any previous college or work experience to be considered for admissions to the Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to become a film Producer and Director. While having previous college study or work experience may help you with your training, it is not required.

What do I need to do to apply for admissions to the Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

The first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with the Admission’s Office. During your appointment you will be asked to complete an Admission’s Application and take a short standardized test that is required by the State of California of all prospective students. You will also be required to complete an Essay on why you want to attend the Berkeley Digital Film Institute and what you expect to take away when you graduate. This essay can be completed at home either prior to you visiting the campus or after your visit. The essay must be completed before you can be considered for admission.

While I am enrolled and attending the Berkeley Digital Film Institute will I be considered a full time student?

Yes, the Producing and Directing for Motion Pictures course is a full time course. Students will attend classes Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm. There will be additional time needed outside of class to complete some homework and film assignments.

Can I be enrolled at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute while I am taking classes at another college?

Yes, a student can be enrolled at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute while they are attending another college. However, students should be cautioned about spreading themselves to thin. As with any area of study, the more time a student devotes to his Berkeley Digital Film Institute assignments, the more they will learn from those assignments and the more progress they will make.

When can a high school senior apply to the Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

The course structure at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute has been designed to allow students to begin their program at different points throughout the year. New classes for the Spring Term begin in January, for the Summer Term in May, and for the Fall Term in September. Since enrollment is ongoing year round a student can apply to begin school as early as two Terms or six months before they want to actually begin classes.

Can I take one or two classes to see if I am really cut out to be a film Producer or Director?

No, the only program that Berkeley Digital Film Institute offers is a Certificate Course in Producing and Directing for Motion Pictures, which consists of four terms, with each term lasting 15 weeks for a total of 16 months. The program is designed for those students who know they want to become Producers and Directors. If you are not committed to being a Producer or Director, this program is not for you.

Can I continue to work while I am enrolled at Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute Producing and Directing for Motion Pictures program is designed to be a full time program, so students are advised against having a full time job. A student should be able to work at a part time job while going to school however, students are cautioned about spreading themselves too thin.

What about breaks or time off?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute has scheduled breaks between each Term. Additionally, the school has developed a Leave of Absence policy for those students who encounter unexpected problems related to health, family emergency, military duty, etc. If a student has to temporarily leave the program due to reasons of finance or time commitment you will be required to withdraw from school and reapply when you are ready to continue on a full time basis.

How much does the Berkeley Digital Film Institute cost?

The full cost of tuition, books and supplies and fees for the Diploma Course in Producing and Directing for Motion Pictures is $40,100.00. This is broken down into a one time Registration Fee of $100, tuition for each Term is $9,750 and a book and supply cost for each term is $250.

Why does the Berkeley Digital Film Institute cost less than other film schools?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute was designed by film professionals, for people who truly want to become involved with film. Our goal was to create an affordable school with the highest standards that would help the very beginning student to the most advanced student reach their fullest potential.

Do I have to pay the tuition all at once?

No. When a student enrolls at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute they are given the option of either paying all of the tuition at one time or making payments as they go. If a student chooses to make payments, the tuition will be split up into four payments, with each payment being due 10 days prior to the beginning of each new Term.

Is there any financial aid available?

At this time the Berkeley Digital Film Institute does not offer any financial aid programs. Each student is responsible for paying their own tuition. The school is continuing to explore different programs that may become available at a later time.

Are my credits from the Berkeley Digital Film Institute transferable to another college?

Each individual college has the right to either accept or reject credits from any other college. Because of the unique structure of the Berkeley Digital Film Institute program, it is unlikely that our credits will be transferable to another college. However, the knowledge a student gains from our Certificate Course can certainly be used to challenge other classes or obtain advanced placement should a student wish to continue their education after graduation.

What will my schedule be like?

Each student will take four classes per Term. Classes will be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day.

Where do the Instructors who teach at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute come from?

All of the Instructors chosen by Berkeley Digital Film Institute are professionals who have or are currently working on film projects. These Instructors have been carefully selected and chosen for not only their film related ability but also for their teaching skills.

Will I get to choose my Instructor?

Certain Instructors teach certain classes. Students will be scheduled for four classes each Term. This means each student will have a minimum of sixteen different Instructors while they are here at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute

How often will I get feedback from my Instructor?

Direct feedback from your Instructor is a key element in the Berkeley Digital Film Institute program. Every student will have the opportunity to talk and ask questions directly to your Instructor on a daily basis.

What kind of support will be offered to students who have technical problems?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute has a fully dedicated student support staff available to answer any questions you may have regarding your program including specific assignments. Instructors will be available to help individual students who have problems.

What if I have other questions or problems, who can I talk to?

There are many people here at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute to assist you if you are have questions or are having problems. In addition to your instructors, the Director of Education will also be available to answer any questions that may come up. Additionally, the Registrar is here to help with any academic or other problems. The School Director is also always available and here to help you.

What about getting a job after I have graduated from the Berkeley Digital Film Institute?

The Berkeley Digital Film Institute offers job placement assistance to all of our graduates. Our Job Placement Office maintains an excellent working relationship with many of the film studios and other companies within the film industry. Before you graduate you will have an opportunity to meet the Job Placement Office, which will work with you to help you prepare to enter the job market. After graduation our Job Placement Office will continue to work with you to help you find the right job for you.

What do I receive when I graduate?

Every student who graduates from Berkeley Digital Film Institute will receive a Certificate in Producing and Directing for Motion Pictures.