Masterschool
Are you ready to step your documentary project and filmmaking skills up to the next level?
Europe’s longest running documentary training programme is back for its 25th year!
The Masterschool is a one-stop-shop for non-fiction projects looking to thrive in international markets and successfully finance and produce original factual-based formats.
Apply now for the Masterschool 2026
We are looking for:
- 15 projects in development stage
- With strong international potential
- We are open for all types of factual content and formats: TV series, one-offs, creative docs, multi-platform, web, or VR projects as well as animated projects
- We welcome applicants from all over Europe who are experienced in their domestic markets
For more information, please check the FAQs.
Documentary Campus encourages applications from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
* To apply, please submit your project via FilmFreeway.
* More information about the application process can be found HERE.
Deadline for submissions is 1 December 2025!
Embark on a career-changing 10-month-long training & development journey together with +20 fellow European filmmakers
We will equip you to bring the full potential of your story to the world through:
✓ 5 Workshops with internationally renowned experts.
✓ 3 Webinars.
✓ Individual mentorship through the year.
✓ 1-on-1 consultancy with industry experts
✓ Extensive networking opportunities
Our mission is to empower you to find your voice, develop your story and navigate the global market by providing tailored training in skills that will have a lasting impact on your career, including:
- Storytelling techniques and structures for non-fiction
- Casting & research
- Professional pitching
- International co-producing & financing
- Budgeting & legal affairs
- Audience design & online marketing
- Impact producing & sustainable production
- And many more...
Through our decades-long experience in the field of development and training, we offer filmmakers a unique blend of interactive workshops, customised mentorship, carefully matched 1-on-1 sessions with top industry specialists and networking opportunities in the most important European Documentary Markets (including IDFA, DOK.Leipzig, CPH:DOX, and DOK.Fest Munich)
Some 70% of Masterschool projects enter production
Finally, you'll pitch your fully developed project at our Pitching Forum during the SILBERSALZ Science & Media Festival in Halle (Saale), where you'll be in direct contact with international commissioners, funders, and producing partners to get your documentary not only off the ground, but into the stratosphere.
+40 international industry experts
As well as hands-on training, Masterschool also provides invaluable contacts with international experts to fuel your production company for all future endeavours. Mentors include representatives from FOCAL International, ARTE, FIFDH, ORF, HBO, Sundance, Netflix, ZDF, Dare Pictures, and more.
Join Oscar-nominated filmmakers
For over 20 years, the Masterschool programme has developed internationally acclaimed films, including:
- 2021 three-time Oscar nominated Flee
- 2016’s festival hit Notes on Blindness and its corresponding VR experience Into Darkness
- Slovenia’s official Oscar entry Houston, we have a Problem
- Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hanna Polak's Something Better to Come
Will your documentary be the next big thing? With Masterschool, we can help you make it happen.
All this and more for €0 lecture fees
We pride ourselves on being an affordable training initiative, allowing a diverse and broad range of filmmakers to participate. Masterschool has no lecture fees and no application fees. Scholarships are also available for travel costs to workshops and industry events.
For more information about the cost of Masterschool, please visit our FAQs.
What do participants get from Masterschool?
- A unique opportunity to develop a factual film/TV/digital project over 10 months in a highly supportive and market-focused environment
- A tight-knit collaborative group of talented peers to share an extraordinary journey with you
- World-class film and TV experts to guide and support you
- Top, cutting-edge international digital experts
- Various scholarships (incl. Green Scholarship, Equality & Inclusiveness Scholarship and Travel & Accommodation Scholarship)
- Funding for research trips & market visits
- A series of high-quality, content-rich, practical workshops in wonderful European cities and towns
- Opportunities to visit international markets & festivals
- Illuminating case studies of completed projects (including finance & data)
- Insights into the nuances of digital content and platforms
- Pitch training (including body language, voice & managing nerves)
- A dedicated Mentor – a senior figure from the industry
- A dedicated Tutor focusing on networking & financing
- Leading experts on storytelling, audience building, digital distribution & a rich mix of key topics
- Key skills & know-how for a sustainable career in factual film/TV/digital and to help future-proof your career for the digital future
- A dynamic alumni network of 750+ creatives throughout the international industry
- €30,000 of funding & value
