PARIS — French helmer-producer Luc Besson has called for application’s to his L’Ecole de la Cite film school, which will accept students in September.
The school will be housed at the new La Cite du Cinema, France’s largest studio complex, which officially opens the same month.
The application process, which includes a three-part admission test, is free and open to adults age 18-to-25. It closes July 5.
The school requires students to hold only a high-school diploma, which sets it apart from La Femis, the prestigious Paris film school that has the reputation of being elitist.
Besson told press agency AFP that classes will emphasize experience and practical knowledge, and will be taught by leading professionals in the French industry.
The core curriculum will include film history and criticism. Students will then choose between two majors: screenwriting or directing.
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“I never had the chance to attend a film school and I would have liked to,” said Besson in a video presenting the school. “I just had my high-school diploma and most of the film schools only accept students who’ve done at least two years of college. So I started working on shoots directly.”
Added Besson, “I think it’s important to have a school that’s open to young people who are creative and motivated, whether they come from big cities, underprivileged suburbs or rural areas.”
La Cite du Cinema, located just outside of Paris, will also house EuropaCorp, Besson’s production company, which is expected to move offices over the summer.
