Course content.
The narrative forms of film and video games influence each other and are visibly merging. With the help of new technology such as motion tracking and virtual reality, students create an audiovisual narrative in virtual space as a team, which will be available for viewing as a computer-generated film at the end of the course. Working alongside other students from the areas of film, game design, production design and other areas at ZHdK, students develop a story that contains characters and conflicts, and create a space for this narrative in a game engine. With the help of motion capture, they assume the roles of different characters, manage the virtual camera, and digitally create an atmospheric lighting mood. They learn about the important tools of storytelling and explore the topics of dramaturgy and character drawing. Moreover, they learn how to tell a story in pictures and consolidate their knowledge of future-oriented technology such as game engines, motion capturing, 3D character design and virtual film-making. To be considered for admission to the minor, applicants must be interested in narratives with exciting figures, in designing spaces, and in creating an audiovisual work with images and sound. Prior technical knowledge is an advantage, however, it far more important to be a team player and be interested in experimenting with the latest digital tools. The focus is on working with students from other disciplines, and students receive exciting insights into the digital artistic professional fields of the future. 

The minor, which is taught in German, is offered by the Film discipline in collaboration with Game Design and is aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students. It is open to all departments and is offered once a year.

Skills acquired in the course.
–  Use of modern, transdisciplinary and future-oriented methods 
and technologies (e.g. game engines, virtual production). 
–  Use of cutting-edge technological tools to find your own 
forms of expression. 
–  Networking at various levels and transdisciplinary teamwork. 

Admissions requirements.
The minor in “Cinematic Narration in Virtual Spaces” is aimed at technically skilled students who are interested in new transdisciplinary narrative styles. A variety of skills in areas such as game engine, 3D scanning, virtual storyboarding and post-production audio track are required to ensure the best possible mix of students in the group. 

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German and English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German and English: to write a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
–  Co-creation of a space in virtual reality, with the development of stories and characters from this space. 
–  Realization of an animated film as a group.

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.