RITS, founded in 1962 and located in the heart of Brussels, is a school for audio-visual and performing arts. It is a department of Erasmushogeschool Brussel.
RITS offers a variety of programmes with bachelor and master degrees in audiovisual and performing arts and techniques.
RITS teaches disciplines of directing for film, television and documentary in the section audiovisual arts. The programmes combine theoretical courses such as film analysis, screenwriting, psychology, media… with practical directing skills.
The writing training treats various forms of writing such as prose, short stories and screenplays. Students are taught by regular teachers and guest lecturers. In the first two bachelor years, different programmes have the same courses. In the third year of audiovisual arts, the student chooses one of the four disciplines film, documentary, television or writing. The program is then specifically targeted at the selected direction. Project financing, concept development, new media, working with professional actors are just a few of the courses offered. After 3 years of bachelor, the student makes a shortfilm, screenplay, documentary or television programme to obtain his master degree.
In the animation department the student learns to work with the three main animation techniques; 2D, computer and puppet animation. All the courses of the diferent years take place in one big studio (divided in smaller compartiments) which encourages the mutual cooperation among the students. Every year the students travel to Annecy to taste the atmosphere of the biggest Animation Filmfestival. Several graduation films have been selected in the student's competition of this festival.
The radio-department relies on 3 layers: radio, documentary and audio. Radio is on how to develop an original idea to a full radio concept that is realized in studio. In documentary and reportage, the short objective report will be realised, but also the more subjective story. Audio is a more artistic handling of sound: radio art, drama, soundscape, sound-installation. The radio department is in relation with the professional radio field: the teachers of the department work as a radio presentator, director, musician or artist. Radio experience is important, so the training created its own practice platform. XL Air (www.xlair.be) is the radio of the University Association Brussels.
For the programmes of cinematography, editing, sound and production assistance a combination of technical skills and creative sensibility is required. Students follow courses related to the specific discipline of their choice, but all finally work together. This merging of technical knowledge and craftsmanship with creativity and personality brings most graduation projects to a high level of achievement, recognized and often awarded on international festivals. The cinematography department progressively teaches through theory, workshops and task-oriented internships. The training focuses on three disciplines; multi-camera, single camera, single camera fiction and non-fiction, with emphasis on formats like video, film and digital cinema. In the sound department, you learn how to translate social and emotional perceptions into an audiovisual creation. Learning how to use technical equipment and applying an appropriate method will contribute to achieving the best results. The bachelor student creates the soundtrack of one or more productions in his final year. The student of the editing department participates in various workshops and projects together with other departments who are organized throughout the year. In these workshops, he tries using his own style within the desired atmosphere to create a story. He will work independent and give his own suggestions regarding the structure, rhythm, drama and narrative of the editing projects. He also learns to know the audiovisual control post production and will apply them in function of the film or documentary. In the final year the student will edit one or more full end projects ranging from fiction, documentary or television programs for his bachelor project.
Audiovisual Production Assistance provides scripts, program assistants, studio masters, general recording and production managers and assistant directors. They are trained for both multi and single camera productions, fiction and non-fiction, sports and news, film and television. The student is communicative, has organizational skills and is an important link between the director and what is happening on the filmset or studio. They work with fellow students on a television or fiction movie. In the lfinal year the student completes an internship with a production company or broadcasting channel.
Performing arts offers two main training programmes: acting and directing. Artistic research holds a key position in most programmes. The directing program is a broad, interdisciplinary training in which the student develops his own artistic language. He works with domestic and international artists from very different backgrounds in intensive workshops.
The acting department focuses on the development of versatile and intelligent actors and performers who are capable to work with the technicalities of acting in a personal way. Each year consists of three acting workshops of 8 to 10 weeks each led by another director. During an acting workshop the students start with voice and body training.
The stage management department trains technicians and floor managers for theatre and cultural events. They put an emphasis on international collaborations and internships. The department is member of OISTAT, the international organization for theatre and scenographers. Every four years they participate at the Quadrinale festival in Prague.
Performing arts and stage management strive for intensive cooperation. Together they populate the Bottelarij in Molenbeek, an industrial building with various studios, classrooms and a large performance space hosts.
RITS is associated with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), which provides opportunities for research and doctoral studies.
When you study at Rits, you find yourself immediately in an international environment. The university college is situated in the multicultural capital Brussels. Multilingualism, cultural diversity and a variety of culture are a source of inspiration and encouragement for the creativity of the student.
As a student you can participate at the Life Long Learning Programme which give you the possiblity to exchange programmes with other European universities. You can also apply for grants to realize projects outside Europe. During the year students take an active part in festivals like IDFA documentary festival, Annecy animation festival, Quadrinale scenography festival. Rits receives guest speakers and organizes workshops with international film and theatre makers and artists.
The movie theatre and Rits café are two places where students can combine leisure and passion for film.
contact:
Lai Kin Chang
Antoine Dansaertstraat 70
1000 Brussel
Phone +32 2 507 14 68
e-mail: laikin.chang@ehb.be