AMA · Flagship debut program

One Movie Project

From a screenplay to a finished feature — a one-year debut path combining mentorship, production support and modern AI tooling. Designed for emerging filmmakers who want to deliver their first festival-grade film with a real crew and a real release plan.

2025/26 edition · Application deadline: March 31, 2026

What is One Movie Project?

One Movie Project (OMP) is the flagship debut program developed at AMA Film Academy in Krakow, Poland. Across one academic year, selected directors and writer-directors go from a treatment to a delivered short or mid-length feature: development, pre-production, shoot, post-production and a release strategy — all under professional supervision.

OMP combines three pillars: mentorship with working directors, DOPs and producers; production support through AMA's in-house crew network and partner studios; and AI tooling for pre-visualization, voice, sound design, VFX, editorial assistance and distribution research. We treat AI as a craft tool — not a replacement for directing, writing or cinematography.

Three tracks

Classical

Traditional live-action production. Focus on directing actors, mise-en-scène, camera language and editorial. AI is used only as a research / planning aid (scheduling, location scouting, transcription).

Hybrid

Live-action core with AI-assisted layers: previsualization, virtual production plates, voice or score sketches, VFX clean-up, shot expansion and selective generative inserts. Best for genre and visually ambitious debuts on a tight budget.

AI-first

Films where generative video, image-to-video, sound and score are central to the language of the work. Strong emphasis on authorship, prompt design, style consistency and ethical use of training data and likeness.

Program structure

  1. Phase 1 — Development (months 1–3)

    Treatment, script polish, director's vision, look-book, AI tooling plan, budget and schedule. Greenlight review at the end of phase 1.

  2. Phase 2 — Pre-production (months 4–6)

    Casting, locations, department heads, previsualization, shot list, storyboards, AI assets pipeline (if applicable), insurance, contracts.

  3. Phase 3 — Production (months 6–8)

    Principal photography with an AMA-supported crew. Daily review with mentors. On-set AI tools used for continuity, dailies and sound notes.

  4. Phase 4 — Post-production (months 8–11)

    Editorial, VFX, sound design, music, color, mastering. AI-assisted steps where it serves the film: clean-up, dialogue repair, score sketches, localization.

  5. Phase 5 — Release (month 12)

    Festival strategy, screener kits, press notes, trailer, sales/distribution introductions, premiere at AMA's annual showcase.

For international applicants

OMP welcomes applicants from outside Poland. English-language submissions are accepted in full — treatment, script pages, director's statement and references may all be in English. Selected international directors receive guidance on visas, accommodation in Krakow or Warsaw, and on producing in Poland under the local incentives and co-production framework.

  • English-language mentorship and supervision available throughout the program.
  • Krakow base; selected production blocks may run from the Warsaw campus.
  • Support letters for visas and residence permits where applicable.
  • Introductions to Polish co-producers, post houses and AI studios.

How to apply

Applications for the 2025/26 edition close on March 31, 2026. Send your application package to the address listed on the contact page.

Application package

  • Treatment (max 5 pages) — logline, synopsis, characters, world.
  • Sample script pages (5–10 pages) — a key scene or the opening.
  • Director's statement (1–2 pages) — vision, references, intended track (classical / hybrid / AI-first).
  • AI tooling notes — if you plan hybrid or AI-first, describe the tools, the pipeline and the ethical considerations.
  • Short bio and links to previous work (if any).
  • Indicative budget range and expected delivery format (short / mid-length).

Selection

  1. Package review by the OMP committee.
  2. Online interview with shortlisted candidates.
  3. Final decisions communicated by April 30, 2026.

FAQ

Do I need a finished script?

No. A strong treatment plus sample pages is enough at the application stage. The first phase of the program is dedicated to script work with mentors.

Is OMP a degree program?

OMP is a production program, not a degree. It can be combined with AMA Film Academy directing or screenwriting tracks; it can also be taken as a standalone path for filmmakers who already have prior education or professional experience.

What is the language of the program?

Polish and English. Mentorship, reviews and written feedback are available in English. Production paperwork in Poland may require Polish — AMA helps with translation and bilingual templates.

Can the film be in a language other than Polish?

Yes. Films may be made in English, Polish or another language. Festival strategy is adjusted accordingly.

Who owns the rights to the finished film?

The director-author retains authorship. Production, distribution and AI asset rights are agreed in writing before phase 2, in line with Polish law and industry practice.

What about ethics of AI use?

OMP requires transparent disclosure of generative AI use, lawful sourcing of training data and likeness, and consent for any depicted persons. Films failing these standards cannot enter the program's release pipeline.

Are there fees and is funding available?

OMP carries a participation fee that covers supervision and core production support. Limited scholarships and partner-funded slots are announced each edition. Applicants are encouraged to combine OMP with national or regional film funds.

What happens after the premiere?

Films enter AMA's distribution pipeline: festival submissions, sales agent introductions, online release planning and inclusion in the AMA showcase archive. Directors keep ownership of their careers — AMA opens doors but does not lock-in talent.

Ready to apply?

Send us your treatment, sample pages, director's statement and AI tooling notes by March 31, 2026.

Contact AMA