As a two-year, six-semester program, Digital Filmmaking responds to the increasing demand for filmmakers and technicians in the Canadian filmmaking industry. The primary objective is to prepare students for an exciting career in the filmmaking industry by providing each student with an abundance of fundamental knowledge and skill development in narrative, documentary, music videos, factual entertainment and other genres of filmmaking.
While learning the skills required for visual storytelling, students will also learn the art of filmmaking by actually making films. The program centers on meticulous hands-on training whereby students work with industry standard equipment to learn professional techniques in various aspects of the filmmaking process. Each semester, students will engage in progressive learning as it relates to producing, directing and editing during both individually-based and team-oriented projects.
During both Intersession semesters, first and second-year students, together with their instructors, will work on developing and producing a short film which will then be screened by a public audience. Added to the practical experience Digital Filmmaking students will acquire, students will graduate with a number of certifications necessary to work in the rapidly growing and complex filmmaking industry.
While merging creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, the program will prepare and qualify students for entry-level technical positions associated with filmmaking. Graduates from this program will have a well-rounded knowledge of the filmmaking industry and gain an understanding of the many unique and rewarding career paths available within that industry.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the complex components of the provincial, national and international film industry.
- Demonstrate proper etiquette and safety practices on a film set.
- Communicate with proficiency, clarity and confidence within a team-based and hierarchical workplace structure.
- Apply technical proficiency with industry standard equipment (digital cinema cameras, lighting fixtures and grip equipment, field sound recording equipment, picture and sound editing).
- Practice creative visual storytelling through the art of previsualization, scriptwriting, production scheduling, location filming and editing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of live television production, webcasting, art direction, post colour and sound production, proposal writing and entrepreneurial practices.
- Apply team-working and applicable problem-solving skills unique to the film industry.
- Demonstrate visual, oral and written communication skills to create compelling stories.
- Identify and seek/renew industry-relevant certifications.
- Create engaging independent narrative and documentary films.
- Plan a career path within the filmmaking industry.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The Filmmaking industry is an exciting, dynamic and complex field with diverse opportunities for employment as film productions and filmmaking activities within the province, nationally, as well as internationally continue to increase. Graduates of the Digital Filmmaking program have opportunities to work at entry-level positions on filmmaking crews which are in demand. They can seek employment in areas such as, but not limited to, a Grip, Lighting Technician, Sound Personnel (Boom Operator), Trainee - Assistant Director, Editor’s Assistant or Camera Trainee.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the educational prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
Please Note:
There are physical requirements (e.g. lifting) in this program as a result of the physical requirements of working in the Digital Filmmaking industry (e.g. individuals must be able to work long hours in different environmental conditions, be comfortable working at heights and be aware of lifting requirements of at least 30 pounds).