Lights... Camera... Action!
This is the call for everyone on set to spring into action. In live production, there are as many moving parts (or more!) happening behind the camera as in front of it. Without lighting, grip, camera, and set decoration, a film, video, or television production simply won’t see the light of day.
The technical production crew works like a well-oiled machine behind the scenes to ensure seamless takes that bring the director’s vision to life. Masters of integration, these technicians can often fill a number of roles on a live set, bringing together their knowledge of several disciplines to make good decisions that contribute to a project’s success.
Our Television and Film Technical Production Certificate will help you gain that knowledge, as you learn the technical aspects of television and film, including camera operation, lighting, rigging, props, set decoration, and sound work. This is a hands-on program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to effectively perform in this exciting industry.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s pristine and rugged landscape has made the province a sought-after location in the television and film industry, attracting productions big and small. Currently, the province has a reputation of producing high quality productions with a dedicated work force. National and international productions such as
Hudson & Rex, Son of a Critch, Astrid and Lily Save the World, Frontier, Aquaman and
Peter Pan & Wendy have put the spotlight on our province, establishing that we have the capability and capacity to fully embrace and advance this industry.
After first completing a common semester, you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the technical areas. During the Spring semester, you’ll participate in a cross-discipline film project, and a six-week field placement.
Technical production crews can work on any kind of live productuion project such as feature films, wildlife documentaries, sporting events or even game shows! Those who pursue this career path are able to fuse their creativity with expert technical skills to make sure what we see and hear on the screen is as colorful, lavish and powerful as possible.
Along with this certificate, all you’ll need is the aptitude to make quick decisions and the ability to move between tasks in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
You’ll also need a comfortable pair of shoes.
Program Highlights
- The opportunity to learn across multiple television and film disciplines and then specialize in one
- The most current program in its field designed and delivered by industry experts
- Participation in a multi-discipline television and film project
- Program focuses on the practical application ensuring you have job-ready skills
- Equipment mimics what you will be using in the real-world
- From the first semester, students will participate in realistic studio and outside shoots
- Completion of a field placement with industry
Did You Know?
- Canada is known as Hollywood North and is home to many large studio films and TV productions.
- In 2021, a cast and crew of approximately 150, including many local film workers, technicians, and artists, worked on the Walt Disney live-action adventure-fantasy, Peter Pan & Wendy, which was filmed on the Bonavista Peninsula.
- The filming of television show Frontier in NL (from 2016-2018) starring Jason Momoa, generated an economic output of more than $63 million, and created 539 full-time equivalent positions in NL. It also later led to Momoa’s major motion picture, Aquaman, being partially filmed in NL.
- Canadian content (film and television) production volume reached an all-time high in 2019-2020 of $9.3 billion and demand for content continues to rise.
- The industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is growing rapidly, as national and international production companies are seeking out exotic locations that add to production value.
- Canadian TV and film productions account for $5 billion in revenue and employ more than 244,500 people on a full-time basis.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation was created in 1997 with a mandate to grow and develop the provincial film and television industry and has since generated over $570 million in total production activity and more than 8,000 full time equivalent jobs.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively as part of a technical production team
- Model safe practices while operating tools and equipment
- Utilize appropriate methods and materials to perform tasks within their technical disciplines
- Collaborate with members of a production team to enable the creative expression of diverse ideas and concepts
- Demonstrate proper protocols and acceptable conduct on a set
- Break down a script according to the various needs of key departments
- Interpret call sheets and other industry specific documentation
- Adhere to legal principles, government legislation and regulations, copyright and contract requirements and professional and industry codes of conduct
- Establish professional networking and business relationships in the television and film community
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students will acquire the following industry certifications throughout the program:
- WHMIS
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Fall Protection Training (16 hrs)
- Aerial Work Platform Training (8 hrs)
- Standard First Aid & CPR
- Occupational Health & Safety Committee
*Students should be aware that additional fees may apply to external certifications.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Television and film productions can fall into two categories – unionized or non-unionized. All graduates would qualify for all entry level positions in the department of their choosing for unionized work. Work opportunities can include a broad range of budget and project types such as: commercials, industrials, web series, broadcasting, marketing, branding, content for social media, educational materials, etc.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in television and film in a variety of roles, including, but not limited to:
Lighting & Grip
- Daily Grip / Electric
- Rigging Grip / Rigging Electric
- Best Grip / Best Electric
- Dolly Grip
- Concert and conference Rigging
Set Design
- Production Assistant
- Props buyer
- Assistant Props
- Assistant Props maker
- On set Props
- Set Decoration buyer
- Set decorators
- On set dresser
- Set construction
- Scenic painter
- Assistant Greensperson
Camera
- Camera trainee
- 2nd Assistant Camera
- 1st Assistant Camera
- Video Assistant Operator
- Data Management Technician
- Digital Imaging Technician
- Camera Operator
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Television and Film Technical Production program requires the applicant to meet one of the following five academic criteria:
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Diploma with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) 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 education 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.
5. 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.
Applicant Portfolio Requirements
All applicants to the Television and Film Technical Production Certificate Program, the Television and Film Production Management Certificate Program, the Television and Film Post Production Certificate Program, and the Film and Television Creation Diploma Program must submit a
visual portfolio and a
written statement as part of the admission requirements.
A
visual portfolio is a personal selection of the applicant’s work that shows the potential to build on demonstrated skills and aptitudes when in the program.
A
written statement is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves and communicate their interest, aptitude, relevant experience, and understanding of the program to which they are applying.
You will be notified how to submit your visual portfolio and written statement from the Register’s Office upon processing of your application.
The Visual Portfolio
The visual portfolio should consist of:
A sample of relevant work that relates to the stream to which you are applying in the College’s Film and TV programs.
The work sample may be one selection chosen from the following four options:
- a short film
- an excerpt of a short film
- a selection of excerpts comprising a reel
- a selection of 24 photographs
In the case of the first three options, your work sample should not exceed three (3) minutes’ maximum and not be less than sixty (60) seconds minimum. It should be submitted in one of the following file formats:
- MP4
- MOV
- MKV
- QuickTime
- Mpeg
- PDF
In the case of the fourth option, please use:
- JPEG
- Tiff
You will include a signed and witnessed declaration that you are the author of your submitted work. In the case where there are collaborators, you will state your role and likewise include a signed and witnessed declaration that the credit you are claiming is yours.
How to submit your Visual Portfolio
Video
Link
The preferred methodology is to provide our Admissions team with a video link to your portfolio. This can be achieved at vimeo.com, youtube.com, google docs, or any video sharing platform of your choice.
This link should be included at the end of your Written Statement.
If you are unable to provide a link, please contact Admissions and we will provide you with further direction.
Photos
Link
The preferred methodology is to provide our Admissions team with a photo link to your portfolio. This can be achieved at google docs, one drive, or any video sharing platform of your choice.
This link should be included at the end of your Written Statement.
If you are unable to provide a link, please contact Admissions and we will provide you with further direction.
The Written Statement
It is not necessary to have prior experience in film and TV to be suitable candidate for this program. With that in mind, please write a statement between 250 and 500 words in your own voice giving us a brief introduction to yourself and your interests.
Outline your current goals within the film and tv industry. This is an opportunity for you to present your unique life experience and personality as well as your value to the program. It is not a business letter. The document must be submitted as a PDF.
Portfolio Submission Rubric
|
Excellent
20 Points |
Good
15 Points |
Fair
10 Points |
Poor
5 Points |
Visual Skill
(Video Submission) |
Student created a representation directly related to assigned topic. Video reflects complete understanding of topic |
Student created a representation related to assigned topic. Video reflects understanding of topic. |
Student created a representation that is somewhat related to assigned topic. Video reflects little to no understanding of topic. |
Student created a representation that is somewhat or not at all related to assigned topic. Video reflects student does not understand the topic. |
Creativity and Unique Voice
(Video Submission) |
The work was done well to the best of the learner’s ability. Quality time and effort was put into the creation and story. |
The work was done with good effort that shows what the learner is capable of. It is evident that time was put into the creation and story. |
Work is done with fair effort, but the quality is still not what the learner is capable of. It is evident that the work was rushed or done with lack of effort. |
Lack of effort on the learners' part. Work is incomplete. Learner is capable of doing better. |
Storytelling Skill
(Written Statement) |
The Statement is engaging with good use of narrative. |
The statement is understandable with some use of narrative |
Overall, the statement is interesting, but needs improvement. |
Overall, the statement is not understandable. |
Ability to Communicate Cleary
(Written Statement) |
Statement was very creative. Appearance is neat, and clear.
representation of topic. |
Statement was somewhat creative. Appearance is acceptable. |
Statement was somewhat creative. Appearance is not thought out. More time was needed to show effort was made to create representation of topic |
Statement was not creative. Appearance is only somewhat neat or not neat at all. Not thought out or evidence of effort was not shown. |
Passion for Subject
(Both Video and Written Statement) |
Representation was very creative. Appearance is neat, well thought out, and engaging. interest and effort was made to create the content. |
Representation was somewhat creative. Appearance is neat, thought out, and some effort was made to create content. |
Representation was somewhat creative. Appearance is neat but not thought out. More time was needed to show effort was made to create content. |
Representation was not creative. Appearance is only somewhat neat or not neat at all. Not thought out or evidence of effort was not made to create representation of topic. |