College Diploma - Digital Filmmaking

The primary objective of this program 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.

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.

This 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.