Bring your passion for the film industry and we will match it with a professional and challenging environment that will turn your talent into a livelihood. Our Digital Film courses are designed to provide you with the technical skills and hands-on training you need to launch your career in the film industry.
Business Technology 100
In order to survive and prosper, businesses must take advantage of the most appropriate technology available. Students receive an introduction to various business technologies including word processing and spreadsheets. The medium to achieve this knowledge will be the Microsoft Office Suite. Building on a foundational understanding of windows as well as internet browsers, students will learn the basic skills for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Leveraging the interoperability of these applications will also be explored.
Internet Publishing 100
This 100 level course in Internet publishing focuses on the origins of the World Wide Web and creating websites from the designer’s point of view. Using web design software students will be able to create basic web pages and integrate introductory level Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
Introduction to Computer Graphics
This introductory foundation course provides a solid background in vector and bitmap graphics creation, translation skills, graphic file management, scanning and format conversion necessary for every field of computer graphics. These applied skills get you under way in a variety of our core computer graphic applications which are used in ever increasing levels of integration.
Introduction to Video Production
The ability to produce quality video content is an ever growing requisite skill for the digital media profession. Students will setup and maintain professional video production equipment, use three point lighting, manage spatial and temporal continuity, coordinate foreground and background, open and closed frame shots as well as setup for internal and external reverses, perspective and deep staging. Basic blocking notation for camera positions will be applied in basic static setups which use master shot, pan, and reveal static pivot, rack focus and follow focus. You will use focal length to compress space, match sizes and open up space. Upon completion students will have produced all the shots necessary for a basic interview and dramatic scene.
Screenwriting 100
Screenwriting 100 explores the process of professional screenwriting for film and television. A variety of methodologies (e.g. lectures, screenings, discussions, guest speakers, readings, assignments, and workshops) are used to help students develop their own short story ideas and scripts. Various topics and genres are explored according to the needs and desires of the class and their projects. The process continues through in-depth workshops in which the instructor and the guest speakers help students develop their scripts into a final, workable format for their film projects. During this course students will read and write scripts, learn why great scripts aren't written - they're re-written, and produce scripts of their own.
Visual Storytelling
This course introduces students to the complex language of film by examining individual components, aspects and concepts concerned with the visual medium. Specific detail is paid to the relationship between the writer, director, and audience. Emphasis is placed on understanding the basics of narrative, aesthetics, and the practical application of the techniques behind these theories.
Courses
Location Audio
Location Audio introduces students to the equipment, techniques, protocols and procedures used in on-site recording for film and TV. Topics include power requirements and electrical noise, acoustic isolation, location mixing, on set sound design for post-production considerations, field and post synchronization, recording ambience and sound effects, microphone placement, wireless microphones, protocols, and professional communication.
Media Studies - Film
In MS-Film, students explore the history, processes, technologies, theory, and business of film and TV production from multiple perspectives, including aesthetic and critical socio-cultural perspectives. Having a breadth of understanding in these areas will be of great value to future storytellers (in whatever specialization, whether film, animation, games, multi-media, etc.) with respect to their ability and accountability in impacting audiences.
Techniques for Video and Film Production 100
This course introduces students to comprehensive shot types, focal lengths, compression of space, perspective, framing types, framing composition theory and practice, film cadence vs. video cadence, tape vs. solid state, internal and external coverage during dialogue, along with the logic and production value of camera placement. Students will learn to use line management to keep spatial continuity for the audience. This course also introduces students to the world of location audio recording and production. Choosing locations, evaluating and recording ambience, choosing microphones, practicing booming techniques, monitoring camera return, hi pass/low cut filtering, using wireless systems, calibrating and setting up field recorders, proper cable handling, and techniques for micing talent will all be studied and practiced by students in the course so they can produce professional location audio.
Production Management
The Production Manager is responsible for managing all issues of production outside of the actual directing of the film. This includes budgeting, hiring crew, keeping the production on schedule and running smoothly, and dealing with suppliers, locations, contracts, copyright /licensing as well as permissions. This introductory level course prepares students for working in the film world, organizing, and preparing budgets and requisite paperwork. They are also introduced to the terminology and hierarchy of the set and production crew.
Digital Film Editing 100
DFE100 is an introduction to the basic concepts of non-linear editing. Using Digital Video and Final Cut Pro, students will learn the fundamentals of editing and composing techniques using effects, transitions, and titles. Course topics will include: media formats and workflows, three-point editing, project and file management, importing/exporting, tools and shortcuts, and using text and graphics.
Broadcast Production
Broadcast Production is a course that takes Digital Film students into the fast-paced world of electronic news gathering and feature reporting for Television and New Media platforms. Working together with their classmates, students will research, plan, shoot, edit, and present a finished “news” story or featurette in the space of six hours. The program includes on-location shoots at various events in local areas, chroma key setups, and working with virtual sets. Video acquisition will make use of tapeless high definition cameras, editing and effects will be done with various software and hardware packages, and the finished product will be in High Definition meeting established broadcast standards.
Set Etiquette and Protocol (Fredericton and Halifax Campuses)
Developed with industry participation and the Motion Picture Studio Production Technicians Local 849 of the I.A.T.S.E., the Set Etiquette and Protocol course provides an overview of the positions that make up a film crew. It serves as a preliminary screening mechanism for entry into the industry and improves the ability of new entrants to function safely and effectively on set. Whether participants already have some experience in films, are looking to switch careers from a related field, or are just getting started, this course provides valuable information about the working conditions and regulations governing employment in the film industry.
Exercises in Visual Communication
Visual messages have an unmatched potential to inform, educate, and entertain. Exercises in Visual Communication (EVC) is a class designed as the applied portion linked to Visual Storytelling (VS). By applying production methods identified from previous courses, students will explore and produce experimental pieces, commercial works, music works, and other traditional, untraditional, and business formats. Through the preparation and production of materials in this class, students will add a variety of different genres to their demo reel.
Documentary 100
This course is devoted to introducing the students to the world of documentary filmmaking. Unlike dramatic filmmaking, documentary focuses on capturing footage of real world people and events. Doc filmmakers have the exciting opportunity to explore the intricacies of humanity and also deliver powerful messages though objective social commentary.
Audio for Video Production
AVP introduces students to the processes and tools used in sound design for moving images. It is designed for students in the visual arts, rather than those pursing an audio engineering program. AVP covers aesthetic and technical issues including sound design and manipulation. Combining theory with applied technical skills, students create and record a radio commercial, and create and engineer a complete soundtrack for a two-minute animation. Topics include audio post-production theory, composition, supervision, and editing of music for picture, digital audio theory, surround sound history and theory, an introduction to MIDI, digital non-linear audio post-production tools and processes with Pro-Tools, synchronization, audio processing, effects, and mixing.
Techniques for Video and Film Production 200
Picking up from where TVP 100 leaves off, TVFP 200 develops intermediate to advanced film and video production skills, and acquaints students with the various business aspects of industry production models. A class major project, 'The Mentored Film Shoot', combines technical instruction, class critiques and the simulation of a working production company and shooting crew. Emphasis is on direction and production design with particular attention to camera placement, shot selection, sound, scene flow, and continuity. Students learn the fundamentals of professional shooting and editing, basic lighting, more advanced shooting techniques, digital cinematography, and production planning with further emphasis on set etiquette and proctocol. Departments focused on during this mentored shoot involve Direction, Assistant Direction, Camera and Cinematography, Lighting, and Grippage.
Casting & Directing Talent
The Director is the mechanism that lies between the script and the performer, and is the individual ultimately responsible for the final look and feel of a project. This is a workshop course focusing on specific skills and techniques for directing talent in a wide variety of circumstances. Students apply theory learned in the course to various directing situations (assignments) in and out of class to be critiqued and discussed within the class.
Cinematography 100
Cinematography 100 will introduce the student filmmakers to the art and craft of cinematography by exploring a wide range of topics that allow the lighting cameraperson to control their medium. Some of the subjects in this course are as follows: small crew basics, an overview of the camera department with job descriptions of the director of photography, camera assistants, camera operator, et al., documentary style and approaches including the doc crew and working with the sound recordist, lighting basics, understanding light meters, and an introduction to the zone system. The material in this course is a prerequisite to Cinematography 200 which will take the student lighting cameraperson even deeper into the topic of all things relating to and required as basic knowledge by those who aspire to be members of the camera department. Film viewing and discussions, as well as lecture and workshop style classes will be used in the course.
Production Design
A compelling story is essential for a film's success, but just as important is a movie's look and feel. Production Design looks at the creation of a film's mood and tone through the selection of locations, set designs and decorations, backgrounds, costumes, makeup, and props. Students participate in design exercises where they apply theory to their own story ideas.
Narrative Film 100
In Narrative Film 100 the students work in groups of 5-8 to produce a weekly dramatic web series, rotating key positions on each episode. Production planning, pre-production, episodic and series' story arcs, casting and directing talent are reviewed and put to practical use. Working under an assigned student producer, the team meets weekly, releases deadlines, and publishes each episode online. Proper production office procedures and planning is stressed and footage/edits are reviewed each week in class. This course is supported by other courses this quarter including Casting and Directing Talent (where students cast the series), Production Design (where students work on sets and the production design), and Digital Film Editing 200 (where students use their footage for assignments).
Film Screenings 100
Each week students examine influential (and some not so influential) films to broaden their core understanding of film as a craft. Films are chosen for screening based on a combination of relevant elements such as: Genre, Era, Direction, Performance, Plot, Sound Design, Production Design, Historical Relevance, Lighting and Camera work, Editing, Canadian and Foreign Productions, Independent Productions, or those generally considered to be a 'Classic '.
Digital Film Editing 200
DFE200 is an advanced look at Final Cut Pro. This course will include lectures, handouts, and demonstrations. The course is made up of several projects, and will focus on editing dialogue and cutting scenes for pacing, and how to bring a project 'alive' with sound effects and music.
Cinematography 200
Cinematography 200 will continue to push the student filmmakers further into the deep end of the cinematography pool of technical knowledge and artistic concerns and will result in their becoming well rounded lighting and camera people. Some of the topics addressed in this course will be: Rating a camera's ASA or IE using a light meter and waveform monitor, an overview of lighting terms and concepts, types of fixtures and a definition of light placement, and understanding photometrics. Students will take on a lighting project requiring that students analyze and recreate a painting by one of the masters of the 18th century and necessitating collaboration, adeptness, and finesse in the creation of their lighting scenario with documentation including photographs. Students will also discuss potential career paths available upon graduating. Film viewing and discussions, as well as lecture and workshop style classes will be used in the course.
Narrative Film 200
In this course students produce their major digital film project. Decisions concerning the 24p mindset are explored. Students learn to build blocking diagrams and work with camera techniques for camera in motion.
Film Screenings 200
Film Screening 200 builds on Film Screening 100 (FS100) and further challenges your critical abilities. In this course students will apply the critical viewing abilities that you learned in FS 100 and use them to critique more difficult films that aren't necessarily the traditional Hollywood narrative, including more foreign and Canadian films.
Visual Effects 100
VFX 100 is an introduction to Visual Effects. Visual Effects are primarily used for creating motion graphics and visual effects. Visual Effects will allow users to animate, alter, and composite media in 2D and 3D space with various built-in tools and third party plug-ins, as well as individual attention to variables like parallax and user-adjustable angle of observation.
Career Management
This course is concerned with providing students with the tools to successfully navigate the business world while working as a self-employed artist. The end goal is to guide the student towards a feasible career plan aimed towards their individual needs, and specific goals.
Film Publishing for the Internet
The Internet has forever changed the way films are made, distributed, and marketed. Film Publishing for the Internet focuses on how the Digital Filmmaker can use the Internet and related technologies to their best advantage. Through case studies and practical exercises we prepare the student to use the Internet in virtually all aspects of film production, from initial creative collaboration through to the promotion and marketing of their films.
Emerging Technologies
The Digital Film Revolution is ongoing. This course explores a range of emerging capture and display technologies, from DSLR sensor cameras to 3D Stereoscopic filming and display, and, most importantly, their impact on storytelling. Students will learn about and experience a variety of the leading edge technologies in the film industry and in the home. Technology is only a tool in a filmmakers hand and toolbox, the important thing is knowing which tools to use and when to use them. Emerging Technologies (ET) will help you understand and prepare you to thrive in the digital future.
BC Film Orientation Certification (Kelowna Campus)
Developed with industry participation, BC-Film explores the positions that make up a film crew. A preliminary screening mechanism for entry into the industry, it improves the ability of new entrants to function safely and effectively on set and teaches a standardized set of expectations, vocabulary, and knowledge about working on set in BC. Whether you have experience, are looking to switch careers from a related field or are just getting started, this two-part course provides valuable information about the working conditions and regulations governing employment in the film industry. Section One: Working in the Film Industry is the certificate course required by BC's unions and guilds as a prerequisite to entry. Section Two: Health and Safety is the certificate course recognized by WCB for WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).
Visual Effects 200
Visual Effects 200 is an advanced look at creating Visual Effects. Visual Effects will allow users to animate, alter, and composite media in 2D and 3D space with various built-in tools and third party plug-ins, compositing, and motion tracking.
Employability Skills 100, 200, 300 DFM
In today's marketplace technical skills and talent are not sufficient to find and keep high quality jobs. Employers desire candidates with a high level of employability skills that include personal management, communication, problem solving, positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Employability Skills 100, 200, and 300 provide a space to explore the realities of the work world through a variety of real world case studies, breadth, and depth training opportunities, and/or work/production projects where employability skills (covered in the Personal & Professional Development series of courses) can be practiced. Each term the faculty will determine an appropriate focus for the courses that best serves the needs of the student cohorts or individual students, and local industry. Potential topics include specialized local industry needs such as industry overviews, guest speakers, case studies, or projects; interdisciplinary breadth and depth courses, or special or advanced technical skills, assigned per class or per individual need; class or individual development assignments, and projects based on class or individual needs (as determined by the instructor or dept head or industry mentor); and work experience or simulated work experience projects and group projects.
Professional Development 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 (This is a mandatory course in each quarter)
The Professional Development Program consists of a series of modules spread throughout the academic program that focus on the personal and interpersonal aspects of employability skills required for success at work and in life. Through a combination of instruction and activities including scenario training, individual and group activities, discussions, and reflection students are given the opportunity to discover and develop lifelong values, personal definitions of success and mission statements, and to investigate best practices in achieving their personal and career goals. Awareness of expectations and consequences of actions within business and social situations will be emphasized, providing opportunities to develop into the kind of people that others want to know and work with, whether employers, business partners, or fellow workers. This includes behavioural awareness and skills in resolving personal and interpersonal issues, and letting go of schemas that don't support success as personally defined. Practical job skills are also included in the program such as industry research, portfolio criteria, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and employment negotiations. Because the acquisition of soft skills requires a significant amount of exposure and practice in diverse situations, each module will build on the core skills, principles, and tools based on individual and group needs as determined by the facilitators in each module.
