Broadcasting – Film Production Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's 3-year Advanced Diploma in Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (Film Production) equips aspiring filmmakers with the skills to write, direct, and produce cinematic masterpieces. Through hands-on experience and access to state-of-the-art equipment, students develop a diverse portfolio and prepare for careers in the film and television industry. The program also offers cross-programming opportunities in Acting for Film and Digital Media, Television Production, and Game Development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a 3-year Advanced Diploma in Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (Film Production) offered at Niagara College's Welland campus. It is designed for aspiring visual storytellers who want to learn the skills needed to write, direct, and produce cinematic masterpieces. Graduates of this program work on sets, at production houses, and in editing rooms across Canada and around the world.

Highlights:

• Introduction to all areas of filmmaking, including writing, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, and producing.
• Development of a diverse professional portfolio of edited and mastered films, including dramas, documentaries, and music videos.
• Cross-programming opportunities in Acting for Film and Digital Media, Television Production, and Game Development.
• Access to new state-of-the-art equipment, a film studio, color correction suites, and a sound mixing board.

Outline:

The program is structured into six terms, with courses covering various aspects of film production.

Term One (2024 Fall):

• BRTF1115 - Photography Essentials (3 credits): This course introduces the fundamentals of photography, covering topics such as composition, lighting, exposure, and camera operation.
• BRTF1142 - TV Studio Production I (3 credits): This course introduces the fundamentals of television studio production, covering topics such as camera operation, lighting, sound, and directing.
• BRTF1141 - Film Making I (3 credits): This course provides an introduction to filmmaking, covering topics such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, and basic camera techniques.
• BRTF1165 - Production Tools I (3 credits): This course introduces students to the various tools and equipment used in film production, including cameras, lighting, sound recording devices, and editing software.
• COMM1150 - Communications for Media Studies (3 credits): This course provides an overview of communication theory and its application to media studies.

Term Two (2025 Winter):

• BRTF1241 - Film Making II (6 credits): This course builds upon the fundamentals of filmmaking, covering topics such as advanced camera techniques, lighting, sound, and editing.
• BRTF1265 - Production Tools II (3 credits): This course continues the exploration of film production tools and equipment, focusing on advanced techniques and workflows.
• COMM1225 - Writing For The Screen (3 credits): This course focuses on the art of screenwriting, covering topics such as script structure, character development, and dialogue.
• BRTF1242 - TV Studio Production II (6 credits): This course builds upon the fundamentals of television studio production, covering topics such as advanced camera techniques, lighting, sound, and directing.

Term Three (2025 Fall):

• BRTF1341 - Film Making III (6 credits): This course continues to develop students' filmmaking skills, covering topics such as advanced editing techniques, sound design, and visual effects.
• BRTF1337 - Cinematography And Lighting (3 credits): This course focuses on the art of cinematography, covering topics such as camera movement, lighting techniques, and composition.
• BRTF1220 - Location Sound and Post Audio Production (3 credits): This course explores the techniques of location sound recording and post-production audio editing.
• BRTF1172 - Editing - Intermediate (3 credits): This course builds upon the fundamentals of editing, covering topics such as advanced editing techniques, color correction, and sound design.

Term Four (2026 Winter):

• BRTF1441 - Film Making IV (9 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their filmmaking skills to a variety of projects, including short films, documentaries, and music videos.
• BRTF1430 - Production Management (3 credits): This course covers the principles of production management, including budgeting, scheduling, and crew management.
• BRTF1324 - Technology for Production (3 credits): This course explores the latest technologies used in film production, including digital cameras, editing software, and visual effects software.
• BRTF1272 - Editing - Advanced (3 credits): This course focuses on advanced editing techniques, including color grading, motion graphics, and visual effects.
• BRTF1350 - Documentary And Drama Development (3 credits): This course explores the development process for documentaries and dramas, covering topics such as research, interviewing, and storytelling.

Term Five (2026 Fall):

• BRTF1541 - Film Making V (9 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a major film production project, applying their skills and knowledge to a real-world scenario.
• BRTF1436 - Advanced Production Workshop (3 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a variety of production projects, including commercials, music videos, and corporate videos.
• BRTF1422 - Directing For The Screen (3 credits): This course focuses on the art of directing, covering topics such as script analysis, actor direction, and shot composition.

Term Six (2027 Winter):

• BRTF1641 - Film Production Projects (6 credits): This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a variety of film production projects, applying their skills and knowledge to a real-world scenario.
• ENTR1210 - Entrepreneurship (3 credits): This course provides an introduction to the principles of entrepreneurship, covering topics such as business planning, marketing, and finance.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of careers in the film and television industry, including:

• Camera operator
• Cinematographer
• Host or interviewer
• News or sports anchor
• On-air announcer
• Producer, director, writer, or editor
• Reporter
• Sound recordist
• Technical director