Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-03 | - |
2025-01-09 | - |
Program Overview
This two-year Advanced Film Production diploma program provides comprehensive coverage of the core areas of filmmaking, including Directing, Producing, Production Design, Cinematography, and Postproduction. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, students gain hands-on experience in film crew roles and develop the technical and creative skills necessary for a career in the industry. The program culminates in a capstone project where students showcase their proficiency and create a professional portfolio.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Advanced Film Production is a full-time, two-year diploma program that covers the five principle domains of live action film development: Directing, Producing, Production Design, Cinematography, and Postproduction. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of these core areas, learn the rich history of each, and explore emergent technology driving these fundamentals in filmmaking today.
Outline:
Term 1
- FIPR1101 - The History of Motion Pictures (3 Credits): Students explore the history and power of filmmaking and technological advances throughout the century. By researching the earliest forms of filmmaking, students will discover how the medium became the most powerful form of storytelling.
- FIPR1102 - The Departments: Roles and Responsibilities (3 Credits): Students learn about the departments in film production and how they interact with one another. Through hands-on learning, students will explore the different roles to better understand how they all come together to function as an integral part of a film production crew.
- FIPR1103 - The Directors: A Study of the Masters and their most Influential Films (3 Credits): Students will learn the roles and duties of the Director and Producer from pre-production all the way to the final product. This study will examine the most influential films and how the director would have approached their production. Students will use this study to develop an understanding of film through a director's lens.
- FIPR1104 - Cinematography I: The Grammar of Cinematic Storytelling (3 Credits): To understand the art of Cinematography the student must understand the tools of the craft and how they are utilized to create film.
Term 2
- FIPR1105 - Cinematography II: Lighting Applications and Techniques (3 Credits): Students build upon their skills and apply fundamental techniques of camera movement, lighting a set, and the basic methods of visual storytelling. Students will learn the role of the Director of Photography and learn how to create a new world through the lens.
- FIPR1201 - Directing I: Technique and Approach (3 Credits): Students build upon their knowledge of the directing role and dive into how to interact with the production crew. This will include creating and visualizing scripts, blocking for scenes, and guiding actors.
- FIPR1202 - Producing: Film Finance, Budgeting and Scheduling (3 Credits): Students will analyze and break down scripts for commercial potential as well as initial budgeting for filming. This course will allow students to work on creating concise pitch documents needed in order to successfully create and plan a film project.
- FIPR1301 - Screenwriting: The Mechanics and Mythology of Storytelling, Script Development and Pitching (3 Credits): Students will analyze the screenwriting process to help understand the power of a script and how it is created from start to finish. Students have the opportunity to work on pitching scripts and understanding that portion of the screenwriting process.
Term 3
- FIPR1106 - Cinematography III: Crafting Creative Photography (3 Credits): Students focus on a more in-depth study of lighting techniques that focus on aiding the director to convey the emotion and feeling the directors intend. Additionally, there will be a hands-on focus with the other positions on set.
- FIPR1203 - Directing II: Casting and Working with Actors (3 Credits): Students examine the Director and Producer collaboration which can make or break a film production. Students gain hands-on experience in learning interpersonal skills and techniques to ensure a successful partnership.
- FIPR2302 - Post-Production III: Colour Grading and Picture Delivery (3 Credits): Building on knowledge learned in previous post-production courses, students will focus on the elements of color grading and picture delivery as they work to understand the final delivery of a film. The tools and theory around this will be explored deeper to allow students to be work ready in this field.
- FIPR1401 - Production Design I: Developing Design Concepts from Script to Screen (3 Credits): Students will examine the film design process starting at the pre-production phase. Students will go through the design process starting by sketching and researching elements to create production designs that communicate mood, texture, etc., from the initial script phase.
Term 4
- FIPR2501 - On Set: Grip, Rigging and Special Effects (3 Credits): Students will work in a studio setting to learn and develop their skills within a film crew. These students will understand how the set is built in order to develop and plan for the shoot. This will give students the opportunity to achieve the shots and effects needed during production and for it to be ready for post-production.
- FIPR2502 - On Set: Electrical Department (3 Credits): Students will work in a studio setting to learn and develop their skills within a film crew. These students will understand the electrical setup needed when building and planning for a film shoot. Learning through hands-on experience students will understand the electrical department on a professional set.
- FIPR2503 - On Set: Location Sound Recording (3 Credits): Students will work in a studio setting to learn and develop their skills within a film crew. These students will understand the sound setup needed when building and planning for a film shoot. Learning through hands-on experience students will understand the sound department on a professional set.
- FIPR2504 - On Set: Camera Department (3 Credits): Students will work in a studio setting to learn and develop their skills within a film crew. These students will understand camera setup and techniques needed when building and planning for a film shoot. Learning through hands-on experience students will understand the camera department on a professional set.
Term 5
- FIPR2101 - Cinematography 4: Virtual Production (3 Credits): Students work with the camera and lighting crew to understand how to use and acquire real-time feedback to make decisions on set about the VFX and animation in the production. Students are able to further enhance the director's vision through new ideas and concepts only available through the mix of live footage and computer graphics. Students understand how to make decisions in real-time and become better filmmakers.
- FIPR2201 - Industry Career Preparation and Interviewing Skills (3 Credits): Students will work with industry professionals to hone resumes, cover letters, demo reels, scripts, and pitch materials. Students will have support in deciding on a career path and be supported through thoughtful preparation.
- FIPR2301 - Post-Production II: Visual Effects (3 Credits): Students will incorporate visual effects, sound, and colour correction to push toward final delivery. Students learn the tools within post-production and how they can deeply enrich the story being told. Students develop the technical knowledge essential for the modern filmmaker.
- FIPR2302 - Post-Production III: Colour Grading and Picture Delivery (3 Credits): Building on knowledge learned in previous post-production courses, students will focus on the elements of color grading and picture delivery as they work to understand the final delivery of a film. The tools and theory around this will be explored deeper to allow students to be work ready in this field.
Term 6
- FIPR2202 - Film Production Industry Project I: Preproduction (3 Credits): The first of four sequential final project courses for film production, the goal of this class is to begin developing a professionally marketable reel comprised of the student's best work. The student will select an appropriate framework for their assembly and will work with the instructor to tailor their portfolio toward employment opportunities. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging, and stationary systems. Students will lock their shooting script, create storyboards, secure locations, select teams, rehearse and cast talent and create schedules.
- FIPR2203 - Film Production Industry Project II: Production (5 Credits): The second of four sequential final project courses for film production, the goal of this class is to establish and adhere to a portfolio production schedule akin to industry standards. In the continued aim of developing a professionally marketable reel, the student will create effective employment outreach and promotional materials. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging, and stationary systems. Students will begin principle photography for their production project.
- FIPR2204 - Film Production Industry Project III: Industry Presentation and Critique (4 Credits): The third of four sequential final project courses for film production, the goal of this class is to enhance the student's professional communication skills with a particular focus on resumés, networking, and giving presentations. As in all final project courses, the student will hone client/artist relationships by practicing the art of presentation and behavioral skills, and will develop consistent identity, resumé, reel packaging and stationary systems. Students will assemble their initial edit, re-edit, picture lock, add sound, music, VFX, colour, QC and export their final film.
- FIPR2999 - Film Production Capstone Project: Review, Post-Mortem, and Portfolio (5 Credits): The last of four sequential final project-based courses for film production, the goals of this class are to synthesize outcomes from the previous final project courses to create their final version of a professionally marketable reel and to finalize preparations for job applications. Students work on the final stage of the film production. Students focus on presentation and cutting a promotional to their industry partners. They will produce a "trailer" and other marketing materials that will make it into their personal demo reel along with other pieces created during their time at the CEA.
Other:
The program is delivered through a combination of face-to-face, online, blended, and off-site learning methods.
Bow Valley College
Overview:
Bow Valley College is a public post-secondary institution located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services to students, including diploma programs, certificates, apprenticeships, and continuing education courses. The college is known for its commitment to applied learning and its focus on preparing students for successful careers.
Services Offered:
Bow Valley College provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Services:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and other resources to help students succeed in their studies.Financial Services:
Information and assistance with student loans, bursaries, and scholarships.New Student Orientation:
Programs and events to help new students transition to college life.Office of the Registrar:
Services related to registration, transcripts, and graduation.Learner Success Services:
Support for students with disabilities, mental health services, and other personal and academic support.Student Association:
A student-run organization that provides social and advocacy services.RGO Library and Learning Commons:
Access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, computers, and study spaces.Intercultural Centre:
Programs and services to support international students and students from diverse backgrounds.Iniikokaan Centre:
Services and resources for Indigenous students.Bookstore:
Textbooks, supplies, and other merchandise.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Bow Valley College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for student engagement, social activities, and community involvement. Students can participate in clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities. The college also has a strong focus on student support and provides a variety of resources to help students succeed.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Job-Ready Programs:
Bow Valley College's programs are designed to prepare students for in-demand careers.Applied Learning:
The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.Experienced Faculty:
Bow Valley College has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.Supportive Environment:
The college provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.Regional Campuses:
Students can access programs and services at regional campuses in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks.Academic Programs:
Bow Valley College offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including:
Entertainment Arts
Business
Technology
Community Studies
Health and Wellness
Careers in Immigrant Advancement
Continuing Education
Academic Upgrading
English Language Learning
Open Studies
Other:
Bow Valley College is recognized as one of the top 50 Research Colleges in Canada. The college's Research and Innovation department focuses on applied research, teaching excellence, curriculum design, and workforce development.