Advanced Filmmaking Ontario College Graduate Certificate
ObjectivesThe Advanced Filmmaking program is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program which builds upon the students’ previous diploma/degree skills by providing opportunities to work in cross-functional teams to create both narrative and documentary films, television productions, and other media. All phases of digital filmmaking will be experienced, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will collaborate with students in other college programs (television, acting, fashion, multimedia, music industry arts) in the creation of digital media products.
Academic titleAdvanced Filmmaking Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Course descriptionLevel 1 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
FILM-6001 Documentary Film History & Theory 2.00
BUSI-6004 The Business of Media 2.00
COMM-6012 Writing for Media 3.00
FILM-6002 Creative Resourcing 1.00
FILM-6016 Cinematography 1 2.00
FILM-6004 Editing 1 1.50
FILM-6005 Production 1 2.00
Level 2 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
FILM-6015 Canadian Narrative Cinema 2.00
DEVL-6013 Career Planning 2.00
MKTG-6014 Marketing & Distribution 2.00
FILM-6008 Production Logistics 2.00
FILM-6017 Cinematography 2 2.00
FILM-6010 Editing 2 1.50
FILM-6011 Directing 1.00
FILM-6012 Production 2 3.50
Level 3 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
FILM-6013 Production 3 5.50
FILM-6014 Internship/Capstone Independent Study 8.40
BUSI-6004 - The Business of Media
This course is designed to prepare the students for the business side of the film and media business. Budgeting, contracts, copyright, funding, licensing, Canadian content, tax credits and union agreements are all covered during this class.
COMM-6012 - Writing for Media
This course will introduce each student to the concept development process in the Film and Television industry. During the first part of this course the students will complete a variety of exercises such as researching, brainstorming and story development. Screenplay formatting, concept proposals and pitches will also be covered. Each student will complete several script writing exercises, as well as, pitch a documentary and narrative film concept to the class.
DEVL-6013 - Career Planning
This course covers all the essential elements of preparing students to secure employment in the film and TV industry. The courses will identify the broad spectrum of positions in the industry in all phases and sectors well beyond key crew. The course covers interview techniques, resume and cover letter writing and strategic career planning in preparation for internships and future employment. The subject of self-promotion will include business cards, demo reels and websites. Industry field trips, guest speakers and a focus on networking both with the industry and amongst student colleagues will complement the course.
FILM-6001 - Documentary Film History & Theory
This course will introduce students to documentary history theory from the Lumiere brothers' early actualities to contemporary documentary films. It will examine how innovative films have contested and expanded the documentary canon and the evolving theories and practices of documentary film making. The main focus will be on the Western canon and readings from the course texts; however, students will be given a short list of documentary films which they will be expected to view in the college library. Students who have not taken an introductory documentary film course will be encouraged to take one concurrently with this course. The following applies for course offerings consistent with the Standard Academic Calendar:
FILM-6002 - Creative Resourcing
This course will explore the process and challenges involved in managing creative productions. Tasks such casting, sourcing crews, hiring talent, scheduling, arranging permits, site surveys and many others will be taught and discussed. A series of exercises and projects will be completed to improve the student's confidence in these areas.
FILM-6004 - Editing 1
This project-based course will provide an opportunity for the students to perform non-linear editing using Final Cut Pro software. Creativity, organization, a comprehension of digital video technical issues, editing terminology and theory are the foundations of this course. Projects will utilize a combination of material shot by the students in Production 1 and Cinematography 1. Students will learn and gain practice of the editing process from the initial capture and logging to the final output for various distribution outlets.
FILM-6005 - Production 1
This project-based course will provide an opportunity for the students to perform production tasks in studio and location environments. During the second half of this course the students will complete a documentary production.
FILM-6008 - Production Logistics
This course will explore real world situations and problems that must be solved to complete a production. These are often referred to as the hurdles that must be overcome to have a successful production. A series of guest lecturers will share their experiences within the industry. Group exercises will explore the ramifications of many production issues and solutions that come up during all parts if the production process. Issues related to funding, revisions, test audiences, budget, weather, talent, equipment, crew, and deadlines will be discussed and examined.
FILM-6010 - Editing 2
This project-based course will provide an opportunity for the students to perform non-linear editing using Final Cut Pro software. Creativity, organization, a comprehension of digital video technical issues, editing terminology and theory are the foundations of this course. Projects will utilize a combination of material shot by the students in Production 1 and footage provided by the instructor. Students will learn and gain practice of the editing process from the initial capture and logging to the final output for various distribution outlets.
FILM-6011 - Directing
This course will explore people management, time management and production management skills as the television and film director on set tries to get the most out of a crew. A series of role-playing and team exercises will expose the students to a variety of production tasks, such as shot blocking, rehearsals, crew management, storyboarding, working to a deadline, shot listing and casting. Live studio and film style productions will help the student gain confidence in the directing position while "calling the shots."
FILM-6012 - Production 2
This project-based course will provide an opportunity for the students to perform production tasks in studio and location environments. During this course the students will work in teams to complete a narrative film.
FILM-6013 - Production 3
During this course the students will work on a final production of their choice in an alternative format such as a webcast. The students will work independently and perform all production and post-production tasks. This course will build on the skills that have been developed through the previous semesters.
FILM-6014 - Internship/Capstone Independent Study
Students may obtain a placement with a film or television company, where they will complete duties as determined in a collaboratively-created learning contract with the employer. Alternatively, students may elect to create an independent 'capstone' media project in a team with other students who have selected this option.
FILM-6015 - Canadian Narrative Cinema
This is designed to develop a critical approach to Canadian cinema (English, French and multicultural) and to examine films (features and shorts) by imporyant Canadian filmakers. Emphasis will be on the historical development of Canadian cinema and the theoretical response to it. Students will learn to identify technical and thematic aspects dominant in Canadian cinema.
FILM-6016 - Cinematography 1
This course is designed to introduce the student to the operation of the motion picture camera, lighting and field audio equipment. Theoretical and practical exercises will be completed throughout the semester to improve operational skills. Artificial and natural lighting sources will be utilized as the student experiments with lighting a scene. Throughout the semester each student will light and shoot a series of interview subjects in a variety of locations. Shot composition, camera to subject relationships, continuity and action shooting will be explored as well. The single camera (film style) approach to shooting scenes will be the focus of this course.
FILM-6017 - Cinematography 2
This hands-on course is a continuation of Cinematography 1, and is designed to further the students understanding of art of cinematography through the operation of the digital video camera (now incorporating the HDV camera - HVX200), grip gear, lighting and field audio equipment. Theoretical and practical exercises will be completed throughout the semester to improve operational skills. Artificial and natural lighting sources will be utilized as the student experiments with lighting a narrative scene. Throughout the semester each student will light and shoot a series of exercises and assignments in a variety of locations. Shot composition, optics, camera to subject relationships, continuity and action shooting will be explored as well. The single camera (film style) approach to shooting scenes will be the focus of this course.
MKTG-6014 - Marketing & Distribution
Throughout this course the students will explore the challenges of making an income in the Film and Television production world. A variety of distribution and revenue generating opportunities will be analyzed and critiqued as the students get ready to produce film and video productions that will be profitable and well received. Demographics, audience reactions, test screenings and public polls will be defined and discussed.