Advanced Filmmaking AFM

Holland Code: A (Artistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to have a Film, Fine Arts, Media, or Design-related college diploma or bachelor’s degree and/or work experience to enter the program.
• The General Arts and Sciences Film Studies Major is excellent preparation for this graduate certificate.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills are required; this program uses MAC computers, Photoshop, and non-linear editing software.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Highly creative
• The ability to command respect
• The ability to visualize a finished product
• A passion for the work they do and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Willingness to attend festivals, awards shows, and industry workshops to network and form partnerships
• Ability to promote oneself and network
• The communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with performers, artists, and technicians, and to develop a network of supporters and contacts
• A willingness to accept artistic, psychological, and emotional risks
• Strong leadership skills
• Organized
• Hardworking
• The ability to work long days
• Good time management skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

Previous education in visual arts, photography, and/or broadcast and communications.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Independent filmmaker, media content creator, director or producer, or work as a freelance crew member in many of the fields that exist within the film and television industries.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Film or television production companies; production studios; on-set locations; or post-production facilities.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Long, irregular hours
• Working indoors and outdoors
• Dealing with time pressures and budget limitations

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Producer

• Individually, or collaboratively, generate the idea for a film, theatre production or radio, or television program
• Obtain the rights to a script, if necessary
• Find financial backing for the venture
• Hire key senior staff including directors, writers, and production crew
• Oversee budgets, schedules, and plans
• See that all post-production is completed
• Negotiate with distributors and broadcasters
• Promote the film, production, or program

Director

• Meet with producers and screenwriters to discuss shots and changes to the script
• Work with the art director to create or approve storyboards
• Identify needed sets, props, costumes, and locations
• Consult with producers about hiring crew members (for example, an art director, cinematographer, costume designer, production coordinator)
• Consult with producers and casting directors about hiring cast members, holding auditions for speaking parts, and contracting larger roles to actors considered right for the part
• Consult with the cinematographer about desired mood, texture, contrasts, and dominant colour and plan shots
• Prepare a working budget and shooting schedule.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Graduates may qualify to become a DGC permittee.
• Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE)
• Directors Guild of Ontario (DGC)
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
• CFC (Canadian Film Centre)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Some credits may transfer to a university degree at Brock University
• IATSE 667 camera trainee program

Last Modified: January 11, 2024