Film and Video Production

• Two-year diploma
• Fall start
• Includes fourth semester practicum

Program Description

Film and video products entertain us, challenge us, impact our understanding of current events, heighten our awareness of social issues, and even influence our buying decisions. Be a part of this cultural phenomenon, and enrol in the Film and Video Production (FVP) program.

The FVP Program prepares you for a career in one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries. You will learn the fundamentals of scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing and the business aspects of the film and video industries.

FVP is delivered in a unique environment that combines traditional teaching methods with team and project-based learning in a hands-on production model. In your second year, you will have some opportunity to specialize. You will also be assisted to find a practicum opportunity, so that you can gain firsthand experience and make contacts in the industry. You will study for a total of two years to achieve your diploma. Each academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters.

Your Career

Upon graduation, you may find employment in television series, movies of the week, feature films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, specialty channel programming, public service or corporate productions. Most entry-level work is available on a freelance or contract basis. A growing number of entrepreneurial graduates contract their services to multiple clients. Some start their own businesses and employ others. This industry is always hungry for creative new talent. Detailed career profiles are available at Alberta Learning Information Services.

Admission Requirements

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please visit English Proficiency.
• For upgrading options, please refer to the Academic Upgrading program.
• For international students, please refer to the International section.
• For mature students, please refer to the Admissions section.
• Advance credit may be granted to applicants who have completed equivalent education at a post-secondary institution or have demonstrated equivalent experiential learning. Please refer to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Selection Criteria (2010-2011)

Application Timeline

• Applications are accepted starting November 1, 2009. Once the seats are filled, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
• Applicants who meet the program’s basic admission requirements are expected to bring a completed submission package to a Selection Session. The general requirements for a submission package are noted below, but you should not generate anything until/unless you receive an emailed invitation to a Selection Session. The invitation will provide further details about the package that you will need to provide.
• Applicants are advised that as the FVP (Film and Video Production) program is traditionally over-subscribed, they should submit their application as soon as possible, on or after November 1st.
• Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis, and Selection Sessions will be scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. Persons who apply too late to be invited to the final Selection Session will be asked to mail in application packages. Persons who apply after the program has been filled will only be asked to forward packages if a seat comes open that they are eligible for.
• An applicant to the FVP program must provide a current, valid email address where they can be contacted.

Initial Selection Criteria

Applicants in the Film and Video Production program must bring a completed submission package to a Selection Session. If you are outside of a 300 kilometre radius of Calgary and cannot attend a Selection Session without hardship, alternative arrangements for submission will be considered.

For Film and Video Production, a submission package will consist of the following:

• A letter of intent, a résumé and two letters of reference.

Again, please wait until you receive an invitation email directly from the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) before generating these items. We will give you detailed information in the email as to what is required.

Selection Priority

Selection priority is based on an evaluation of the submission package and evaluation of the applicant’s suitability as determined during the Selection Session.

Selection

• Selection Sessions will commence early January. Additional sessions will be scheduled as required.
• Applicants attending a Selection Session will be asked to give a brief personal introduction and provide specific written information. They will have an opportunity to ask questions and to do a tour. Applicants will be advised within four weeks of the Selection Session of their status.

International Student Consideration

The Film and Video Production program allots two seats for international applicants. International applicants are expected to meet the same admission requirements and provide a submission package as indicated in ‘Initial Selection Criteria’ above.

Student Success

• Applicants with previous academic success are usually more successful in SAIT programs.
• Applicants with previous media-related training or experience tend to be more successful in Film and Video Production.
• A diploma from a recognized film program is considered an important asset for success in this field.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Film and Video Production.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for more information.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• Student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 per year.

Program Outline (2010-2011)

To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (I.E. DMST-350) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8470
Email: fvp.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
Academic Chair: Dick Bourne

Transfer with Diploma to...

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• Athabasca University
• Griffith University
• Red Deer College
• Royal Roads University
• SAIT Polytechnic
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge (Co-op Education)
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar