Film and Video Production

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

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 fastestgrowing 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.

All Film and Video Production students are required to participate in laptop learning, a package of services that includes a PC laptop computer, a suite of software, full Internet access, training and technical support.

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.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

• It is important to apply early as this program receives more applications than seats. To be included in selection, applications along with all supporting documents must be submitted. Once the program is full, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist
• Selection is done on a continuous basis and Selection Sessions will be scheduled every six to eight weeks. Applicants who apply after the program is full will only be asked to forward packages if a seat becomes available.
• All applicants must provide a current, valid email address where they can be contacted.

Selection Criteria

Qualified 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.

• 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.

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

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

Please wait until you have received an invitation email to attend a selection session from the School of Information and Communication Technologies before generating these items. You will be given 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.

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.

Unsuccessful Applicants

There are numerous reasons why applicants may not be granted admission – a late application, particularly strong competition, the lack of certain basic requirements, or an application package not up to the general standard. We encourage applicants to apply again in the next academic year, making up any qualifications you are lacking and/or improving the quality of your submission package. Applications are not carried over into the next academic year. 

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.
• A $500 security deposit to use a SAIT issued laptop.

Program Outline

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-202) 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)

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 New Brunswick, Saint John

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.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition