Overview

Are you passionate about the power of film and video to entertain, inform and inspire? Do you want to be part of an industry that shapes our understanding of the world and captivates audiences? If so, our Film and Video Production program is your gateway to a career in the world of media.

In this program, you will learn:

  • understand how to convey compelling narratives and visual experiences through creative storytelling
  • to explore the creative process of scriptwriting, developing stories that resonate with viewers on both emotional and intellectual levels
  • gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from producing and directing to cinematography and sound recording.
  • how to bring your creative vision to life through practical training and real-world projects
  • the skills necessary for editing and post-production work.
  • the art of editing, sound design and visual effects to elevate your storytelling and filmmaking;
  • to understand the business aspects of the film and video industry, from, navigating the industry landscape, securing funding, getting tax credits, marketing your work and turning your passion into a sustainable career.

Our program is designed to prepare you for a career in Canada's evolving media industries. Stay current with the latest industry trends and technologies taught in film school.

Immerse yourself in a unique learning environment that combines traditional teaching methods with hands-on production and project models. Experience the thrill of creating your own films and videos from start to finish.

Whether you aspire to be a filmmaker, cinematographer, editor or television producer, our program will equip you with the knowledge and experience to thrive in this dynamic field.

People in film and video production tend to be innovative, directive and social.

You need:

  • creativity
  • adaptability and perseverance
  • good judgement for hiring key people
  • passion for their work
  • an entrepreneurial spirit
  • a comprehensive network of industry talent
  • critical thinking skills
  • financial and time management skills
  • leadership and communication skills
  • the ability to work with a wide variety of people
  • the ability to give and take constructive criticism
  • the ability to identify what makes a great story and know how to tell it effectively
  • the ability to deal with stress
  • a willingness to attend festivals, awards shows and industry workshops to network and form partnerships
  • a willingness to be held accountable for all decisions made.

To do well in this field, you should enjoy having variety in your work, finding innovative solutions to problems, coordinating productions and negotiating with people.

This program includes an optional work term between the first and second year.

The work placement includes full-time paid employment.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be awarded a SAIT Film and Video Production diploma.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon86% graduate employment rate

salary icon $40,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 51120, 52110, 52113, 52119, 53111, 50011.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Courses

The Film and Video Production course diploma 60 credits (21 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course provides an introduction to image formation, exposure, film and video camera and lens operation, location lighting equipment, and location sound recording equipment operation. The principles of electrical safety with lighting equipment are also examined. Learners then work in teams to practice visual and sound narrative techniques by producing short film and video projects, using camera, lighting, and sound equipment, related production techniques and processes.

3

The FVP Post-Production I course provides an introduction to the creative and technical side of picture and sound editing. Students are introduced to the core terminology and basic skills required for non-linear digital editing, including media management workflows, using media from the Film Production course. Basic image manipulation, text creation and compositing techniques will be explored. Technical aspects of the audio signal and its relationship to other production elements will be examined.

3

This "hands on" course introduces specific instruction for learners in the Film and Video Production program relevant to the development of their organizational, creative, and technical skills. It supports learners as they complete production projects by providing them with instruction, demonstrations, and problem solving exercises.

3

This course provides the learner essential tools needed to envision, plan and write effective concepts and scripts for Film and Video. You will study what makes a screenplay unique from other forms of writing by its formats and software. You will investigate ways to develop story ideas, concepts and the elements of writing concepts, treatments and pitches. You will develop a process to write a vetted, proofed and edited master scene scripts by applying the techniques of re-writing, editing and polishing.

3

This course examines the nature of film and video production work. Included are the origins, structure, job descriptions, and set etiquette traditions of the industry. Learners develop an appreciation for the fundamentals of the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of film and video projects.

1.5

This course explore the principles and procedures related to cinematography, lighting, three phase electricity, grip, and sound and their use in production in more detail. Learners will develop proficiency with related production equipment and support accessories. Working in teams, learners will participate in the production of short film and video projects on location, practicing production roles and specific tasks related to those roles. They will apply their knowledge of principles and procedures using related production equipment, all while practicing teamwork and professionalism.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 200
3

This course introduces learners to an intermediate level of industry based editing concepts, procedures and aesthetics, and is a continuation to FVP Post-Production I. Learners will develop the intermediate skills required for non-linear digital editing, including media management, using audio and video media from the Film Production II course. Compositing techniques involving image and text manipulation utilizing various applications will also be explored.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 202
3

The focus of this course is Composition. The learner will investigate the finer points of story design such as movement, point of view, continuity and contrast. Learners will have the opportunity to compose concepts and scripts for a variety of subjects such as: Documentary, Advertising, Corporate Video, Music Video, and longer form Drama. The learner will investigate the classic struggle between Hero and Villain along with developing a method for the Critique and Analysis of Films and Screenplays as they relate to Story. This course also introduces the learner to the Business side of Screenwriting such as: Writing for Production, Pitching, Marketing and Collaborating,

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 204
3

This course introduces learners to the process of creating content for film and video projects from a Directors perspective. Learners examine various techniques and processes a director or content creator goes through when planning and realizing a digital video or film project.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 203
3

This course examines the motion picture industry. It introduces learners to the business culture from negotiating script rights and financing; through production, editing and distribution.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 208
3

In this course, learners work as members of a production crew. They will perform the job and role functions of a crew while producing short film and video projects on location. Learners are introduced to advanced level creative and technical principles, procedures, techniques and skills. They will examine advanced technical concepts related to pre-production, production and post-production workflow and technologies.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 250
3

Continue building post-production skills to use in an industrial, commercial and conceptual context. Learners will have the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world cinematic challenges while learning styles, techniques, syntax and approaches for effective storytelling.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 252
3

This course examines advanced techniques used by directors of film and video projects to develop and create both fictional and non-fictional content. It will provide practical study combined with project development designed to prepare learners who are interested in developing their skills as director and content creators.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 256
3

This course further advances your screenwriting and pitching skillset. Original creative works will be developed into outlines, treatments, first drafts, and production ready drafts. You will develop scripts from adapted sources and story edit previously existing work.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 254
3

This course examines the process of packaging and monetizing motion picture intellectual properties (IP) for new digital distribution. It introduces learners to the various distribution venues and platforms now available to content creators, and how to build distribution multi-platform strategies for their IP.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 258
3

Perform the various jobs within a film crew to plan and produce short film and video projects on location, using advanced level creative and technical principles, procedures, techniques and skills.  

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 300
  • FVDO 302
  • FVDO 303
3

Integrate skills acquired over the preceding three semesters to direct and create content for films and videos. Practice directing skills throughout the stages of a project: development, pre-production, production and post-production.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 303
Corequsites:
  • FVDO 350
  • FVDO 357
  • PROJ 309
  • SCPT 351
3

This course will bring together skills learned over the preceding two semesters. It will provide practical study combined with project development designed to prepare learners, interested in developing an IP (a project) for delivery over the growing number of delivery systems including broadcast, online and mobile. This course is designed to prepare entrepreneurial individuals for careers as, or with, producers in independent Transmedia and multiplatform production. It will direct new producers through the paperwork and packaging that surrounds a creative project including; transmedia planning, multiplatform extension of the IP, funding, budgeting, staffing and roll out scheduling.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 308
3

This course provides emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The participant gains an understanding of leadership, articulates a personal philosophy of leadership, and applies various leadership skills. Involvement is accomplished through assigned readings, discussion, role playing, experiential activity, use of multimedia, journal writing, and extracurricular project and leader shadowing.

1.5

In this capstone course, you will investigate issues across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge, may connect with community issues or problems, and create a solution. Your project should demonstrate the technical and professional skills learned in the program and beyond. You are expected to apply your creativity and problem-solving abilities to a real-world context.

Pre-requisites:

One of the following sets of pre-requisites, as applicable to your program of study:

Information Technology Services

  • CPNT 300, CPSY 302, CPSY 350, INTP 301, and ITSC 300

Software Development

  • CPRG 303, CPRG 304, CPRG 306, CPRG 307, and CPSY 301

Information Systems Security

  • ITSC 203, ITSC 301, ITSC 304, ITSC 307, and ITSC 309

Film and Video Production

  • FVDO 300, FVDO 302, FVDO 303, FVDO 304, and FVDO 308

New Media Production & Design

  • MMDA 300, MMDA 303, MMDA 323, MMDA 324, and MMDA 326

Interactive Design

  • COMM 238, CPRG 218, DSGN 221, DSGN 227, MMDA 203, PHIL 241, and PMGT 200
3

This course delves into advanced level screenwriting exercises and assignments designed to sharpen overall storytelling craft. You will develop a feature length screenplay project throughout the entire semester, as well as learn intermediate level story editing techniques, pitch a short documentary project, and discover writing for film is both similar and different from writing for television and web series.

Pre-requisites:
  • FVDO 304
3

Course Credits

This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional.

Pre-requisites:

One of the following sets of pre-requisites, as applicable to your program of study:

Information Technology Services

  • CPNT 224, CPRG 217, CPSY 204, CPSY 206, and PHIL 241

Software Development

  • CPRG 211, CPRG 250, CPSY 200, CPSY 202, and PHIL 241

Information Systems Security

  • ITSC 204, ITSC 205, ITSC 206, ITSC 302, and LAWG 200

New Media Production & Design

  • MMDA 225, MMDA 237, MMDA 243, MMDA 244, and MMDA 247

Film and Video Production

  • FVDO 250, FVDO 252, FVDO 254, FVDO 256, and FVDO 258

Journalism

  • JOUR 251, JOUR 254, JOUR 258, PHOT 256, and PUBL 261

Interactive Design

  • CPRG 218, DSGN 221, DSGN 227, MMDA 203, and PMGT 200

Integrated Artificial Intelligence

  • ARTI 407, ARTI 408, ARTI 409, DATA 480, and PROJ 407
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Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Spring 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: March 28, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
2 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
Total cost:
$14,016

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $18,930 $1,608 $20,538
2 2 $18,930 $1,608 $20,538
Total cost:
$41,076

There are no required textbooks in this program.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a custom computer hardware and software requirement. Your computer can be a Windows or Mac machine, but it must meet the following minimum specifications.

Windows computer

  • Processor: Intel 7th Gen or newer CPU with Quick Sync - or AMD Ryzen™ 3000 Series/Threadripper2000 series or newer CPU
  • Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) version V20H2 or later
  • Memory: Dual channel memory: 16 GB of RAM or HD media
  • GPU: 4GB of GPU memory for HD and some 4K media. For a list of supported graphic cards and drivers, see Adobe specs.
  • Storage: Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache 512GB or greater. Additional high-speed external drive for media - 1TB minimum
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 or greater
  • Sound card: ASIO compatible or Microsoft Windows Driver Model

Mac computer

  • Processor: Intel® 7thGen or newer CPU or Apple silicon M1 or newer
  • Operating system: macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later
  • Memory: Apple silicon 16 GB of unified memory or Intel 16 GB of RAM
  • GPU: Apple silicon 16 GB of unified memory or Intel 4 GB of GPU Memory for HD and some 4K workflows
  • Storage: Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache 512GB or greater. Additional high-speed external drive for media - 1TB minimum
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 or greater
  • Sound card: Default Mac OS Apple sound drivers

You must also purchase the following software:

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School for Advanced Digital Technology Advising

Phone
403.284.8543
Email
sadt.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.