The Film Production Program in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Concordia University has an established reputation as one of the best Canadian university concentrations in filmmaking.
Courses give students a perspective in the aesthetics of creation and provide them with a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanics involved in producing motion pictures. Using the medium as a means of cultural expression, they learn how to find the cinematic equivalent for their ideas, for stories they like, or for topics with which they are concerned.
Specialization in Film Production
The Specialization is offered only at the third-year level. Students in the Major may apply to transfer to the Specialization in their third year. It is strongly recommended that students in the Specialization have, or acquire, knowledge of French.
Major in Film Production:
Intended for students with a mature outlook, who possess knowledge of visual arts culture and an ability to articulate their ideas about film as an independent art form. This program provides students with multiple perspectives on the aesthetics of cinema. It offers comprehensive knowledge of the mechanics involved in producing motion pictures. Film is viewed as a method of artistic expression and students are encouraged to explore the various cinematic techniques which will give shape to their ideas. The program includes composite filmmaking courses, technical aspects classes, as well as seminars that explore the process and artistic practice of filmmaking. All genres are explored and supported.
See Program-Specific Admission Requirements – In addition to the general admission requirements, this program have extra program-specific requirements. These additional requirements must be arranged with the departments to which you are applying.
See the BFA degree description for more information on general degree requirements. For a complete list of courses: Undergraduate Calendar
Sample courses include:
Film aesthetics, Filmmaking, Image, Sound, Montage, Acting and directing for the screen, Writing for film, Introduction to producing
Cinema - Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
Concordia’s Cinema programs are distinguished from many others by the fact that they are housed in the Faculty of Fine Arts and thus, approach their subject matter primarily as a means of artistic expression. Consequently, a central aim of these programs is to prepare students to become filmmakers, film animators or film historians/critics who have a two-fold awareness: the artistic and cultural potential of the medium, and its history and traditions.
Cinema programs are oriented towards art and culture rather than industry and commerce. However, it should be noted that students are educated in the technical aspects of filmmaking as well as in financial and commercial factors. The programs attempt to strike a balance between the practical and the purely creative aspects of cinema, just as they seek to achieve a balance between social and aesthetic concerns.
Equipment and Costs
The following equipment is available at the appropriate stage of progress in film courses: Bolex 16mm cameras, Arrifex SR 16mm cameras, sync and non-sync 35mm cameras, Steenbeck editing equipment and digital recorders, lighting equipment, fluid head tripods, Oxberry animation stands, optical printers, and an Animation lab for digital projects. State-of-the-art digital recording and mixing in a Protools environment are provided for sound classes and third year projects.
Students enrolled in Film Animation and Film Production programs must bear the cost of film stock, processing, printing and material. Depending on the project, Film Production students can expect to spend $1,000 - $2,000 in a first year filmmaking course and $1,500 - $5,000 in a second or third year course. For select second and third year projects, the School offers small grants to offset some production costs. Animation students must pay a laboratory fee. Other specialized fees may apply.
Advantages for films:
