Motion Picture Production
Download ApplicationThe Motion Picture Production Program is designed specifically for students wishing to become filmmakers. If you want to direct and produce films, the MPP Program will take you through the creative and business process from concept to completion. Motion Picture Production focuses on teaching students how to control and maintain the 'chain of title' (copyright) and understand the business of film without overwhelming their artistic vision. This is achieved through a series on hands-on , practical exercises, workshops, and productions which explain the process and theory of independent filmmaking.
Students complete several projects throughout the program, including commercials, corporate video, documentary, and narrative drama. Every student gets the opportunity to direct their own project and gain experience in a variety of production crew roles. Upon graduation students will have gained a solid understanding of the production process and be able to move forward with their own independent film, starting a small production company, or apply with confidence for entry level positions in film and television. The MPP Program is not a fast track into Motion Picture Unions and Guilds, or to direct a Hollywood Blockbuster, but we feel it is the best training available for anyone wishing to enter Independent Production.
If you simply want to work on a film set; all you need is the 2 day BC set orientation and WHMIS course, Traffic Control, the Production Assistants Handbook and a visit to your local film commission to find production management offices. Contact the school for more information.
For a list of current faculty, please contact the school.
Course Descriptions
Production I, II, III
Students learn the role of the Producer, Assistant Director and Production Management . While the MPP projects are developed throughout all the classes, the Production Class is where the logistics, problem solving, and filming takes place. As Producers, the students are responsible for acquiring all the rights and releases for their projects, as well as creating budgets and scheduling their shoots.
Editing I, II, III
Throughout this course students will focus on the role of the editor and the use of editing within creative storytelling. Examination of contemporary editing styles paired with a technical approach to Final Cut Pro will facilitate hands-on learning from the rough cut stage to the finished product. Students will acquire the tools and techniques needed to edit video, audio and visual effects in a variety of film formats.
Cinematography I, II, III
The Cinematography class is designed to realize how best to achieve the look of your film, as well as the most important principles in Camera Function’s and Lighting. The course explores various applications of lighting in different shooting scenarios. Students learn about Principles of exposure, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Lenses / Filters, Depth of Field , Focus, Lighting, Camera Angle, Composition and Framing.
Documentary I, II, III
The Documentary class is structured in two parts. First is a series of workshops: finding structure, finding style, finding truth, and finding the beginning. Second the students create their own short form documentary.
Sound I, II
The sound class focuses on the techniques of gathering location and studio sound. Students are taught the importance and interaction between sound and image. Students are given practical exercises in recording dialogue and building soundscapes during the post production process.
Screenwriting I, II
Learn the basics of storytelling and screenplay writing, how to create your own stories and develop your writing to attract an audience. Students learn about character development, scene development, dramatic conflict, plot structure, dialogue, pacing and how best to address the complexities of the 3-act structure, and bring your story off the page and onto the screen.
Visual Storytelling I
Through lecture and hands-on training, students learn to understand the grammar of film, how images work and how to plan and prepare for a film shoot of any size or imagination.
Directing II, III
Learn what directing is and how to do it, by shaping shot selection, shooting style, story points and actors’ performances to get the film you visualize onto the screen.
Workshops I,II,III
TBD