Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

Film Arts offers an eight-month, post-accreditation Certificate in Film Arts in three areas: acting for the screen, writing for the screen, and directing for the screen. The program runs from January through August.

Courses in film studies, film principles, and film practice will overlap, resulting in a creative and collaborative environment in which students will practice their skills with the other key creators of each craft area. These overlapping courses are designed so students will develop a dynamic understanding of the film making process.

Nevertheless, each certificate will be a stand-alone program. The film arts program is designed as three parallel paths, each one concentrating on its own area of expertise and resulting in a portfolio of work and a base of knowledge that will give the student a significant advantage when entering the workforce in the professional world of film production.

Students wishing to obtain a second certificate in another stream of the film arts program must take the courses unique to that certificate.

Students accepted in the Certificate in Film Arts must take Term One (spring) and Term Two (summer) consecutively.

Certificate in Film Arts (Acting)

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 30

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1110 Techniques of Film Acting
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Using scripts from a variety of film and television styles, students will be introduced to working with the camera. Students will study script analysis and choice-making. Basic techniques such as "hitting their mark", finding and working in key light, camera awareness, and movement on camera will be covered.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).

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FLMA 1120 Voice I
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Preparatory and advanced work on dialects, including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet: Speech, work with particular reference to working on microphone; Additional Dialogue Recording (ADR); voice-over techniques; and WALLA (background sounds).Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).

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FLMA 1170 Principles of Production
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

From development through pre-production, post-production, and distribution, this course will cover every aspect of filmmaking from the producer's perspective.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

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FLMA 1180 Collaboration: The Actor
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will concentrate on narrative/dramatic elements of cinematic storytelling for the actor. Actors will practice their rehearsing and acting skills in collaboration with the writers and directors, adjusting their performances to the needs of the scripts and the directors' visions. In a collaborative atmosphere, actors will have input into the creative process through feedback to the writers and directors. All three streams of students will work together to produce short films and film scenarios. FLMA 1180, 1181, and 1182 are taught concurrently, and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).

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FLMA 1200 Art of the Short Film
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This introductory course offers a critical approach to the art of the short film through the screening and analysis of great short films. In critiquing various award-winning films, students will understand what makes for a great short film, both from the perspective of its art and its craft, and also the peculiarities of the form. Selected films will show how diverse the various genres are that use the short film form and also the breadth of artistic vision and style achieved in the form. For students interested in pursuing a career in film, they will be exposed to the possibilities offered by the form: festival films, calling card films, short films from around the world, and films that have launched the careers of famous directors.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

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15 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1210 Advanced Techniques and the Signature Tape
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

On-camera blocking, rehearsals and final taping will be practiced, including heightened and more sophisticated camera awareness. Physical and emotional continuity will be added, including work on the arc of a character within scenes, from scene to scene, and working out of sequence. A demo signature (or 'hit') tape of each student will be prepared as the final component of this course.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1110.

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FLMA 1220 Voice II
2

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Techniques for narration, commercial slots, and animation.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1120.

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FLMA 1222 Audition Lab
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0

The on-camera interview and audition process, learning how to prepare, and audition quickly and effectively, how to handle cold readings and call backs. Through filmed mock auditions and directorial adjustment, students will acquire a specific and effective approach to auditioning for film and television.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1110.

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FLMA 1271 Career Development for the Film Industry
1.5

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Focusing on the film industry in North America, students develop a career action plan, including how to get an agent, which associations to join, grant writing for film and television, and film-related internships.Students also write a resume, practice interview skills, study personal marketing skills, financial management, and tax information for the entrepreneur.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1271.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

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FLMA 1272 Film Festival and Distribution
1.5

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Students develop the skills to hold a film festival ("Unlock the Vault") to screen their grand film projects. They research and book the venue, promote the event, write and design the program, stage the location, and host the reception.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1272.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

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FLMA 1280 Production Practicum for the Actor
6

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 8.0 | Lab: 0.0

Building on the skills learned and developed in FLMA 1170 and FLMA 1180, this intensive class will involve all three streams of students producing, writing, directing, acting and editing short presentation quality narrative dramatic videos. FLMA 1280, 1281, and 1282 are taught concurrently and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170 and 1180.

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15 Credits
Certificate in Film Arts (Directing)

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 30

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1150 Editing Techniques, Styles and Digital Camera
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0

Through lectures and labs, students will learn Final Cut Pro post-production picture-editing theory and techniques, including logging, off-line assembly, structure, and locking picture. Students will learn the operation of digital cameras, including options and aspect ratios for full-application production techniques and the exploration of lighting set-ups.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).

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FLMA 1160 Visualization
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Fundamentals of film directing with an emphasis on effective storytelling. Studies in script analysis, mise-en-scene, cinematic motion, form and style, and coverage.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).

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FLMA 1170 Principles of Production
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

From development through pre-production, post-production, and distribution, this course will cover every aspect of filmmaking from the producer's perspective.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
FLMA 1182 Collaboration: The Director
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will concentrate on narrative/dramatic elements of cinematic storytelling for the director. Directors will practice pitching projects and receiving pitches from writers. Directors will work closely with actors in the rehearsal process to practice effective communication of objectives and obstacles. Directors will work closely with writers to define acts and character arcs. FLMA 1180, 1181, and 1182 are taught concurrently, and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).

More Information »
FLMA 1200 Art of the Short Film
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This introductory course offers a critical approach to the art of the short film through the screening and analysis of great short films. In critiquing various award-winning films, students will understand what makes for a great short film, both from the perspective of its art and its craft, and also the peculiarities of the form. Selected films will show how diverse the various genres are that use the short film form and also the breadth of artistic vision and style achieved in the form. For students interested in pursuing a career in film, they will be exposed to the possibilities offered by the form: festival films, calling card films, short films from around the world, and films that have launched the careers of famous directors.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

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15 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1250 Case Studies
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

From script to screen: lectures and seminars on produced films with emphasis on scene construction. Beginning with the films original screenplays, students will apply their knowledge to visualize the films by way of design materials, storyboards, and short lists prior to viewing films. They will follow up with an analysis of what the director of the actual film did and why.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).

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FLMA 1261 Advanced Cinematography - Staging
1.5

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1260In preparation for shooting their final grad films and for continued career success, directing students partake in hands-on workshops to practice and explore myriad cinematographic tools including cinematography, lighting, advanced camera operation, production design, blocking/staging, and collaborating with actors.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1260 or 1261.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1160.

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FLMA 1262 Online Finishing and Sound Mix
1.5

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Formerly FLMA 1260In preparation for the completion process on their summer films and future work in the film industry, directing stream students will execute the technical post-production process that includes: picture legalization, colour correction, sound editing, lab finishing, encoding, and delivery of the final master.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1260 or 1262.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1160.

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FLMA 1271 Career Development for the Film Industry
1.5

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Focusing on the film industry in North America, students develop a career action plan, including how to get an agent, which associations to join, grant writing for film and television, and film-related internships.Students also write a resume, practice interview skills, study personal marketing skills, financial management, and tax information for the entrepreneur.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1271.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

More Information »
FLMA 1272 Film Festival and Distribution
1.5

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Students develop the skills to hold a film festival ("Unlock the Vault") to screen their grand film projects. They research and book the venue, promote the event, write and design the program, stage the location, and host the reception.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1272.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

More Information »
FLMA 1282 Production Practicum for the Director
6

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 8.0 | Lab: 0.0

Building on the skills learned and developed in FLMA 1170 and 1182, this intensive class will involve all three streams of students producing, writing, directing, acting, and editing short presentation quality narrative dramatic videos. FLMA 1280, 1281, and 1282 are taught concurrently and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Directing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170 and 1182.

More Information »
15 Credits
Certificate in Film Arts (Writing)

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 30

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1130 Feature Film Lab
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Through a combination of lectures and workshops, students will complete a treatment for a feature film and a minimum first draft of the first act. Emphasis will be on structure, plot, and character development. Students may complete a screenplay that they began in an introductory course or begin with an original concept. Minimum output 60 pages.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

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FLMA 1140 The Short Film
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students will study the characteristics of a good short film, script treatments, screenplay format, scene construction, structure, character development, plot, and dialogue. They will develop outlines for three short films and complete two drafts and a polish for at least one of them. Minimum output 40 pages.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
FLMA 1170 Principles of Production
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

From development through pre-production, post-production, and distribution, this course will cover every aspect of filmmaking from the producer's perspective.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
FLMA 1181 Collaboration: the Writer
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will concentrate on narrative/dramatic elements of cinematic storytelling for the writer. Writers will practice their pitching, writing, and rewriting skills in collaboration with the actors and directors. Writers will create original concepts and be teamed up with the directors and actors to produce their short films and film scenarios. FLMA 1180, 1181, and 1182 are taught concurrently, and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
FLMA 1200 Art of the Short Film
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This introductory course offers a critical approach to the art of the short film through the screening and analysis of great short films. In critiquing various award-winning films, students will understand what makes for a great short film, both from the perspective of its art and its craft, and also the peculiarities of the form. Selected films will show how diverse the various genres are that use the short film form and also the breadth of artistic vision and style achieved in the form. For students interested in pursuing a career in film, they will be exposed to the possibilities offered by the form: festival films, calling card films, short films from around the world, and films that have launched the careers of famous directors.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
15 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
FLMA 1230 Series Television Lab: Pilots and Bibles; Story Editing
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

This course will start with the pitch and learning about what makes a good idea for a series. Students will develop a one-hour pilot script along with character biographies, character arcs and brief outlines for a further 12 episodes to complete their series bible. Students may choose to complete a spec script for an existing series. Minimum output 60 pages.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

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FLMA 1240 Adaptations, Animation & Children's Television
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Using examples of literary works, plays, and their adaptations as films, students will learn the principal differences between the forms, learn to abstract the visual from the literary and adapt a short story or play for filming. The course will include a study on writing for children's television and/or animation, and students may choose to write a spec script for an existing children's/animation series. Minimum output 40 pages.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).

More Information »
FLMA 1271 Career Development for the Film Industry
1.5

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Focusing on the film industry in North America, students develop a career action plan, including how to get an agent, which associations to join, grant writing for film and television, and film-related internships.Students also write a resume, practice interview skills, study personal marketing skills, financial management, and tax information for the entrepreneur.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1271.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

More Information »
FLMA 1272 Film Festival and Distribution
1.5

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly FLMA 1270Students develop the skills to hold a film festival ("Unlock the Vault") to screen their grand film projects. They research and book the venue, promote the event, write and design the program, stage the location, and host the reception.Students will receive credit for only one of FLMA 1270 or 1272.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Acting), Certificate in Film Arts (Directing), and Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170.

More Information »
FLMA 1281 Production Practicum for the Writer
6

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 8.0 | Lab: 0.0

Building on the skills learned and developed in FLMA 1170 and FLMA 1181, this intensive class will involve all three streams of students producing, writing, directing, acting, and editing short presentation-quality narrative dramatic videos. FLMA 1280, 1281, and 1282, are taught concurrently and students work collaboratively to complete the required course assignments.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Film Arts (Writing).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in FLMA 1170 and 1181.

More Information »
15 Credits