Advanced Filmmaking

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Advanced Filmmaking program have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the creative, dynamic and exciting film and television industry as an independent filmmaker, media content creator, director, producer, or freelance crew member. 

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Advanced Filmmaking Program

Production (Office): 

Where all of the planning and organizing happens ahead of production and during. Responsible for logistics of the productions, distributing shooting schedules and scripts, organizing equipment and supplies as well as coordinating travel, accommodation and work permits for cast and crew. 

Some careers in this area are: Office Production Assistant, Production coordinator, Production manager. 

Production (Set):  

Film Crew – anything from camera assistant to set dresser, just look at the credits at the end of a film. In AFM we will help you find the area that interests you, and you will earn a certificate allowing you to apply for work on IATSE shoots; IATSE is the largest film crew union in the country. 

Some careers in this area are: Camera assistant, Grip, Electric, Set dresser, and Production Assistant.   

Post-production:  

Depending on the size of the project, you could see yourself working as an editor or assistant editor. Picture editing, Colouring or creating Visual Effects; These positions can be freelance or full-time. 

Some careers in this area are: Assistant Editor, Picture Editor, Sound Editor, Colourist and VFX artist.

How much of the program is hands-on learning?

AFM is very hands-on. It is a program geared for students who are looking for practical skills that will ensure entry into the film and television industry. Students have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot and edit many projects in a short period of time. You won’t just study how to make films. You will make films. In a professional way.

What are the advantages of the Advanced Filmmaking program at Fanshawe College?

There are many. At Fanshawe we are very well equipped with state of the art filmmaking tools, our program is very hands-on, and we offer great access to industry connected professors with a lot of one-on-one mentoring. As well, throughout the three-semester program we offer many college wide collaborations with the following programs: Theatre Arts, Audio Post Production, Visual Effects & Editing, and Broadcast Television. Filmmaking is an art, but it’s also a discipline. We expect a lot from our students, and we know they expect a lot of themselves.

How much technical knowledge should I have before entering the program?

Because AFM is a post-grad program, students enter the program at many different technical levels from many different related backgrounds. We help alleviate the disparity in skill sets by starting the program with a boot camp where students are introduced to / sharpen their skills with Avid Media Composer (the editing platform that we work in), state-of-the-arts video cameras (currently – Sony FS5), sound equipment, Mac Computers, Photoshop, etc. This bridging process is necessary so that our incoming students are technically proficient early in the semester.

Do I have to have own my own laptop or camera?

No is the quick answer to both. We have an abundance of cameras and editing stations on campus. If you manage your time well and book your equipment as needed, there will never be a shortage of equipment. However, it certainly would be an advantage to have a Mac laptop. But as mentioned above, we have plenty of resources on campus.

What types of jobs / careers will this program set me up for upon graduation?

The Advanced Filmmaking program does not force students to specialize in any one area of interest. Because of this, students are exposed to crew positions that span pre-production through post-production. This prepares our students for entrance in the film and television industry upon graduation. As well, our third-semester internship component is a great opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills. Very hands on! AFM is a program geared for students who are looking for practical skills that will ensure entry into the film and television industry. All students have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot and edit many projects in a short period of time.