Careers

From producing and directing to lighting and decorating a set, it takes an army of crafts people to create a film. Although most movie-making skills traditionally have been learned through union apprenticeships, production companies are beginning to recognize the value of a post-secondary film curriculum.

This positive response from the industry is good news for those seeking a career in movie-making. However, successfully completing classes in film is only part of the job picture. While an accredited film school will help you discover your talents, equally important will be your prior work and educational skills.

For example, Special Effects Departments often require experience in a related technical field such as mechanics. In post-production editing, a trainee technician might have worked in a TV production house and have a degree in Broadcast Communications. A digital artist will have an art-design background.

Many film positions are union represented. Job requirements and descriptions are available from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) at 1640 Boundary Road, Burnaby.

The Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople (ACFC) requires that applicants have on-set experience. This is often gained through work on an independent production, but film school training is also taken into account. Opportunities do exist in film-making. If you have perseverance, talent, and prior skills, an accredited film school program will give you the confidence and hands-on experience you need to get started in your career.

Getting Started in the Motion Picture Industry