This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Spring and Summer 2021 terms. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
Learn more
Overview
Build a career in film and television working on feature films, commercials, documentaries or television series by learning the fundamentals of film and video production, from scriptwriting and directing to filming and editing.
The Film and video industry entertains, challenges, impacts our understanding of current events, heightens our awareness of social issues, and even influences our buying decisions. Be a part of this cultural phenomenon, and enroll in the Film and Video Production (FVP) program.
The FVP program prepares you for a career in one of Canada’s evolving media industries. You will learn the fundamentals of scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing as well as the business aspects of the film and video industries.
FVP is delivered in a unique environment that combines traditional teaching methods with hands-on production and project models. In the second year, students are assisted in finding a practicum opportunity to obtain firsthand experience and establish additional contacts in the industry. The program is two years in length with each academic year divided into two 15-week semesters.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Film and Video Production.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue job opportunities on productions including feature films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, specialty channel programming, television series and public service or corporate productions. Potential positions include:
- video technician
- videographer
- editor
- production assistant
Most entry-level work is available on a freelance or contract basis. Some entrepreneurial graduates begin their own business.
Related careers:
- filmographer


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,548
Year 2: $5,548
Year 1 (International): $17,998
Year 2 (International): $17,998
Year 1: $4,758
Year 2: $4,758
Year 1 (International): $18,612
Year 2 (International): $19,780
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Spring 2021* | May 10, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
*Students will complete four semesters consecutively without a winter break
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Spring and fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Film and Video Production and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add ict.mediastudents@sait.ca to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
FVDO-200 | Film Production I | 3.0 |
FVDO-202 | Film Post-Production I | 3.0 |
FVDO-203 | Film Directing and Producing I | 3.0 |
FVDO-204 | Story Writing for Film I | 3.0 |
FVDO-208 | Introduction to Film | 1.5 |
LDSH-243 | Leadership | 1.5 |
Semester 1 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 2
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
FVDO-250 | Film Production II | 3.0 |
FVDO-252 | Film Post-Production II | 3.0 |
FVDO-254 | Story Writing for Film II | 3.0 |
FVDO-256 | Film and Video Direction I | 3.0 |
FVDO-258 | Business of Film I | 3.0 |
Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
First Year Total | 30.0 |
Second Year
Semester 3
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
FVDO-300 | Film Production III | 3.0 |
FVDO-302 | Film Post-Production III | 3.0 |
FVDO-303 | Film and Video Direction II | 3.0 |
FVDO-304 | Story Writing for Film III | 3.0 |
FVDO-308 | Business of Film II | 3.0 |
Semester 3 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 4
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
FVDO-350 | Film Production IV | 6.0 |
FVDO-353 | Film and Video Direction III | 3.0 |
FVDO-357 | Business of Film III | 3.0 |
PROJ-352 | Film Capstone Project | 3.0 |
SCPT-351 | Script Writing for Film | 1.5 |
Semester 4 Total | 16.5 | |
Second Year Total | 31.5 | |
Program Total | 61.5 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- University of Gloucestershire, UK
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,326 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,548 |
2 | $4,326 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,548 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $16,685 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $17,998 |
2 | $16,685 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $17,998 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,758 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $6,092 |
2 | $4,758 | $792.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $6,092 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,186 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $344 | $18,612 |
2 | $18,354 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $344 | $19,780 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Spring 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on May 6, 2021.
Watch your inbox for the time and link.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Spring 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program. See additional information on our computers and laptops page.
All computers must meet the following minimum specifications:
Mac Specifications
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Video card: AMD Radeon Pro
- Screen size: 15"
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- OS version: Mac OS Catalina or newer
- Approximate price (CAD): $2,750
- Suggested model: 16" Macbook Pro case model
PC Specifications
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Video card: Nvidia Quadro T1000
- Screen size: 15"
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- OS version: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Other software: Antivirus/Malware protection
- Approximate price (CAD): $3,000
- Suggested model: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 3
Students must also supply the following peripherals and software:
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
This program does not require any textbooks.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
ict.mediastudents@sait.ca
Academic chair
Gerald Flim, Academic Chair
gerald.flim@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.