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.
Program already waitlisted? Check out the Radio, Television and Broadcast News program.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Film and Video Production.
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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
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,569
- Year 2: $6,569
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $19,127.90
- Year 2: $19,127.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
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 are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring 2022 open June 14, 2021.
- Applications for fall 2022 open on Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022* | May 9, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
*Students will complete four semesters consecutively without a winter break
SAIT alumni launch Alberta-made film
SAIT-alumni directed and produced revenge thriller, In Plainview, will be available to stream Friday, Jan. 29.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 start: applications opened on June 14, 2021.
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
Program 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
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.
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 | 3.0 |
| FVDO-353 | Film and Video Direction III | 3.0 |
| FVDO-357 | Business of Film III | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Film Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| SCPT-351 | Script Writing for Film | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
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 in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,758 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,091 |
| 2 | $4,758 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,091 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,186 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $18,519 |
| 2 | $18,354 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $19,687 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $170
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,100 | $916 | $553 | $6,569 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,100 | $916 | $553 | $6,569 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $588.63
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $17,658.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,127.90 |
| 2 | 2 | $17,658.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,127.90 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more 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.
Spring 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, May 6 from 9 am - noon. Watch your inbox for further details.
Learn more about your orientation.
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 with custom hardware and software requirement.
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, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace D2L before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
This program does not require any textbooks.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
sadt.advising@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.
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