Film Production
DIPLOMA | 12 MONTHS | FULL TIME | ON CAMPUS
Train across all core filmmaking disciplines in an intensive studio environment – from directing and cinematography to producing,
design, and post-production – graduating with a professional reel built from real productions.
Program Overview
Train hands-on in filmmaking from Day 1, learning cameras, lighting, sound, editing, and production roles. Choose two specializations across five specializations and create a high-quality Final Project film.
Duration:
12 months (6 terms, full-time)
Location:
Vancouver, Canada (Campus)
Credential:
Diploma, Film Production
Grad Deliverable:
Completed films, plus a demo reel and portfolio materials
Specializations:
Directing / Cinematography / Producing / Production Design / Post-Production
Core Tools:
AVID, Movie Magic, Final Draft, Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Sketchup
What You’ll Graduate With:
A powerful, multi-piece production portfolio that you can use for applications to studios and film festivals worldwide.
Start Dates:
Multiple intakes per year
Tuition:
Domestic students: C$36,950
International students: C$54,000
Career Paths:
Director/Assistant Director, Cinematographer/Camera Department roles, Producer/Production roles, Production Designer/Art Department roles, Editor/Post-Production roles, Sound Assistant, VFX Assistant, Crew positions on film and TV productions
START YOUR TRAINING
Program Specializations
Develop a Focused Production Portfolio Across Two Disciplines
Students explore all five major filmmaking disciplines, then choose two of these specialization areas for deeper focus on their final portfolio projects.
- Script development and cinematic storytelling
- Working with actors and blocking scenes
- Leadership on set
- Shot planning and visual storytelling
Portfolio outcome: Scenes demonstrating storytelling and performance direction.
- Camera operation, lenses, lighting design
- Composition and visual mood
- Camera movement and exposure techniques
Portfolio outcome: Visually driven scenes showing lighting and camera craft.
- Project development, budgeting, scheduling
- Pitching and packaging projects
- Managing teams and production logistics
- Distribution and marketing considerations
Portfolio outcome: Production packages, budgets, and produced work.
- Set design, art direction, props, costumes
- Drafting, model making, construction planning
- Creating visual worlds for stories
Portfolio outcome: Set designs, builds, or visual environment materials.
- Editing, sound design, VFX compositing, color grading
- Post workflows and finishing techniques
- Industry-standard software pipelines
Portfolio outcome: Edited scenes, sound work, or compositing samples.
Explore Student Portfolios
While training at VFS, students are immersed in the film and television industry, and spend a lot of hands-on time creating professional-quality work. And, nothing is a greater testament to the incomparable industry resources and career preparation that define VFS’s education model, than the top quality work our students produce. Here, a portfolio of outstanding work is just the beginning. Just take a look.
Man on the Stairs
Producer - Ranjani Modukuri, Director/Writer - Kristopher King
Robyn Hood
Created by students through the VFS Film Production program
Ravage
Created by students through the VFS Film Production program
What You’ll Learn
- Script analysis and development
- Actor-director relationship
- Blocking, rehearsal, and performance shaping
- Visual storytelling through camera use
- Camera systems, lenses, formats
- Exposure, composition, subject modelling
- Lighting design and grip techniques
- Camera movement for emotional effect
- Development through distribution
- Pitching, budgeting, scheduling
- Financing considerations and negotiations
- Marketing and distribution planning
- Visual concept development
- Drafting, model making, set construction
- Collaboration with director and cinematographer
- Picture editing and editing theory
- Sound editing and mixing
- Color correction and visual effects basics
- Deliverables and finishing processes
- Camera, sound, lighting, and gripping fundamentals
- Assistant directing and scheduling
- Set protocol and safety
- Team collaboration practices
SPEAK WITH A VFS ADVISOR TODAY
Career Outcomes After Graduation
Vancouver Film School’s signature, hands-on training starts from day 1. By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed an industry-ready skill set that will prepare you for a variety of careers:
- Director/Assistant Director
- Cinematographer/Camera Department roles
- Producer/Production roles
- Production Designer/Art Department roles
- Editor/Post-Production roles
- Sound Assistant
- VFX Assistant
- Crew positions on film and TV productions
Faculty
Vancouver Film School’s Faculty consists of the most highly trained professionals in the creative industries. While our full-time instructors provide more one-on-one time with students than other film schools, our part-time instructors are pulled right from the heart of the industry, equipped with the most current, relevant industry experience and credits.
Course Content
- Cinematography 1
- Directing 1
- Post-Production 1
- Producing 1
- Production Design 1
- Assistant Directing 1
- Script Development 1
- Production Techniques 1
- Team Building
Outcome: Understand the full filmmaking process, operate equipment efficiently, develop short scripts, plan productions, and work effectively in crews.
TERM 2
Expanded Production Practice
- Cinematography 2
- Directing 2
- Post-Production 2
- Producing 2
- Production Design 2
- Assistant Directing 2
- Script Collaboration
- Script Development 2 (elective)
Outcome: Deepen technical skills, collaborate with writers, design and build sets, manage productions, and create more complex scenes.
- Cinematography 3
- Directing 3
- Post-Production 3
- Producing 3
- Production Design 3
Outcome: Execute short films in teams, apply intermediate skills on location, and manage productions with defined roles.
- Advanced filmmaking courses in chosen disciplines, plus Project Development
Outcome: Refine advanced technical skills, develop project pitches and production plans, and select two disciplines for your final projects.
TERM 5
Final Project Production
- Employment Prep
- Final Project Production
Outcome: Develop, pitch, and produce a high-quality film with industry mentorship, managing a full crew and production pipeline.
- Building Film Theory
- Special Topics (by specialization)
Outcome: Finish films, refine reels, develop career strategies, and prepare for industry entry through specialized workshops.
SPEAK WITH A VFS ADVISOR TODAY
Program Delivery
ON-CAMPUS
Our 1 year, fully in-person production-based experience, preparing you for the industry’s current practices and technologies.
VFS’s Film Production Centre is located at 151 West Cordova St. in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a 64,000 cubic ft. motion capture volume, 280-degree green room, black box studios, screening rooms, and much more.
Portfolio Outcomes
Your Portfolio by Graduation
Every portfolio piece is built with the same, proven process: preparation à performance à review à refinement.
Admissions
VFS Advisors are here to answer any questions about the applications process, help you book a tour, or set you up for a free portfolio review with our industry faculty.
How to Apply Refund Policy Contact an Advisor
For more information about language requirements and other information for international students, visit the International Students page.
Tuition
On-Campus Delivery
Domestic: $36,950 CAD
International: $54,000 CAD
Start Dates: May 4 | June 29
- A synopsis of a film project that you are passionate about making (no longer than one page). Provide the film genre and utilize references to other movies to explain how you would make the film. Explain the concept, vision or idea. In addition, provide a 1-page (maximum) outline of the story. OR
- Completion of VFS’s Foundation Visual Art & Design program
Program FAQ
VFS’s Film Production school program is a 12-month, full-time diploma divided into six intensive terms.
No. Applicants must submit a creative portfolio (such as a film synopsis), but professional experience is not required.
In Term 4, students select two disciplines to focus on for final projects.
Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Production Design, and Post-Production.
Graduates pursue roles across film and television production, including directing, camera department, producing, design, editing, and crew positions.
Vancouver is a major production center, offering access to industry professionals and networking opportunities.
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