Specialization in Film Production — 66 credits
Major in Film Production — 54 credits

The BFA in Film Production allows students to study a diverse range of moving image practices in a unique fine arts environment. Students are instructed by established filmmakers, media artists and scholars. Informed with cinematic traditions, students are encouraged to explore new, innovative ways to express themselves through motion pictures.

The program integrates rigorous technical training with the study of aesthetic, historical, and theoretical traditions informing contemporary filmmaking. Students are encouraged to focus on approaches of interest as they proceed through the program. MHSoC boasts a rich history of fiction filmmaking and has made significant contributions to documentary and alternative experimental approaches.

MHSoC Film Production faculty have had great success in all aspects of film production. Having theatrically released fiction and documentary films in Canada and around the world, winning national and international awards, they contribute to an active production milieu within Montreal and Canada. Their research has spread beyond traditional venues with interdisciplinary work being launched in art galleries and museums to critical praise, thus demonstrating a cutting edge approach to the possibilities of cinema in the 21st century.

For over 35 years, our alumni have obtained critical acclaim as the world's leading directors, cinematographers, editors, producers, and multidisciplinary film artists. With a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanics involved in producing moving images and critical academic awareness, our graduates continue to define the future of cinema.

Curriculum

Film Production curriculum provides flexible opportunities to develop skills as a filmmaker through collaborative and individual studio practice, technical and theoretical seminars, critiques, screenings and guest speakers.

Filmmaking Courses: At the core of the Film Production program are the Filmmaking I, II and III courses. Films produced in these courses are initiated by students and mentored through all stages of production to completion. A vast range of genres are explored and students are exposed to diverse media formats, including:

• 16mm & Super 16mm
• 35mm
• High Definition digital video

MHSoC boasts a rich history of fiction filmmaking and has made significant contributions to documentary and alternative experimental approaches. We encourage students to focus on approaches of interest as they proceed through the program.

Technical Courses: Core production courses are supplemented with technical courses, which inform specific areas of film production including cinematography and sound. Additional ancillary courses incorporate process and aesthetic considerations such as writing, directing, expanded cinema, montage, production design and creative producing.

Seminars. In addition to core filmmaking and technical courses, students choose from a range of seminars in film history, theory and aesthetics as well as elective seminars in liberal arts and sciences. These courses provide an interdisciplinary historical and critical framework to support individual creative practice.

Courses

For a list of required courses please download the Program Guide, according to your year of entry. For a complete list of course descriptions please consult the Undergraduate Calendar. At an advanced level and in consultation with an advisor, students have the opportunity to pursue Independent study courses and Internships.

Schedules for courses are available on the class schedules website.

Expenses

Students enrolled in Film Production programs must bear the cost of film stock, processing and printing. Depending on the project, students can expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000 in a first year filmmaking course and $1,500 to $5,000 in a second or third year course. MHSoC offers small grants for select projects in order to offset production costs. Students enrolled in Filmmaking II and III are eligible to apply for these grants.