[Introduction]
Film and television media has become the most popular and influential form of media. From fantasy worlds created in Hollywood movies, the life displayed on TV news, to the overwhelming number of TV commercials, they all have a profound impact on our world. In Canada, many universities offer film-related majors. Universities with related majors provide students with first-class teaching resources and a high-end learning environment. So, what is the film and television production major all about? Why does this major attract such huge volumes of students every year? Let's take a look!
Introduction to the Canadian Film and Television Production major
Film production is the process of making movies. The nature of film and television works determines the size and type of work team required during production. Students can learn from hands-on training using the latest equipment. Professionals with industry experience will teach in-person classes, providing students with the necessary skills to become a successful filmmaker. In the major, students will have the opportunity to learn how to use advanced video and audio editing software in large, well-equipped studios. In addition, learning how to write scripts, lighting, directing, shooting, post-production, distribution and exhibition will also be part of the curriculum. After graduation, students can choose to specialize in areas such as directing, production, videography, editing, and art direction.
What knowledge and skills do students learn in the Canadian film and television productions major?
In universities, students usually learn by experiencing, understanding and thinking about the dynamic image language in all media. The film and television production major provides a comprehensive range of courses in all aspects of film production. In addition to the concept and practical research on film and television screenwriters, directors and producers, it also provides students with creative technical courses such as film, editing and sound. In colleges, the study of film and television production will be divided into different types of courses, such as script writing, frame by frame, sound theory and practice, video production, film and television computer tools, production skills, digital editing, film workshop, etc. Many of these courses may be more practical.
Employment prospects of Canadian film and television production graduates
Students who graduated from the major of film and television production may find jobs that revolve around professional film and television media. After graduation, students can apply for jobs as film directors, videographers, producers, lighting or sound assistant, film editors, assistant directors, assistant producers, etc.
Jobs in Canadian film and television production
- Film Director: Study the script, organize and consult key writers to study and visualizes the screenplay or script. The selection of the cast and how the characters will be portrayed are also very important steps, which can affect success of the work. The director's vision is the outline for the making of the future film/TV series. It is all based on the director's creative concepts and ideas.
- Producer: The work of the producer is mainly to plan and arrange the production schedules, find production groups and companies, and attract investors. The work of the producer is similar to the integrated work of the director and producer combined.
Salaries for Canadian film and television production graduates
- Director: In this field of director’s work, there are actually many factors that determine the director’s salary, such as the director’s experience, what college he graduated from, and the evaluation of his/her previous works. If the new director is qualified to shoot big-name blockbuster films, the salary can come out to about $250,000 to $500,000. If the director is well-known in big productions, then a film/television piece can even bring him/her tens of millions of dollars in revenue. So, when you already have a certain number of years of experience under your sleeve, along with the ability to work in large productions, your salary would be quite ideal.
- Cinematographer: In a low-budget independent film project, a cinematographer normally earns a salary of $2,000-5000 USD per week. A skilled professional can get a weekly salary of $10,000 to $20,000 USD for a large production film. The top cinematographers in the industry can demand for a weekly salary of $25,000 to $30,000 for a 12-week shooting.
List of related majors in film and television production in Ontario, Canada (1-4 years course)
| Name of Program | School | Type of Credential | Open to International Students | Start Date |
| Film production | York University | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
| Film & Media | University of Texas | Bachelor Degree | Open | January, May, September |
| Communication，Media and Film | University of Windsor | Bachelor Degree | Open | January, May, September |
| Film Studies | Ryerson University | Bachelor Degree | Open | September |
| Film Studies | Brook University | Bachelor Degree | Open | September, January |
| Film Production | Toronto Film School | Diploma | Open | January, April, July, October |
| Film and Media Production | Algonquin College | Diploma | Open | September |
| Televison and Film | Centennial College | Graduate Certificate | Open | September |
| Video Design and Production | George Brown College | Diploma | Open | September, January |
| Film and televison Production |  Humber College | Advanced Diploma | Open | September |
Summary: UtoCanada's views on the film and television production major
From the perspective of film and television production majors in universities and colleges, the knowledge and expertise taught is actually very specialized. Whether in university or college, the theoretical and practical knowledge taught is significant and essential for future employment. That is why there are many skilled students who still pursue further studies in this field to deepen their theoretical knowledge. We believe that film and television production is a profession with endless learning opportunities. Its demand has been increasing with time. The development of technology and tools used in the industry are also advancing. Therefore, if you are a student who is interested in this major, you must continue to learn and improve yourself with a passion for film and television production. We believe that through continuous acquisition of knowledge and accumulated work experience, students will one day be successfully accomplished in this field.
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