Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design Excellence
The Film and Television Production program operates within Humber’s Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design, a dynamic academic environment that brings together diverse creative disciplines and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. This faculty structure provides students with exposure to multiple creative fields while maintaining the specialized focus necessary for professional development in film and television production. The integration of various creative disciplines creates a rich learning environment that mirrors the collaborative nature of professional media production.
The faculty’s commitment to industry relevance is demonstrated through its recruitment of working professionals as instructors, ensuring that students learn from individuals who are actively engaged in the film and television industry. This approach provides students with current industry insights, professional networks, and real-world perspectives that enhance their educational experience and improve their career prospects upon graduation.
Comprehensive Film and Television Production Programs
Humber Polytechnic offers both an Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production and a Bachelor of Film and Media Production, providing students with flexible pathways to enter the industry at different levels. The three-year Advanced Diploma program (FMTV) provides intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of film and television production, while the four-year Bachelor’s degree combines theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing students for leadership roles in the media industry.
The Film and Television Production Advanced Diploma program is structured as a comprehensive six-semester journey that takes students through every stage of production, from initial development and scriptwriting through cinematography, direction, post-production, distribution, and exhibition. This holistic approach ensures that graduates understand the entire production process and can contribute effectively to any aspect of a film or television project.
Distinguished Faculty and Industry Expertise
The program benefits from an exceptional faculty of working professionals and accomplished educators who bring diverse perspectives and extensive industry experience to their teaching. David Bezmozgis, the Creative Director of the Humber School for Writers, exemplifies the caliber of instruction available to students. As an award-winning writer and filmmaker with works published in The New Yorker and Harper’s, and films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Bezmozgis provides students with insights from the highest levels of the industry.
Eric Cator brings over twenty years of television and arts industry experience to his teaching, having worked as a sound recordist, editor, and storyboard artist on projects for CBC, Bravo TV, and TVO. His commitment to creating positive learning environments where emerging filmmakers can develop their skills reflects the program’s student-centered approach to education. Nathan Hughes-Berry, a U.K.-born filmmaker focused on trauma-informed storytelling, brings international perspective and specialized expertise in narrative development, having screened his work at over fifty film festivals worldwide.
Hands-On Learning and Industry-Standard Equipment
The Film and Television Production program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning using industry-standard equipment in professional-quality facilities. Students gain experience with Canon C200 cameras and other professional-grade equipment, ensuring that they graduate with the technical skills and confidence necessary to work in professional production environments. The program’s well-equipped studios and state-of-the-art video and audio editing suites provide students with access to the same tools and technologies used in professional productions.
The learn-by-doing approach begins in the first year, where students create individual short films of approximately four minutes, progressing to more complex collaborative projects as they advance through the program. This progression ensures that students develop both technical proficiency and creative vision while building the collaborative skills essential for success in the film and television industry.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Skill Development
The curriculum encompasses all aspects of film and television production, providing students with valuable experience in scriptwriting, cinematography, direction, post-production, distribution, and exhibition. Students also receive training in business and marketing aspects of the industry, ensuring that they understand the commercial realities of media production and can contribute to the business success of their projects.
The program’s emphasis on visual storytelling and narrative development ensures that students not only master technical skills but also develop the creative vision necessary for compelling content creation. The integration of innovation and adaptation to the ever-evolving media landscape prepares students for careers in an industry characterized by rapid technological change and evolving audience expectations.
Work-Integrated Learning and Industry Connections
A distinctive feature of the program is its final-semester field experience, which provides students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain real-world experience in professional production environments. This work-integrated learning component ensures that students graduate with practical experience and professional networks that enhance their career prospects and industry readiness.
The program’s strong industry connections are evidenced by the success of its graduates, who include producer Frank Siracusa, director Matthew Atkinson, scriptwriter Noelle Carbone, and cinematographer Rob Scarborough. These alumni represent the program’s success in preparing students for diverse roles within the film and television industry and demonstrate the quality of education and professional preparation provided by the program.
Professional Development and Career Preparation
The program’s commitment to professional development extends beyond technical training to include comprehensive career preparation and industry networking opportunities. High-profile program showcase screenings provide students with opportunities to present their work to industry professionals and potential employers, while also serving as networking events that can lead to career opportunities and professional relationships.
The 2018 Graduate Film Showcase exemplifies the program’s commitment to providing students with professional presentation opportunities and industry validation of their work. These showcase events not only celebrate student achievement but also serve as important career development opportunities that can lead to employment and professional advancement.
Innovation and Technology Integration
Humber Polytechnic’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the program’s integration of emerging technologies and adaptation to industry changes. Faculty member Matthew Kennedy’s research focus on emerging technologies ensures that the program remains current with technological developments and prepares students for the future of film and television production. This forward-looking approach ensures that graduates are prepared for careers in an industry characterized by rapid technological evolution.
The program’s emphasis on embracing innovations in the ever-evolving media landscape reflects the industry’s need for professionals who can adapt to new technologies, platforms, and audience expectations. This adaptability is essential for career success in an industry where technological change is constant and the ability to learn and adapt is as important as technical proficiency.
Global Recognition and Festival Success
The international recognition of student work demonstrates the program’s success in developing filmmakers capable of creating content that resonates with global audiences. Films produced in the program have screened at film festivals around the world, providing students with international exposure and validation of their creative work. This global reach reflects the program’s success in developing not just technical skills but also the creative vision and storytelling abilities necessary for international success.
The diversity of faculty backgrounds, including international perspectives from instructors like Nathan Hughes-Berry, ensures that students are exposed to global approaches to filmmaking and storytelling. This international perspective is increasingly important in an industry where content is distributed globally and cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential for success.
Collaborative Learning Environment
The program’s emphasis on collaborative projects mirrors the team-based nature of professional film and television production while providing students with opportunities to develop the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for industry success. Students learn to work effectively in teams, manage creative differences, and contribute to collective goals while maintaining their individual creative vision and professional standards.
The integration of students from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of experience creates a rich learning environment that reflects the diversity of the professional film and television industry. This diversity enhances the educational experience while preparing students for careers in an industry that values diverse perspectives and collaborative creativity.
Pathways and Continuing Education
Humber Polytechnic’s program structure provides students with multiple pathways for career development and continuing education. The availability of both Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s degree options allows students to choose the level of education that best fits their career goals and circumstances. Transfer opportunities and credit recognition provide flexibility for students who wish to continue their education or change their educational focus.
The program’s strong foundation in both technical skills and creative development provides graduates with the versatility necessary for career advancement and adaptation to changing industry needs. This comprehensive preparation ensures that graduates are not only ready for entry-level positions but also prepared for career growth and leadership roles within the industry.
Community Engagement and Cultural Impact
The program’s commitment to community engagement and cultural impact is reflected in the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its faculty and students. Faculty members like Asis Sethi, who focuses on South Asian Canadian perspectives and has received recognition from organizations like TIFF Talent Lab and Women in Director’s Chair, ensure that the program addresses diverse cultural perspectives and contributes to inclusive representation in Canadian media.
The program’s emphasis on storytelling that addresses social issues and cultural diversity prepares students to create content that not only entertains but also contributes to important cultural conversations and social change. This commitment to meaningful content creation reflects the program’s understanding of the media industry’s role in shaping cultural narratives and social understanding.
Future-Ready Education and Industry Leadership
Humber Polytechnic’s Film and Television Production program represents a comprehensive approach to media education that combines technical excellence, creative development, industry relevance, and professional preparation. The program’s success in producing graduates who work at the highest levels of the industry demonstrates its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in film and television production.
The program’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and excellence ensures that it will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the industry while maintaining its position as one of Canada’s leading film and television education programs. This forward-looking approach, combined with strong industry connections and comprehensive educational offerings, positions Humber Polytechnic as an ideal choice for students seeking careers in the dynamic and rewarding field of film and television production.
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