A couple of years ago I became obsessed with documentaries. On a student loan-funded whim, I bailed on my plan to do travel writing and committed to documentary filmmaking instead. I had a Bachelor degree in English Literature, but with almost no filmmaking experience, I knew I needed training.
I researched schools offering documentary-specific programs (there are very few Canada-wide), and Capilano rose to the top of my list. I liked that it offered a small class size of about 20 people and included all the components I wanted to learn (story development, camera work and post-production editing).
It was a beautiful campus, the film studio was well-stocked, and those two students were just so goddamn happy.
When I visited the school, two energetic students guided me around campus and made it clear that people really liked being there. It was a beautiful campus, the film studio was well-stocked, and those two students were just so goddamn happy. So I applied, and in September I plunged into the intensive, one-year program.
The People
The class dynamic is really energetic and driven. You’ve got students from all walks of life, from people who have just finished high school to people with established careers. Some had film backgrounds; others had never touched a camera. The benefit is that discussions are well-rounded, and you have the opportunity to learn from other people’s strengths. The downside is, if you are more advanced in one particular area, it won’t be easy to push your abilities to the next level during class time.
The Program
The documentary program is pretty intensive. Expect to get all the basics of filmmaking down pat. On paper you have only three days of class a week, which makes it possible to work part time. I’d recommend avoiding it if you can, though, because there’s a lot of project work to do outside of class hours. It’s true when they say you only get as much as you put in.
Pre-Production Training
If you’re like me, and begin without knowing exactly what kinds of documentaries you want to make, it’s all good. The instructors really emphasize story development, so you will work and rework tons of story ideas. I would recommend making it a goal to graduate with a project developed and ready to pitch.
In terms of honing the Producer’s craft, you will learn what’s needed for a standard proposal to funders, and you will get an overview of the various broadcasters that seek documentaries. But the more complicated issues of establishing your own production company, navigating film tax credits, and piecing together enough money from various sources to actually get your film off the ground, are breezed by quickly.
The production component was good, not great, but a solid introduction nonetheless.
Production Training
The production component was good, not great, but a solid introduction nonetheless. They don’t expect you to have experience shooting a film, and so they try to teach you the basics of camera, lighting, and sound. Key word is basics.
You won’t be taught advanced camera, lighting, or sound. But you ARE given the chance to take gear out for your own independent projects (ie. on weekends), which is awesome.
Practical, hands-on filmmaking is minimal in the first term, when basically the only film project you’re assigned is a 6-minute documentary. Instead they focus on story development. If you’re like me and want to get your hands dirty fast, make the effort to take the camera on weekends and make your own projects. Practical camera work picked up in the second half of the year, when we were making one-minute films weekly, while simultaneously developing our individual final projects (a 15 minute documentary). We shot on MiniDV, using the Panasonic DVC Pro 30 camera, which isn’t as cool as an HD camera, but will do the job just fine.
Post-Production Training
As for editing, you will be taught enough to create a solid film, but no fancy aesthetics. Post-production classes will guide you through to an intermediate stage of know-how in Final Cut Pro (the standard editing program). Advanced editing tricks aren’t in the curriculum, but you will develop a practical, dependable proficiency, if you put the time in. Most of the students in my class entered with little to no editing experience, and finished with a solid skill level, which is fair for a one-year program.
Instructors And Speakers
Most of the instructors are working professionals in the industry, who film during summer and winter breaks, and develop projects during the school year while they teach. They’re knowledgeable and the best part is, the instructors are happy to meet one-on-one to develop your ideas.
Instructors also try to bring in friends/colleagues as speakers throughout the year, which for us included Mark Achbar (The Corporation), Don White (story consultant), Katherine Dodds (HelloCoolWorld.com) and Tracey Friesen (executive producer at the NFB). And we attended film pitches and forums at the Whistler Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival, which was helpful for getting a feel for being in a room full of successful industry members and trying to wedge your way in.
It’s up to you to jump into the industry, and work your way to where you want to be.
The Verdict
Unfortunately Capilano’s Documentary program didn’t facilitate the making of a demo reel, and didn’t include any kind of internship or work placements. Still, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested specifically in documentary filmmaking. It’s well-rounded, and will teach you everything you need to know to get started. And from there, it’s up to you to jump into the industry, and work your way to where you want to be.
The Aftermath
This summer I’m filming a short documentary with one of my classmates in Nova Scotia, with the intention of submitting the finished project to festivals. We’ll be using Capilano University gear, through their Advanced Film Program (a Continuing Education program that lets you use all the gear you need for a minimal cost, if you’re accepted. Pretty amazing). I plan on looking for paid work at the end of the summer, and in the meantime am trying to volunteer and network as much as possible. I’m as uncertain as the next recent graduate, but it’s an exciting time! The journey begins…
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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