Comments on: SFU – A School For Independent Filmmakers

By: Stanislav Roud

Stanislav Roud — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:04:01 +0000

Hello Jessica,

Great article, alot of helpful information and an answer to quite a lot of the questions I had. It is rather difficult to find honest student reviews about university courses.

You mentioned how difficult it is to get into Simon Fraser since there are only 25 spots available annually.Would you then perhaps recommend one to go study a film course elswhere for one year and then apply for a transfer to Simon Fraser if one does not get accepted the first time round into Simon Fraser?

I am a student living outside Canada, therefore it is difficult for me to find information, since the net can only provide so much and no guarantee that the info is authentic. Are there any other good universities which offer film courses that you could perhaps recommend? Currently I am deciding between Humber University in Toronto, Red Deer College in Alberta (not sure about this one) and ofcourse Simon Fraser.

I would really appreciate if you could advise me on this. Thanks in advance.

Stanislav Roud

By: Jessica Moorhouse

Jessica Moorhouse — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 04:18:48 +0000

Hi Tommy,

Yes, you definitely can play a variety of roles in the SFU Film Program. That’s how you figure out what best interests you, what you’re good at, and what you want to pursue outside of school. You may think you really like one role at the beginning of the program, and realize in your fourth year you actually really have a passion for another role.

I always thought I wanted to be an editor, but during my fourth year I realized I loved writing and directing (and believe me, I always thought I was too shy to direct).

As for your question on screenwriting, there are two courses that focus on screenwriting, one in Third Year and the second in Fourth Year. The thing is, no one can teach you how to have a good idea. What screenwriting classes are for are to workshop ideas, find out which ones have legs and which ones need to be tossed to the curb. The best practice you can do to hone your screenwriting skills is to constantly write. I try to keep a small journal in my purse to write things down.

Hope that answers your questions!

And just in case you were curious, my grad short will soon be on the web on the NSI Online Short Film Festival and I currently work at the Georgia Straight Newspaper while starting to piece together my second short.

Cheers!

By: Tommy

Tommy — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:37:30 +0000

Fantastic review, Jessica! I too have been looking to further my education, having recently graduated from a two-year film program offered at SAIT Polytechnic here in Calgary, AB.

You mentioned that the students rotate through the various roles on-set; to what degree? Is it safe to assume that in a year you could theoretically be the Mixer, DoP, Director and Producer on various projects (to pick just a few)?

How much emphasis is put on screenwriting?

Thanks Jessica!

By: Jessica Moorhouse

Jessica Moorhouse — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:29:15 +0000

Hi Kenny,

Some suggestions I have as a recent grad: volunteer on as many sets as possible, you’ll learn a lot and meet people that may potentially crew for you. Be social and go to all social events; you won’t get anywhere in film if you don’t have connections. Read as many books as you can. Watch as many movies as you can. Write all the time. Lastly, when it comes time to write your short film, write what you know and write with an audience in mind.

Also, please remember that if you don’t get in the film program the first time, try again. I know lots of people who got in their second time, and even I was on the waiting list.

Good luck!

By: Kenny

Kenny — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:53:28 +0000

Hi jessica! This article was very helpful, I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of courses at SFU and decided to take up Film with a minor in IAT. I will be working on my application form during September and hopefully will be as fortunate as you :) Do you have any tips for a budding filmmaker? :P

Best Wishes,
Kenny