Location
Start Dates

  • January 09, 2025
  • September 02, 2025
Duration

6Terms

Course Delivery

  • Face to Face - Synchronous
  • Online - Synchronous
  • Blended - Synchronous
  • Off-site
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $35,151
International: CAD $62,941

 

Program Description

Advanced Entertainment Arts Production Management for VFX, Film, TV and Games is a full-time, two-year program focused on the fundamentals of production management as it pertains to pre-production, production and post-production processes. The program includes an in-depth review of production management at a VFX, Film, TV or gaming studio with a detailed workflow breakdown from the initial steps of show set up, asset and shot turnover, through the stages of production, including scheduling, artist and resource management, to client delivery and key roles breakdown. Students will study various specializations including script breakdowns, bidding, budgeting, as well as accounting and business management. The program also teaches students how to interact professionally in both written correspondence and personal interactions, while emphasizing the values of collaboration, teamwork, and soft skills.
Request More Information Applying FAQ
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Admission Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent 

Or

  • English 30-1, English 30-2 or equivalent

Or

And

  • A portfolio submission which should include:

     A text submission (maximum 500 words) or a short video (maximum 5 minutes). You do not need to submit both of these to be considered for the program. This is to help determine that you are ready for the program and can be successful.

    These portfolio submissions can be based on many different things but here are some suggestions:
    - A short timeline of how you would plan the production of a film (can be very basic)
    - A discussion of sets, locations, costumes, etc. in a film and how you felt it worked or didn’t work.
    - A project spreadsheet (real or fake) detailing either financial, planning, or other elements of a project.
    - A short explanation of why you love film and would like to work in that industry.

    Alternatively, you can share a highlight reel or portfolio of work that you have created (maximum 5 minutes) and this video should be hosted on an online platform like YouYube or Vimeo (through a link)

    The benefit of this is also that you will receive feedback from industry professionals who will give you advice and information based on their experience. This is a really valuable thing in the industry, and we’re excited to be able to offer it as part of our programs. 

    Submissions must represent the original work of the applicant; if an item is a collaborative piece, list all contributors and describe your contribution. If you have questions or would like an informal pre-assessment of your portfolio, please email ceaportfolio@bowvalleycollege.ca. Watch this video for more information.

Learners who do not have adequate samples for the portfolio submission may wish to enroll in the Foundation in Entertainment Arts Certificate before pursuing a diploma.

English language proficiency requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.


Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476

Course Listing


Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change.

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

This course offers a comprehensive roadmap of pre-production, production, and post-production processes, reviewing key roles in filmmaking. Students learn the process of how different types of film/ tv/ gaming projects are formed, the differences between Television vs Film, and small and big-budget productions.

This course dives deep into the filming process focusing on pre-production and production, and how a creative plan is put together. Students will learn how to analyze and break down a script for shooting, how a budget is formed, scheduling a shoot as well as learning about different equipment required, and securing permits for filming.

This course enhances a learner's confidence in business communication skills, preparing them for a professional career. Learners use strategies and techniques to develop effective communication while using digital tools. Through practical exercises focused on real-world dynamics, learners also develop interpersonal skills essential for today's workforce. Learners are required to participate in groups for developing collaborative competence.

This course introduces students to key software used in production. Students will gain a well-rounded knowledge of the basics and advanced usage of professional software used in production. Students will explore the workflow pipeline of data management, and its purpose for visual effects.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

This course presents an overview of the VFX Pipeline, from asset to shot creation, covering the basic pipeline steps, while differentiating between 2D and 3D methodologies. Students will get an in-depth study into each of the disciplines, and the roles and responsibilities in the production process.

This course presents an overview of the Gaming Pipeline; from ideation to creation, covering the basic department pipeline steps, while reviewing the differences in film and game production. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of each of the disciplines, and the roles and responsibilities in the production process.

The basic principles of digital photography will be explored within this course, as its importance in the process of data acquisition, reference collating, and how virtual production is transforming the way gaming technology is used in film and television.

In this course, students will learn the key qualities and practices of a successful leader. From Communication style, critical thinking, and virtual leadership, students will have an in-depth understanding of the qualities and responsibilities of a leader, and how to apply these skills in day-to-day situations in the workplace.

Term 3

Required CoursesCredit

This course introduces students to a comprehensive overview of what is required, and how to perform the role of a production coordinator. Students will gain knowledge, of Shotgrid usage as a coordinator, as well as review the production workflow, learning key skills in scheduling, communication, and teamwork.

This course focuses on financial management fundamentals that support organizational growth. Learners apply financial and managerial accounting concepts in planning, organizing, evaluating, and decision-making in the context of real-world situations. Learners explore how financial principles, financial statement analysis, cost analysis, variance analysis, and budgeting impact organizations.

The basic principles of creating an asset for film and gaming will be explored within this course, with a hands-on introduction to software for modeling, texturing, look development, and rigging. Using the software Maya, students will model, texture, and look at various objects ready for shot production, to explore various techniques, terminology, and workflows to create objects that have a high quality and useable geometry for animation and inanimate objects. Students will also explore Modeling workflows used in traditional VFX, and those used in Virtual Production software, such as Unreal.

Project management is an essential skill contributing to an organization's competitive advantage. This course incorporates the global standards from the Project Management Institute. The essential elements of project management include principles of project management, proposal stages, project scheduling, controlling, reporting, and the use of technologies to manage projects.

Term 4

Required CoursesCredit

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of becoming a successful Production Manager or Producer in Visual Effects. Students will learn key production management skills in crew planning, bidding, negotiating, and how to analyze data for financial projections. Students will receive hands-on training by creating their own budget, breakdown, and schedule for their own project

In this course, students will move an asset into shot production, and through the front-end pipeline. Students will continue their Maya software journey, and gain hands-on experience in Match move, layout, and animation. Students will learn the basics of how to track a camera, how to lay out a scene and bring in assets, and how to animate a variety of objects in 3D.

This course is an introduction to business analytics as a way to improve business decisions. Learners explore descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, and have the opportunity to compile database analytics including querying databases. Learners focus on descriptive analytics to create data visualization for real-world applications, use Excel, and explore other tools such as SQL and Power BI.

The game team must know what they need to deliver and when. Examine different strategies of Game Development management from pre-production, production, and post-production to help the team deliver on time and on budget.

Term 5

Required CoursesCredit

The central theme of the course focuses on the relationship between thinking, human behaviour, and organizational effectiveness. Opportunity is provided for learners to experience incidental learning as they evaluate their own behaviour. Learners explore how concepts and ideas pertaining to human behaviour can transform self, relationships, and the workplace.

In this course, students will continue down the pipeline with an animated scene, taking it into the back-end departments of production. Students will continue using Maya software, as well as being introduced to Houdini and Nuke, in getting hands-on experience in FX, Lighting, BG prep, and Compositing. Students will learn the basics of how to do simple effects, lighting, and compositing. Students will also explore paint and roto, pre-mults usage as well as retimes and re-speeds, in this final hands-on workflow program.

Students will examine visual effects' relationship with Editorial and its role throughout the process. Students will also gain insight and knowledge into post-production aspects of film and television creation, as they explore what happens in the DI (digital intermediate), how sound design and visual effects work together, and how marketing can greatly impact a project.

In this course, students will get opportunities to practice interviewing with industry recruiters. Students will also get insight into what to expect as an entry-level worker in the Game/ Film or television industry, as well as tips and tools for professional networking.

Term 6

Required CoursesCredit

Students will work with their Film and VFX student counterpart in the coordination of the shoot, and the delivery from the shoot into the VFX pipeline. Students will re-work the breakdown based on the plates, and create a visual effects breakdown, bid, and milestone schedule that will be integrated into the post schedule, whilst taking guidance and feedback from staff and industry mentors.

Students will mimic life working at a VFX and post-production facility, creating a crew plan based on their bid and milestone schedule, and creating a daily and weekly schedule in ensuring the smooth execution of the visual effects shots filmed. Students will take part in daily reviews with industry mentors, using Shotgrid for note-taking and communication, and presentation of the work. Students will also give weekly progress reports as well as take guidance and feedback from staff and industry mentors.

Students unify their work into the successful delivery of visual effects that achieves the project's scope of work, budget, and goals. A review and post-mortem will assess the project, as well as the student's strengths and areas that need improvement. Students will work with peers on prepping cover letters and resumes, and finalize preparations for job applications. Students will also have a chance to network with industry professionals.

Students will team up with a Film and Visual Effects student and play a key role in the project. Students will take the script and prep for shooting, creating a comprehensive breakdown of the shoot requirements, and the visual effects needed, budget, secure equipment and create a call sheet for the shoot of approx. 3-4 visual effects shots. Throughout the project, the student and instructor will work in a professional client/producer relationship, mastering skills of presentation, negotiation, and diplomacy.

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