From 30 students to more than 150. That’s how fast SAIT’s film program has been growing, and it says something good about Calgary.
SAIT says its Film and Video Production diploma enrolled 30 students in 2018 and expected more than 150 first-year students by fall 2022. That figure comes from a SAIT news story, which ties the growth to Alberta’s growing film industry. Pretty exciting if you’ve ever dreamed of working on a set.
What you learn in the Calgary diploma
According to SAIT’s program page, the diploma is a two-year credential taught in person at the main campus. You’ll cover scriptwriting, directing, videography and cinematography, and editing. You’ll also learn the business side: funding, tax credits and marketing.
The curriculum is 60 credits across 21 courses in four semesters, with an optional paid work term between years one and two. The page reports a 70% employment rate within months of graduation and an average starting salary of $54,020.
The university route
There is. The University of Calgary degree guide describes a Bachelor of Film Studies that is a 120-unit, four-year degree in the Faculty of Arts. The SAIT portion counts as 48 of those 120 units, so you spend part of the degree in lecture halls and part in production courses. Best of both.
Television and live production
SAIT also offers a Live Media and Television Production diploma. Its page describes two years, 66 credits across 20 courses, and training in production studios, control rooms for live broadcast scenarios and audio recording studios. It’s aimed at roles such as producer, director and technical operator.
The news story adds that a new spring and summer intake lets students finish the film diploma in 15 months. It also lists alumni who worked on series filmed in Alberta, including Under the Banner of Heaven and The Last of Us, in roles such as production assistant and dailies management.
Those are entry jobs, and they’re the ones that get you onto a set. So start there, then look up. Open those program pages today and see which door fits you.
There’s more where this came from. Start with Fargo Hides Its Minnesota in Calgary’s Inglewood, or jump to From 8,000 Fans to Nearly 30,000, CIFF Is Calgary’s Film Moment. Or try The Last of Us Turned Calgary Into Boston and Beyond for a change of pace.
Keep going with CSIF Calgary Has Backed Independent Filmmakers Since 1978 and Calgary Underground Film Festival and CIFF and What Each One Is Known For.
Quick answers
SAIT offers a two year Film and Video Production diploma, taught in person at the main campus, with 60 credits across 21 courses in four semesters. It also offers a Live Media and Television Production diploma, which is two years and 66 credits across 20 courses.
SAIT says its Film and Video Production diploma enrolled 30 students in 2018 and expected more than 150 first year students by fall 2022. A new spring and summer intake lets students finish the film diploma in 15 months.
Yes. The University of Calgary offers a Bachelor of Film Studies, a 120 unit, four year degree in the Faculty of Arts. The SAIT portion counts as 48 of those 120 units, so students spend part of the degree in lecture halls and part in production courses.
