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Film Major
The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in film provides creative, technical and analytical studies within the school’s interdisciplinary setting. Film and video production courses emphasize the creation of original work and technical skills acquisition. Film courses familiarize students with the aesthetic and social issues surrounding contemporary film and video practice which are an integral part of the curriculum. Students augment the components of film and video through interdisciplinary studies and projects. Directed study courses are available for upper division students to work independently.
Students whose interest in film is related primarily to historical, critical, or theoretical aspects should see the Visual Culture and Performance Studies major program, leading to a bachelor of arts, and to the Film and Video Studies minor.
Admission Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs and to many courses is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines or visit our website.
Although the University operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Students may apply for program admission after completing CA 231, normally at the end of the second year of study. Approval will be based on the student’s creative work and academic record in required lower division courses.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school's programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
About the School’s Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study. Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is, or includes, ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Entry to all first year film production courses required for the major is by questionnaire and interview. Contact the school in early January prior to attendance at the University to request an information letter and questionnaire.
Academic Continuance Policy
Policy:
All students who successfully complete the acceptance process within the School for the Contemporary Arts are offered the status of “Major” in a specific area of study entering the first year. In order to remain a major, all students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67. Students that fall below the 2.67 will have a limited time (see process below) to bring the average up before losing their status as a major.
Process:
All SCA student GPA levels will be evaluated at the end of each academic year, normally at the end of the Spring semester. A student who falls below the required cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67 will be notified of their probation status as a major with a limited time to adjust their CA GPA. Students will need to meet with the Area Coordinator and Advisor and plan their academic career for either re-establishing the Major or pursuing an FCAT BA with a double minor program. If the student does not bring the cumulative GPA in CA courses to 2.67 in the allotted time, he/she will be dropped from the major. If the student is in first or second year of study within the major and falls below the required cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67, the student will have two semesters to bring up their average to 2.67. If the student is in third year of their major, they will have one semester to bring their average to 2.67. Students who lose their status as a major in the SCA will have the option of pursuing the extended minor as part of the double minor BA option in FCAT, or via other options in the university. In extraordinary circumstances, the area coordinator and director of the school will review academic continuance policy cases.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 44 units including
Three core courses below:
Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 | Online |
Introduces the many ways artists have employed moving images across artistic disciplines. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense of both the historical innovations and traditions in moving-image arts as well as the use of moving images in the contemporary art scene. Students with credit for FPA 186 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170. Students with credit for FPA 285 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Robert Kitsos |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
plus one additional CA history course outside their major*
and all of
Introduces students to the basic components of filmmaking through lectures, film screenings and creative projects in the various media that combine to form cinema. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that course activities may require additional costs. Prerequisite: Prior approval through formal application. Students who have completed CA (or FPA) 132, 133, 134 or 230 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 130 may not take this course for further credit.
An introductory course in film production, emphasizing creative use of the medium. Each student is expected to conceive, direct and edit a short film, as well as participate in the making of class exercises and other students' films. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 130 and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 131 may not take this course for further credit.
This course will examine the early development of cinema from 1890 until about 1945, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of film as an art form. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 136 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
This course will examine selected developments in cinema from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 137 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
The first of two courses (CA (or FPA) 231-5 is the second) which form an intensive study of the craft of filmmaking, with an emphasis on production planning, creative development and the shooting and editing of short films. In-class exercises and film screenings will lead to the production of several original films. Each student will be expected to play major creative and technical roles in these productions. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131, and CA (or FPA) 136 or 137, and prior approval. Corequisite: CA 233. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 330 for credit may not complete this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 230 may not take this course for further credit.
This course continues the work begun in CA (or FPA) 230-5 Filmmaking II. Students will acquire proficiency in film technique through lab exercises, readings and film screenings. As well, all students will participate in the completion of short original films which were begun in CA (or FPA) 230. Emphasis is placed on the development of means for creative expression supported by technical skills. Laboratory fee required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 230 and CA (or FPA) 233. Students with credit for FPA 231 may not take this course for further credit.
Covers the technical aspects of basic film production skills: camera, lighting, sound, editing, lab processes. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131 and prior approval. Corequisite: CA 230. Students with credit for FPA 233 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of**
This course will cover a specific topic within the field of cinema studies not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: One of CA 135, 136, 137, 186, 235, 236, 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), 416 (or 436), or 30 units. Students with credit for CA 237 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Joshua Trichilo |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
A survey of the key works and ideas that have informed contemporary moving image art practice nationally and internationally. Beginning with antecedents in painting and photography, the course will move forward from the early European avant-garde to the lyrical and structural works of the seventies, the issue-based work of the eighties, and finally the gallery-based practices of the present day. Intended for all students with an interest in the moving image as an art form. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 118 (or 168), 135, 136 or 137 or 30 units. Students with credit for FPA 235 may not take this course for further credit.
Examines the achievements of dramatic, documentary and experimental filmmaking in Canada from the earliest days until the present. Special attention will be paid to the cinemas of Quebec and western Canada, and to the cultural, political and theoretical traditions that have shaped contemporary cinema in Canada. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 3 units in film or cinema studies (CA (or FPA) 135, 136, 186, 235, 216 (or 237), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335)) or 30 units. Students with credit for FPA 236 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
and one of
Through lectures, demonstrations and studio work, students will be introduced to several aspects of location sound recording and audio post production for film and video. Topics will include synchronization systems and techniques, editing, music scoring, mixing and both analog and digital sound technology. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131. Students with credit for FPA 232 may not take this course for further credit.
This course introduces the methodologies of writing for the screen in various styles, including dramatic, documentary and experimental forms, with an emphasis on structure and the creative expression of visual ideas. Students will perform a variety of writing assignments and each will be expected to complete one or more short original scripts. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 332 or 238 for credit may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 238W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
* See advisor for course options.
** With prior approval, students may substitute lower division courses from other departments devoted to a film or video topic to fulfill this requirement.
+ recommended
++ may be repeated under another topic.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 32 units including twelve units from*
An intermediate course in critical studies in cinema addressing a variety of topics. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 337 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Nine units in CA (or FPA) courses including CA (or FPA) 136 or 137.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Joshua Trichilo |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
This course is concerned with the systematic understanding of the general phenomenon called Cinema rather than with the properties or techniques of individual films. Various theoretical positions will be assessed and compared in terms of cinematic practice and its ideological functions. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Six units from among CA (or FPA) 136, 137, 216 (or 237), 236. Recommended: CA (or FPA) 210W (or 210). Students who have credit for CA (or FPA) 234 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 335 may not take this course for further credit.
Features intensive study and analysis of selected topics in film theory, history, criticism and aesthetics. Examples include: work of specific directors or periods; theories of narrativity; particular aspects of national cinemas, etc. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 436 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 316 (or 337) or CA (or FPA) 318 (or 335).
and a minimum of 17 units from the following**
Facilitates an in-depth understanding of the organizational aspects of film production, with emphasis on pre-production planning. The class will study methods of proposal writing, pre-production and production, developing production packages for short film and video projects. This course is strongly recommended for all students intending to take CA 430. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 or prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 332 may not take this course for further credit.
This course will cover a specific topic within the field of film and video production not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, such as optical printing techniques, film and video editing, experimental film and video production, or documentary film and video production. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 and prior approval.
This course will present advanced theory and techniques for writing dramatic, experimental and documentary film and video scripts. Additional topics covered include script analysis, production breakdown, and the writing of treatments and proposals. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 238 or 353 or 457 and prior approval. Strongly recommended for all students developing projects for production in CA (or FPA) 430. Students with credit for FPA 338W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
This course acquaints intermediate level students with techniques of dramatic film performance. Students will be expected to perform as both actors and directors on scene work in class. Topics covered include auditioning, script analysis, role preparation, rehearsal, blocking for the camera, and directing techniques. This course is not a duplicate of CA (or FPA) 339 Selected Topics in Film. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231, or CA (or FPA) 251 with prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 339 may not take this course for further credit.
This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 386 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 | Online |
This course includes a series of technical workshops, screenings and seminars along with the completion of creative student projects. A laboratory fee is required. Project costs may require personal funding over and above the lab fee. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 or approval of instructor. Students with credit for FPA 390 may not take this course for further credit.
Students are encouraged to challenge conventional notions of digital media and to explore the creative possibilities associated with contemporary media applications. This project-based course includes a series of technical workshops, screenings and group seminars. Students will initiate and complete a project of their own choosing; collaborations are encouraged. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that project costs may require personal funding over and above the lab fee. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 390 or approval of instructor. Students with credit for FPA 393 may not take this course for further credit.
The first half of a two term project in advanced film and/or video production. Students are expected to participate in the realization of one or more projects during the two terms. Students seeking entry into this course are required to present a completed script (for a drama) or detailed proposal (for a documentary or experimental film) prior to enrolment. The exact nature of each student's participation will be determined in consultation with the instructor. This course is open only to approved film majors. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant financial costs in addition to required lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 149, 186, 231, 285 and 10 units in film or cinema studies (CA (or FPA) 135, 136, 137, 186, 235, 236, 216 (or 237), 318 (or 335), 316 (or 337), 416 (or 436)) plus prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 430 may not take this course for further credit.
This course is intended for completion of film and video projects begun in CA (or FPA) 430. Particular emphasis will be given to advanced film craft in the post-production phase. The exact nature of each student's participation will be determined in consultation with the instructor. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 430. Students with credit for FPA 432 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of
Investigates a selected thematic topic in art and performance studies such as: postcolonial theory and the arts; perception and embodiment; art activism and resistance; or urban art and culture. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Investigates a selected topic in the history of art, performance and cinema. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 186, and 210W (or 210).
An in-depth investigation of a selected topic in the history of art, performance and cinema. This course can be repeated four times for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 186, 210W (or 210) and 45 units.
or another upper division CA history or critical course outside film.
* with prior approval, students may substitute upper division courses devoted to a film or video studies topic in other departments, or in a directed study in film studies, to fulfill this requirement
** with prior permission, a directed study course (CA 400, 402 or 404), a film studies course, or another upper division CA course may be substituted for one of these courses
+ recommended
++ may be repeated under another topic
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.