Motion Picture Arts, Applied Bachelor

Program Information
Credential: 
Applied Bachelor Degree
Duration: 

4 Year Applied Degree  
Optional 3 Year Advanced Certificate in Motion Picture Arts  

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information visit the Motion Picture Arts Department, under Academic Departments.

Related Careers

The motion picture industry is a major contributor to the North American economy and is at the forefront of the digital revolution. The producers of feature films, television series and commercials seek gifted storytellers, actors, artists and technicians with strong backgrounds in the dramatic arts. Existing theatre programs provide a solid foundation for advanced study in narrative motion picture acting and production. The MPA program provides students with the specific skills and experience they need to gain an advantage in this highly competitive industry.

Graduates of the Production Stream will apply their broad-based understanding of the nature of production to pursue multiple job tracks as their careers progress. Typically, graduates will begin employment at entry levels in various areas of the industry, including cinematography, camera operation, digital editing, production design, sound recording, production management, and special effects. Some graduates may choose to act as self-employed contractors in their own creative business ventures.

Acting Stream graduates will be prepared to audition for performance roles in feature films, movies of the week, series television, commercials, and voice-overs.

With experience and proven ability, graduates from both streams may also advance into entrepreneurial roles as directors, writers, and producers, supervising content creation in a wide variety of current and emerging media.

The Program

The Applied Degree in Motion Picture Arts enables students who have completed two years of post-secondary theatre studies (or equivalent) to expand and apply their primary theatre training to the rapidly growing motion picture, television and multimedia industries. The two years of completed theatre studies is followed by a program year (3rd year) of intensive theory and hands-on instruction culminating in an advanced certificate in Performance or Production. Students may then go on to the final (4th year) which is a credited mentored work experience the equivalent of two four-month terms or the opportunity to complete a substantial motion picture project. The program has two streams: the Production Stream and the Acting Stream.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

1. You must have completed 2 years of a post-secondary Theatre Studies Program (or equivalent) with a minimum 2.00 GPA. Other related post-secondary credits and/or equivalent experience will be considered.

AND

2. You must complete a successful audition and/or interview/portfolio. Further guidelines regarding audition/interview expectations are available through the School of Creative Arts.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass all of the required Year 3 courses in the Production or Acting Stream and satisfactorily complete both 4th year work experience or production courses with a two year GPA of 2.00 to receive the Bachelor of Applied Motion Picture Arts.

Program Content

Year 3

Production Stream:

  • MPA 301 Motion Picture Fundamentals I
  • MPA 302 Motion Picture Fundamentals II
  • MPA 303 Motion Picture Business/ Career Path
  • MPA 304 Screenwriting Techniques
  • MPA 305 Motion Picture Directing
  • MPA 311 Motion Picture Technology
  • MPA 315 Motion Picture Production I
  • MPA 316 Motion Picture Production II
  • MPA 320 Motion Picture Projects I
  • MPA 321 Motion Picture Projects II

Acting Stream:

  • MPA 301 Motion Picture Fundamentals I
  • MPA 302 Motion Picture Fundamentals II
  • MPA 303 Motion Picture Business/Career Path
  • MPA 304 Screenwriting Techniques
  • MPA 305 Motion Picture Directing
  • MPA 312 Audition Techniques
  • MPA 317 Motion Picture Acting I
  • MPA 318 Motion Picture Acting II
  • MPA 320 Motion Picture Projects I
  • MPA 321 Motion Picture Projects II

Year 4

  • MPA 403 Applied Motion Picture Practicum I
  • MPA 404 Applied Motion Picture Practicum II
Year 3 Course Descriptions

MPA 301

Development of knowledge of all aspects of live action motion picture production. Includes development of basic competence in production, direction and communication.

MPA 302

Further development of knowledge in aspects of live action motion picture production.

MPA 303

An examinations of film financing, budgeting, scheduling and distribution. Included is entertainment law and the societal and political context of the Canadian film industry. Students will establish contacts with appropriate unions, agents and develop self-promotional strategies.

MPA 304

Provides a practical introduction to appropriate formats and techniques for screenwriting, and includes narrative forms and structure, character and story throughlines. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to short screenwriting projects.

MPA 305

Director's responsibilities, strategies, and skills including technical aspects of production and analysis of scripts. Knowledge and skills will be used to direct performers and crew in scene work.

MPA 311

Knowledge and maintenance and operational skills in production and post-production technologies such as analog and digital imaging systems, film video transfer systems, compositing, etc. Explore emerging production technologies such as motion control. Prerequisite: MPA 315

MPA 312

Emphasis is on the knowledge, strategies, and skills needed for professional auditions. Students will develop a professional resume, photograph, and industry standard reels/tapes/DVD. Prerequisite: MPA 317

MPA 315

Skill development in cinematography, camera operation, lighting, editing, sound, and production management. Flexibility and learning skills needed to acquire specialized expertise is emphasized.

MPA 316

Further development in cinematography, camera operation, lighting, editing, sound and production management. Prerequisite: MPA 315

MPA 317

Knowledge of terminology, set etiquette, set directions and the roles and functions of other film personnel. Opportunities to practice performance on camera using effective vocal and physical character traits. Emphasis is on developing a confident poise for on camera and audio recording.

MPA 318

Emphasis is on advancing knowledge and skills developed in Film Acting I in order to believably perform scenes of emotional intensity. Performance skills for various motion picture media and specific genre requirements will be developed. Prerequisite: MPA 317

MPA 320

Application of knowledge and skills to initiate, develop and produce media projects from concept to completion. Team skills, integrity, self confidence, initiative, and professionalism are integral to success.

MPA 321

Further application of knowledge and skills to develop media projects from concept to completion. Team skills, integrity, self confidence, initiative and professionalism are integral to success. Prerequisite: MPA 320

Year 4 Course Descriptions

MPA 403

The first term of a two-term mentored practicum. This involves: 1) The production of a substantial motion picture project (including concept, production, postproduction, marketing and promotion) with access to College equipment and facilities; and/or 2) work experience in the motion picture industry, with a combination of paid work, auditions, workshops, etc. accumulated under the guidance of MPA staff. Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd year of the MPA program.

MPA 404

The second term of a two-term mentored practicum. This involves: 1) The production of a substantial motion picture project (including concept, production, postproduction, marketing and promotion) with access to College equipment and facilities; and/or 2) work experience in the motion picture industry, with a combination of paid work, auditions, workshops, etc. accumulated under the guidance of MPA staff. Prerequisite: MPA 403