The Documentary Of My Life

1. Admission Process

   A couple of years ago I became obsessed with documentaries. On a student loan-funded whim, I bailed on my plan to do travel writing and committed to documentary filmmaking instead. I had a Bachelor degree in English Literature, but with almost no filmmaking experience, I knew I needed training.

   I researched schools offering documentary-specific programs (there are very few Canada-wide), and Capilano rose to the top of my list. I liked that it offered a small class size of about 20 people and included all the components I wanted to learn (story development, camera work and post-production editing).

   It was a beautiful campus, the film studio was well-stocked, and those two students were just so goddamn happy. When I visited the school, two energetic students guided me around campus and made it clear that people really liked being there. It was a beautiful campus, the film studio was well-stocked, and those two students were just so goddamn happy. So I applied, and in September I plunged into the intensive, one-year program.

   (Read Less)

   A

2. Tuition & Finances

   All in all the program cost in the $10,000 ballpark for a full year program, plus $2000 for a laptop. I think I received around $1000 in bursaries from Capilano. I worked a part-time job for half of the year, but if you can get away with not working, it will make it much easier to focus on the your own film projects!

   (Read Less)

   A-

3. Curriculum

   The documentary program is pretty intensive. Expect to get all the basics of filmmaking down pat. On paper you have only three days of class a week, which makes it possible to work part time. I’d recommend avoiding it if you can, though, because there’s a lot of project work to do outside of class hours. It’s true when they say you only get as much as you put in.

   If you’re like me, and begin without knowing exactly what kinds of documentaries you want to make, it’s all good. The instructors really emphasize story development, so you will work and rework tons of story ideas. I would recommend making it a goal to graduate with a project developed and ready to pitch.

   In terms of honing the Producer’s craft, you will learn what’s needed for a standard proposal to funders, and you will get an overview of the various broadcasters that seek documentaries. But the more complicated issues of establishing your own production company, navigating film tax credits, and piecing together enough money from various sources to actually get your film off the ground, are breezed by quickly.

   The production component was good, not great, but a solid introduction nonetheless. They don’t expect you to have experience shooting a film, and so they try to teach you the basics of camera, lighting, and sound. Key word is basics.

   You won’t be taught advanced camera, lighting, or sound. But you ARE given the chance to take gear out for your own independent projects (ie. on weekends), which is awesome.

   Practical, hands-on filmmaking is minimal in the first term, when basically the only film project you’re assigned is a 6-minute documentary. Instead they focus on story development. If you’re like me and want to get your hands dirty fast, make the effort to take the camera on weekends and make your own projects. Practical camera work picked up in the second half of the year, when we were making one-minute films weekly, while simultaneously developing our individual final projects (a 15 minute documentary).

   (Read Less)

   A

4. Faculty & Administration

   Most of the instructors are working professionals in the industry, who film during summer and winter breaks, and develop projects during the school year while they teach. They’re knowledgeable and the best part is, the instructors are happy to meet one-on-one to develop your ideas.

   Instructors also try to bring in friends/colleagues as speakers throughout the year, which for us included Mark Achbar (The Corporation), Don White (story consultant), Katherine Dodds (HelloCoolWorld.com) and Tracey Friesen (executive producer at the NFB). And we attended film pitches and forums at the Whistler Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival, which was helpful for getting a feel for being in a room full of successful industry members and trying to wedge your way in.

   (Read Less)

   A+

5. Equipment & Facilities

   When I was at Cap, the equipment we doc students had access to was a bit ghetto. We shot on MiniDV, using the Panasonic DVC Pro 30 camera.

   Since I left they did a massive multi-million dollar rehaul of the film school, and so new students will probably enjoy that quite a bit! I also expect they're giving doc students access to HD cameras by this point.

   (Read Less)

   A-

6. Career Preparation

   Capilano’s Documentary program didn’t facilitate the making of a demo reel, and didn’t include any kind of internship or work placements. Still, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested specifically in documentary filmmaking. It’s well-rounded, and will teach you what you need to know to get started. And from there, it’s up to you to jump into the industry, and work your way to where you want to be. If you didn't make an effort to make connection with industry folks yourself, you might have trouble getting an easy-in into the industry when you first leave the program.

   (Read Less)

   A-

7. Social Life

   The class dynamic is really energetic and driven. You’ve got students from all walks of life, from people who have just finished high school to people with established careers. Some had film backgrounds; others had never touched a camera. The benefit is that discussions are well-rounded, and you have the opportunity to learn from other people’s strengths.

   (Read Less)

   A

8. The Bottom Line

   I'd definitely recommend Capilano! It is a great school, with great instructors and great students to work with. Plus with the new facility you'll have some fun tech toys to play with. If you're thinking about it and want more answers, take a tour of the school with current students.

0 Comments