Program_BBA in Film Production

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production

Tell your stories to the world through film. In this program, you will work with talented instructors, classmates and artists from across Red Deer Polytechnic to create film projects. Learn the industry-relevant processes, tools and standards that will prepare you for an exciting career in the film industry.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Degree
4 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time On Campus

About the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production

If you have a passion for storytelling, hands-on study of film production at Red Deer Polytechnic will help you to turn it into a fulfilling career. Grounded in the core principles of communication, collaboration, storytelling, business and entrepreneurial skills, our program will guide you through practical application of the things you learn in and through projects and production skills, culminating in short films of your own creation. 

Our courses provide opportunities for hands-on studio practice with state-of-the-art equipment, fostering close collaboration with artists from various creative arts programs at Red Deer Polytechnic. By the time you’re done, you'll be creating content tailored for screens of all sizes. 

You'll benefit from the expertise of instructors with substantial experience in the film industry. They’ll equip you to thrive across the sector: on film sets, within production companies and in the editing suite.

Work-integrated Learning

In the fourth year of this program, you'll engage in an Applied Practicum, offering you the chance to work in a relevant segment of the industry or pursue a personal film project in-studio at RDP. During this phase, you will have the opportunity to develop both individual and collaborative film projects while also pursuing placements as a young professional within the film industry. 

Testimonial_Film_Brooke Pfeifer
"The film program at Red Deer Polytechnic has taught me so much throughout my past four years as a student. I have developed skills, both technical and creative, which have allowed me to form industry connections, as well as create award-winning productions. Throughout my time in the program, I have been given the opportunity to learn and grow through trial and error, and through receiving constructive criticism from my instructors and peers. "
Brooke Pfeifer, 2024
Testimonial_Film_Amanda Trimble
"This program gave me the opportunity to build my skill set and network, leading to a very successful and fulfilling career in the Film and TV industry. It is thanks to my instructors' feedback and support that I am in a place to give back to the current film students, continuing what alum did for me when I was a student by offering workshops and mentorship opportunities. "
Amanda Trimble, 2013

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.   

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Film Production must have a minimum average of 60% in:     

  • ELA 30-1, or higher, or equivalent 

And a minimum 50% in an additional Group A, B, or C course. A 30 level Fine Arts course is recommended. 

  • Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)  

  • Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.  

  • Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE) 

  • Group D • Five credits of course work at the 30, 33 or 35 level • Two 3-credit subjects at the 30 level (excluding Special Projects) • Note: Some courses can be considered Group D subjects if a higher level of the same subject has not fulfilled a Group A, B or C admission requirement (i.e., French Language Arts 30-2, Social Studies 30-2, Mathematics 30 Applied)

 

Additional Requirements

Interview

To be accepted into the Film Production program, students must have a successful interview.   

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.  

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Year 1
$11,292.00
Year 2
$11,122.00
Year 3
$10,452.00
Year 4
$10,702.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$23,500.00
Year 2
$24,662.00
Year 3
$26,272.00
Year 4
$23,472.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

In the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production program, students must complete a core curriculum of Film Production courses, which includes classes in Acting, Directing, Production, Storytelling, History and various other aspects of Film Production. 

During the initial three years, you have the freedom to tailor your learning experience by selecting a combination of both Creative Arts and non-Creative Arts electives. 

In the fourth and final year, the program's emphasis shifts to the Applied Practicum, where you will focus on building a portfolio within your chosen area of specialization. These specializations encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from directing and cinematography to screenwriting, film editing and sound design. 

Choosing Electives Guide

Program Courses

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses required for the degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.