Dissecting the Television and Film Business World for Career Success
15/05/2014 16:44
The business of TV and film is a huge one. Whether one works in the mainstream or in the independent film and television production sector, he or she must have knowledge of business affairs, accounting, business development and production management/ producing to be successful.
Many film schools Toronto has to offer only focus on one of these areas. However, at Centennial College's Television and Film - Business offering, students are exposed to an overview of the industry that is all encompassing. Students become familiar with how important it is to have an entrepreneurial spirit and a global outlook; the legal, financial and regulatory frameworks of the industry; and producing in the current Canadian market. Here is a look at some of the program's standout courses.
Production: Priding itself on offering students much hands-on practice, the program includes this course, which covers the basics of the production process and what goes on in front of and behind the camera, and in the editing room. Students work in teams to plan, shoot and edit short programs.
Business and Entrepreneurship: Strategic and tactical issues of setting up a production company, opening shop and doing business are covered in this course. As are the legal and financial challenges of operating a small to medium sized business as well as the marketing and sales skills necessary for that business to thrive.
Financing and Funding: Students examine the major public and private Canadian funders, and how they work both on their own and in cooperation with each other. As such, the CMF, federal and provincial tax credits and other financing sources are covered in detail.
Team Building: Both TV and film projects require a disciplined and supportive team. As such, students gain knowledge of the common challenges and pitfalls that group dynamics bring. They also gain the skills to address those issues and build efficient, collaborative teams.
Going Global: With the film and TV industries having no boundaries, students learn about working with international partners including: treaty co-productions, co-ventures, and non-treaty foreign investment/co-productions. As a hands-on component, students engage in case studies of successful international cooperation to examine the challenges and benefits of working with international partners on creative projects.
Another aspect that sets this program apart from other film programs in Toronto is its last-semester field experience. This is an opportunity for students to apply everything they have learned in the program to the real world as they complete a nine-week field placement. Students are placed at a film or television production company or related organization (approximately two to three days per week) in a position that relates to their career goals.
This unique Toronto film school requires applicants to have previously completed a college advanced diploma (three years) or university degree (three or four years) in any discipline. Additionally, those who present a combination of partial post-secondary and work experience in related field (film & television, communications, accounting and business management) will be considered for admission.