A Little More on Film School
At the British Columbia Institute of Technology they have recently added a new program to their menagerie of partnership certificates. It is a one year intensive program called Film Flex, designed to bolster the Canadian film industry by contributing motivated film makers with the know how to create a film from pre-planning to post-production. Including courses in cinematography, non-linear editing, business and how to plan a for your budget, the Film Flex program ensures a well rounded course load. This allows students to understand all aspects involved in film making and then decide whether they wish to start their own business as an independent film maker, or find a position with a company already established in the industry.
After checking out more than a couple of the many film programs the lower mainland has to offer, Derek and I both agreed that BCIT is a step above the others. The total cost of the one year program falls in the same vicinity as most other West Coast schools, but with an added bonus. BCIT has a mandatory technology fee that they charge students of $11, 500. Normally I would not call this a bonus, however, in return for this fee each student is handed a Macintosh G4 Powerbook, complete with Production Suite Academic (including Final Cut Pro editing software), an AG-DVX100AP Min-DV Camcorder, and a Manfrotto Tripod system. This equipment package is dropped into each students lap during the first week of courses, and is essentially held by the student on behalf of the school until graduation when it becomes the property of the student.
This technology package singles out BCIT above the other schools, in both status and price. Although the program hits the same $30, 000 mark as several other programs, the student walks away with not only the knowledge they need to make a feature film, but they own all the equipment as well. This, however, poses a problem. The $16, 500 of tuition required for the 12 month program is payable by cash, credit, or student loan. The technology package, however, is not covered by government loans, or financial aid through BCIT. Essentially because all the equipment will become the students personal property upon graduation. Although this is the main reason we chose BCIT, it is also the biggest road block to getting there.
Moving from Alberta to BC, you are liable to experience some pressure on the wallet as you learn to cope with higher accommodation and gas prices, as well as PST. The fact that your living expenses increase by about 15% does not ease the reality that there is little or no funding to help you pay for a technology package that is mandatory to your education. I understand the conundrum of receiving student funding for what will become personal property, but after exhausting so many options, we are left wondering how this program is to be afforded.
Each student line of credit that will cover the cost of the fee plus living expenses requires a co-signer, which is not realistic in the case of some mature students. Credit cards charge an interest rate which cannot be afforded for the twelve intensive months where income is minimal. Banks laugh you out the door when you tell them you need $15, 000 to pay for filming equipment, and you will soon be a starving student in the West coasts most expensive city. We are continuing to seek out funding options, but we could use any help we can get. We don't lack any of the necessary passion, just the fuel for the financial fire. Any thoughts on funding, grants, bursaries, or available scholarships would be appreciated.
Official info on the Film Flex program can be viewed at: http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/6740ipcert
The technology package can be viewed at: http://www.broadcastatbcit.com/filmflex/equipment.htm
Thanks!
After checking out more than a couple of the many film programs the lower mainland has to offer, Derek and I both agreed that BCIT is a step above the others. The total cost of the one year program falls in the same vicinity as most other West Coast schools, but with an added bonus. BCIT has a mandatory technology fee that they charge students of $11, 500. Normally I would not call this a bonus, however, in return for this fee each student is handed a Macintosh G4 Powerbook, complete with Production Suite Academic (including Final Cut Pro editing software), an AG-DVX100AP Min-DV Camcorder, and a Manfrotto Tripod system. This equipment package is dropped into each students lap during the first week of courses, and is essentially held by the student on behalf of the school until graduation when it becomes the property of the student.
This technology package singles out BCIT above the other schools, in both status and price. Although the program hits the same $30, 000 mark as several other programs, the student walks away with not only the knowledge they need to make a feature film, but they own all the equipment as well. This, however, poses a problem. The $16, 500 of tuition required for the 12 month program is payable by cash, credit, or student loan. The technology package, however, is not covered by government loans, or financial aid through BCIT. Essentially because all the equipment will become the students personal property upon graduation. Although this is the main reason we chose BCIT, it is also the biggest road block to getting there.
Moving from Alberta to BC, you are liable to experience some pressure on the wallet as you learn to cope with higher accommodation and gas prices, as well as PST. The fact that your living expenses increase by about 15% does not ease the reality that there is little or no funding to help you pay for a technology package that is mandatory to your education. I understand the conundrum of receiving student funding for what will become personal property, but after exhausting so many options, we are left wondering how this program is to be afforded.
Each student line of credit that will cover the cost of the fee plus living expenses requires a co-signer, which is not realistic in the case of some mature students. Credit cards charge an interest rate which cannot be afforded for the twelve intensive months where income is minimal. Banks laugh you out the door when you tell them you need $15, 000 to pay for filming equipment, and you will soon be a starving student in the West coasts most expensive city. We are continuing to seek out funding options, but we could use any help we can get. We don't lack any of the necessary passion, just the fuel for the financial fire. Any thoughts on funding, grants, bursaries, or available scholarships would be appreciated.
Official info on the Film Flex program can be viewed at: http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/6740ipcert
The technology package can be viewed at: http://www.broadcastatbcit.com/filmflex/equipment.htm
Thanks!
posted by Rach at 10:43 PM
3 Comments:
Why don't you get in on Fred's "gardening" business? PS we need your address too (though not online).
Maybe Brad Pitt would give you some money? I'll ask him next time I see him.
Yo Rachel, Sorry I never got to the BPs that night, you left the message on my old phone, got it the next day. But anyhoo, miss both of you and take care.
Post a Comment
<< Home