The Top Film Schools in Montreal for Aspiring Filmmakers
Montreal is a hotspot for filmmakers and creatives, and it's no wonder why. The city is brimming with culture and has nurtured some of the greatest in the industry, including my personal favourite Denis Villeneuve, director of memorable films like Sicario, Arrival, and Dune. In this post, I'll be showcasing the top film schools in Montreal and highlighting what sets each one apart.
Concordia University
Concordia University is one of Montreal's leading film schools, offering an all-encompassing education in film and digital media. The university boasts state-of-the-art equipment, giving students the chance to produce an array of productions, including narrative short films, documentaries, and more artistic pieces. With hands-on experience in all aspects of film production, students can find their niche and chart a path in the film industry. During the first year, students have the opportunity to create two films and in subsequent years, tackle longer and more complex projects. Upon graduation, Concordia film students are equipped with the skills necessary to pursue a wide range of careers in the film industry, from director and cinematographer to video editor, camera operator, producer, and more.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at Concordia University's Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema department is a 3 to 4 year program that focuses on the study of film and digital media. Students will have the opportunity to get real-world experience outside of the classroom through internships, which will help them develop their professional networks and provide significant real-world exposure. All classes are conducted in English.
Trebas Institute
The Trebas Institute is a well-established and highly respected film and digital media school in Montreal. Compared to Concordia, students will follow a different curriculum that allows them to experience a wider range of career options within the industry than just film production. This curriculum encompasses TV broadcasting, commercial video production, web series creation, and film production. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and software, and students will have the opportunity to work as part of a team, fostering relationships that can be valuable throughout their careers.
The NWY.1F: Film & Television Production - Montreal program is a 12-month immersive experience designed to offer students a hands-on education in film and video production. The program covers every stage of production, from drafting scripts to filming, editing, and everything in between, ensuring that students have a strong foundation in the field. Classes are offered in both English and French.
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
UQAM is a leading French-language university in Montreal, and one of its most notable graduates is director Denis Villeneuve. The emphasis on practical learning is a distinguishing aspect of UQAM. This means that the majority of the learning takes place away from the desk. Students will learn all aspects of film and documentary production giving them an in-depth understanding of how to produce films. In the second year of the program, students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of three paths: director, director of photography, or sound post-production, giving them a deeper understanding of their chosen area.
The Baccalauréat en communication (création médias - cinéma) is a comprehensive 3-year program that offers students a well-rounded education in the field of cinema. The program starts with a focus on scriptwriting, filming, and theoretical aspects of cinema. As students progress through the program, they will have the opportunity to specialize in their chosen area and produce larger, more impactful projects. These projects will become their body of work, which they can showcase with pride when they graduate.
Dawson College
Dawson College is one of the longest-standing English public schools in the heart of Montreal They offer all sorts of programs in media production including cinema, animations, graphic design, and photography. Students will gain the foundations of video production by learning about cinematography, writing scripts, producing videos, and thinking creatively.
The Cinema | Communications program is a 2-year pre-university offering that provides students with a solid foundation for a range of potential careers in media production, such as filmmaker, journalist, video editor, and producer.
Conclusion
In summary, Concordia specializes in film production, Trebas Institute covers both film, TV, and commercial video production, UQAM focuses on film production in French, and Dawson College is a pre-university program for all aspects of video production.