Top Film Schools in Canada Part 1: Ryerson Universities School of Image Arts – Film Studies Option
Lights, Camera, Action! These three words are uttered every time film is made, but to some they just indicate when film is starting to roll. However, those interested in filmmaking know that these words are a prelude to making magic. Whether you are fascinated by film production, film theory, screen writing, digital media production or the
technical aspects of film making – a comprehensive film school education is the key to success. For the film school prospect there are wide range of film schools in Canada, some are really good and some are just mediocre. It is important that you pick the school that will provide you with the best film education and exciting career prospects.
In this article MyCanadianUniversity.com will provide you with a detailed overview of the top films schools in Canada. These are in no particular order therefore; if they are on this list you can assume that they are doing something right:
The following is a firsthand experience from Ryerson Film School alumni who shares her experience in going through one of the Top Film Schools in Canada. If you any questions, comments or just want to thank the author for their input simply fill out the comments section below.
Ryerson Universities Film Program is considered one of the finest in Canada, it is located in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core. A key advantage for those who want to be close to movie sets, photography geniuses, and advertising power houses. Moreover, in a city as exciting and vibrant like Toronto you will always have something to film.
In this program you will make short films, videos and learn about directing, cinematography, editing, and production
design. For the film school junkie, Ryerson’s Top Film School provides you the tools to explore your creativity. For me, I learned very quickly that being creative is cool but the most important aspect of film making is the message. When you are constantly around other creative individuals you realize that packing all the creativity in a clear, concise and meaningful message is what makes a good filmmaker, a great filmmaker.
In your first year, you will be exposed to Classic film theory and pertinent vocabulary necessary to communicate for film analysis. You will also dabble in the history of film making with MPF 327 Film History and Criticism to 1945 where you will learn about the criticisms of cinema during WW2. I know what you are probably thinking; I don’t want to go to film school to learn about what people thought about film during WW2! I can understand your pain; however these are some of the courses you will have to power through to get to the good stuff.
For example, the Film production courses are a lot of fun – you will learn about production techniques and roles of each crew member. You will also get to produce your own short films which will be critiqued by the rest of the class. I really enjoyed the Film Tools and Applications course because I have always been interested in sound recording and I thought I was pretty good. However, through this course I learned about the foundations of sound recording, editing, and also the tools that are necessary to produce excellent sound for different types of film. As film students we often overlook the sound because we are so focused on making magic on screen, but I learned throughout my film studies program why sounds is so much more important.
Writing for film or MPF 424 is another course that you will take during your time at Ryerson’s Film School. This is a higher level course that develops your writing and research skills for the screen. You will primarily focus on writing exercise for narrative films.
Moving along, Ryerson’s Film school is best known for its focus in three kinds of films: independent, experimental and commercial film making. However, there is a focus on documentary and fiction production as well. Through this program you can become an art director, screenwriter, sound design/recordist, or a cinematographer. Many alumni of this program will tell you that there is a fine balance between the theoretical and practical, some like it and some don’t. For me, I understood that Ryerson is a University and therefore there will be a focus on the theoretical aspect of film. I personally did not mind it as it added to my knowledge base of something I am really passionate about – Film.
I know some students who dropped out because they just wanted to get their hands on film making equipment and start filming. There are college programs if that’s what you want to do, but based on my experience Ryerson’s film program offers a really nice balance.
Ryerson’s Film Program boasts some powerful alumni and I am not sure other schools can say the same. For example: Bruce MacDonald, Trigger Pontypool (Degrassi), and Jeremy Podesway (The Tudors) are just a few.
Overall, Ryerson’s Film School offers a complete film education. With its strategic location, exciting courses, and powerful alumni Ryerson’s Film School ranks as one of the best Universities for film in Canada.
Relevant Links:
