Aboriginal Digital Filmaking
The Aboriginal Digital Filmmaking (ADF) program allows students to choose either a 21 week citation program or a 42 week certificate designation. The ADF Citation program prepares participants for entry-level employment or for roles in the film and television industry.
The program offers hands-on immersion in filmmaking, using the latest in digital camera and computer editing technology. Practicum training further develops real world skills and professional practice in industry workplaces. Guest speakers who are specialists in their field provide in-depth knowledge of sound, lighting, aesthetics, job skills and several related topics. A screening of individual and group projects is held at the end of the program.
The certificate program offers additional background in film studies and scriptwriting from an Aboriginal perspective. Students have the opportunity to produce their own film project to demonstrate competence in at least three key roles: producer, director, writer, camera operator, director of photography or digital editor. The advanced practicum offers industry mentoring in a pre-production, production or post-production specialty.
ADF Citation
The ADF Citation is awarded upon successful completion of 4 courses (15 credits) from Semester 1 of the ADF Certificate program.
ADF Certificate Program Content
| Semester I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ADF100 | Production Process | 6 |
| ADF110 | Digital Camera Operation | 3 |
| ADF120 | Digital Editing (Final Cut Pro) | 3 |
| ADF130 | ADF Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits = 15 | ||
| Semester II | Credits | |
| ADFT 200 | Aboriginal Film Studies | 3 |
| ADFT 210 | Aboriginal Screenwriting | 3 |
| ADFT 220 | Advanced Film Project | 6 |
| ADFT 230 | ADF Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits = 15 |
Course Descriptions
ADF 100
Production Process
Credits: 6
This course explores the phases of a production through a mixture of workshops, hands-on experience, guest presenters and project activities. The course contains an overview of the development and role of media, particularly television and film, in the promotion of Aboriginal cultures. Students are introduced to the digital media production process through studio visits and with professional industry guest speakers. The class works together to conceive, research, write and produce a short film. Fundamentals of project development, planning, budgeting, pre-production, post-production, marketing, distribution, and legal issues are covered.
ADF 110
Digital Camera Operation
Credits: 3
The course includes an introduction to camera and lighting equipment and technical considerations for shooting a scene for dramatic films and documentaries. Students become proficient in the operation of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment and various film stocks through workshops and location shoots. Team building is stressed as the collaborative nature of filmmaking and, in particular, the work of the director with actors and other creative members of the film unit.
ADF 120
Digital Editing (Final Cut Pro)
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give the student understanding and experience of the formal mechanics of the editing room and artistic strategies in the creative and practical elements of post-production. Through a series of lectures, workshops and hands-on experience, the group video project is created with Final Cut Pro 3.0 in the Mac G4 editing suite. Student productions are finalized as a requirement of this course.
ADF 130
ADF Practicum
Credits: 3
This course offers a general overview of the work experience and the process of creating positive working relationships. Special activities focus on, goal setting, skills analysis, networking, interview techniques and resumé preparation. Students will obtain placement in a production company where they will apply their skills in real working situations. Regular contact with the program coordinator will ensure the students are being mentored and skills are being developed.
ADF 200
Aboriginal Film Studies
Credits: 3
A survey of Aboriginal film and complementary art forms will increase the students’ knowledge of the documentary, short and feature film formats. Students will meet filmmakers and other artists to expand their sense of traditional and contemporary aesthetics in Aboriginal culture.
ADF 210
Aboriginal Screenwriting
Credits: 3
This course offers an emphasis on writing as storytelling and the creative process. Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal creative and non-fiction writing will be surveyed and practiced by the students. Skills in screenwriting software are further developed.
ADF 220
Advanced Film Project
Credits: 6
At the certificate level each student leads an individual 15 minute film project and takes on at least three roles in the production process in one of three areas: producer-director, director of photography or digital editor. The project films will demonstrate additional competence in the filmmaking process. There will be an additional emphasis on the overall aesthetics and impact of the film.
ADF 230
ADF Advanced Practicum
Credits: 3
Students take part in a 4-week practicum placement with a mentor in the film industry. Students focus on pre-production, production or post-production aspects of the industry to gain greater skills in a specialty area. Even students interested in independent filmmaking will benefit from placement with a larger production company.
