Last week, Matt and I got the opportunity to be Guest Lecturers for SAIT’s Film & Video Production program’s 1st year students. It turned into a 2-hour Q&A, and we were surprised to find it didn’t stray far from “how to get started in Calgary’s film industry” (specifically what to do after graduation).
Luckily for SAIT students, they have a bit of direction ahead of them. However we know many people in Calgary are interested in making movies, but have no idea where to start — this industry can seem extremely inaccessible. The good news is, while it will take some work, it’s actually not that hard to get started!
Here are four routes that Matt and I have taken on our paths from High School to where we are now. Of course there are many more options and these routes aren’t mutually exclusive — your path can (and should) involve a blend of many.
Route 1 – Just Make Something!
This is good advice for anybody starting out. In an industry of big talkers, all it takes to call yourself a director (or screenwriter, or producer) is a business card or a keyboard…or just a beret. Actually having a finished project under your belt will instantly set you apart from the not-so-serious.
The best part about this route is how accessible it is these days — you can make a movie on your smartphone! Don’t know where to start? Google “How to (insert role) a movie”. Write a script, ask your friends to act for a few hours, shoot it, edit it, post it on YouTube. There, you’re a filmmaker! Naysayers will call me a liar, “it’s not that easy!”. Yes it is.
If you want to focus on something specific, like screenwriting, then write a script! You’d be shocked at how many screenwriters haven’t written screenplays. Don’t know how? Let me Google that for you.
Some great resources for route 1 are the CSIF (Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers), Quickdraw Animation Society and EMMEDIA. These folks have mandates to help independent and new artists (you!), so give them a call and find out how you can get involved.
Route 2 – Go to Film School
The University of Calgary offers a Film Studies program, but we highly recommend SAIT Polytechnic’s Film & Video Production program. SAIT and its instructors are largely responsible for a majority of Calgary’s industry professionals working today. The hands-on, small-classroom format is focused less on film theory and more on the practical craft of filmmaking —far more helpful when looking for a job out of school.
SAIT’s FVP program isn’t easy to get into (they accept 30 students from about 400+ applicants), so it’s probably best to get an edge by starting with Route 1. You can also take advantage of the “2+2 Program” and apply your 2-year SAIT diploma towards a degree in Communications at the UofC.
Regardless of which institution you choose, you’ll get several things out of going to film school (Spoiler alert: the formal education isn’t at the top of the list):
- In the film industry, as in most, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. After film school, you’ll graduate with a group of great friends and contacts who will progress in the industry with you. Suddenly you’ve got 30+ contacts to tap into right as you’re getting started. That’s a powerful advantage, and a great reason to make friends at school.
- At SAIT, you’ll also have access to the program’s equipment, removing a huge barrier for new filmmakers.
- You’ll have an (invaluable) opportunity to experiment and make mistakes that could be disastrous in a professional context. It’s a chance to play and learn without the pressures of a “real” production environment.
Route 3 – Get on a Film Set
Some will argue this should be at the top of the list. The best way to get started in the industry? Get started in the industry!
You don’t need to have a formal education to contact a production in town and apply for a job. But you do need a few certificates.
Set Etiquette and Protocol
Mount Royal offers this one-day course for $100. The next one is March 15, 2014. You’ll learn the basics of what happens on a film set, how you should behave, and the major do’s and don’ts that must be followed. This certificate is mandatory with pretty much every production, and even if it wasn’t, the course is a great place to start.
Film Production Assistant
Once you have your Set Etiquette and Protocol certificate, take the Film Production Assistant (PA) workshop, another one-day course from MRU. Chances are you’ll start out as a PA, either in the Locations department on set (setting up tents, directing traffic, garbage collection) or in the Production Office (answering phones, making copies, getting coffee).
Flag Trained
If you’re looking to get on set as a Locations PA, you’ll also need to be Flag Trained certified so you can safely direct traffic as required. You can get this certificate through the Alberta Construction Safety Association.
Ok, I’ve got my certificates, now what?
If you want to work on the big TV Shows and Movies, chances are you’ll need to go through the unions. The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) lists all major union productions happening in Alberta, as does IATSE (the craft/technical union). Give the unions a call and ask them about signing up as a Permittee (DGC) (IATSE).
If you want to start smaller, check with the local organizations (CSIF, Quickdraw or EMMEDIA) to pick their brains, or try Calgary filmmaking message boards, craigslist, kijiji etc. Chances are you’ll find a small production looking for help.
A majority of non-union creative shoots will be unpaid or low-paid productions. These can be great if you’re just starting and have the flexibility to volunteer your time for some working knowledge and making new friends.
Note that you might not get paid for your work on a low-budget shoot. Filmmakers and Money are usually at odds, and sometimes things go over budget or financing doesn’t come through or the producer maxes his credit card and simply can’t afford to pay every expense. These scenarios aren’t rampant, but they do happen.
Route 4 – Take a Side Path
While some people have laser focus in their climb up the Film Industry ladder, I can’t argue passionately enough for getting exposure to other industries in your career.
Consider exploring and developing skills that would serve you well in your film career. Take some time to break down the key skills your dream job requires, and look for ways to hone those skills in other industries. Want to be a Director? Try managing a team in a different creative industry. Producer? Try an Account Management role where you’re responsible for budgets and schedules. Screenwriter? Look for online, print or technical writing positions.
When you make your return (or initial entry) into the film industry, you’ll be far more well-rounded, with a complementary skillset that could give you unique insights on set and an edge in getting/producing work in the industry.
If you’re not fresh out of High School, chances are you’ve already taken this route. Consider your career to date and the skills you’ve acquired. Are any of them translatable to a set environment? If so, promote those skills on your resume.
We hope this provides a basic road map for those interested in the Calgary film industry. Matt and I are both dedicated to helping grow this community, so we invite you — nay, implore you! — to explore these routes and join us!
Did you take a different route and want to share? Please do so in the comments.
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JAN
About the Author:
Scott Westby is a Writer, Director and Producer in Calgary's film industry. He's a 2008 graduate of SAIT's Film & VIdeo Production Program, and has years of experience in strategic marketing and content creation for traditional and new media. A Taco/Slurpee enthusiast and a hater of mushrooms.