What a Film & Animation Degree at CapU Actually Looks Like
Get hands-on experience in this dynamic industry with a diploma or degree from Capilano University.
If you've ever dreamed of becoming an animator or filmmaker, Capilano University (CapU) provides the direct path to joining the next generation of creative industry talent.
At CapU, you won't just study film and animation—you'll work in fully equipped, industry-grade spaces with professional cameras, sound stages, editing suites, and software. Combined with mentorship from active industry professionals, you'll graduate with the technical skill, confidence, and portfolio needed to launch your career.
In CapU's four-year Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts Degree, you'll build a versatile technical toolkit inside an 8,000 sq. ft. sound stage, 3D camera rigs, and specialized editing labs.
"Having access to this gear and these facilities… it means everything to me. Without it, my film wouldn't look as cool, honestly."
— Spencer Fleming, 4th-Year Film Student
Hands-on experience meets industry mentorship
You'll collaborate with peers across multiple roles—writing, editing, directing, and post-production. Aspiring producers can also declare a Film Producing Concentration, opening doors to specialized internships in production and business management.
Along the way, connected faculty guide you every step of the way:
"There are so many professors willing to help you out one-on-one. They make it an open, safe space where you can bring any sort of idea, and they will be there to guide you."
— Emma Lawless, Film Alumna
The art of cinematic storytelling
Mastering the equipment is only half the journey. The program balances hands-on technical training with film theory and history, helping you craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
As Michael Thoma, Chair of the School of Motion Picture Arts, puts it:
"Students have to learn the language of filmmaking... to tell stories cinematically, which is a technical skill, but also a creative skill."
By your final year, the program rounds out your professional preparation. "We're really focusing on how to make better filmmakers," Fleming shares. "Learning about ethics, how to talk to actors, how to be on top of your stuff, mature, and organized."
That holistic approach pays off quickly: after graduating, Lawless stepped straight into a full-time post-production role at a production company, working on reality and documentary projects. "It makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger," she says.
Bring characters & worlds to life: Animation diplomas
Looking to break into the booming animation and gaming sectors? CapU offers two specialized, two-year diploma programs designed to get you industry-ready fast.
Combine classic and digital techniques to master design principles, character creation, form, and timing.
For student Elizabeth Scott, watching the final animation play is pure magic:
"While you're animating, you can get really caught up in drawing frame by frame: 'Does this frame look good?' But when you play it all together, it's just amazing to watch it come to life."
The studio-style classroom environment reflects real workplace dynamics. Alumnus Dante Mercer notes how working in collaborative group clusters prepared him for the field: "If I need help, I can go right to a designer, and I know what they're talking about."
Build a comprehensive foundation in animation, 3D modelling, rigging, visual effects, and compositing before specializing in your chosen field during your final year.
For student Elizabeth Filardi, the program opened up endless creative possibilities:
"It just opened the door for me when you can create your own world from scratch—creating your own characters and imagining how they think, walk, and act."
Built for career success
Whether you study film or animation, you'll graduate with a professional demo reel or portfolio ready to show employers.
CapU graduates are making waves globally. Patty Chomseng, a 3D Animation alum who now works as a Lead Lighter and Compositor at Icon Creative Studio, credits her success to faculty who were "very supportive and passionate about what they wanted to teach us."
Program founder and instructor Craig Simmons notes that CapU alumni now work at top studios worldwide—contributing to projects nominated for Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.
With streaming giants constantly seeking fresh talent, the opportunities are expanding rapidly. As Mercer highlights: "There are so many jobs available because there are so many shows popping up—Netflix wants one, Amazon wants one."
Ready to take your first step?
Explore Capilano University's film and animation programs today to see how you can turn your creative passion into an exciting global career.
Explore motion picture arts at CapU