Video Production Diploma Program

ProgramProgram

Master the skills to plan, shoot, direct, edit and market your own content.  

New Term Starts Soon, Online

Train from anywhere, at any time, with four intakes a year.
Next Start Date:
April, 2024
Duration:
24 months
 

Video Production Program Description

Gain Practical Production Experience, Fast

Develop the creative, technical, and business skills needed to oversee your own video productions, from concept through to final edit. Perfect your demo reel under the guidance of professional content creators. And graduate ready to produce and direct your own films, series, documentaries, music videos, and more.

Career Outcomes for Video Production Online Graduates

Producer

Filmmaker

Director

Sound Editor

Video Editor

Production Coordinator

Post-Production Supervisor

Videographer

 

Faculty

Student Success

 

Video Production Courses

Term 1

INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

VPOL100

Welcome to the world of video production. Familiarize yourself with the terminology, roles, camera equipment, lighting, and shooting techniques of video production, along with directing techniques for scripted and unscripted work. You will also be introduced to the principles of lensing, lighting techniques, audio basics and tips on how to get started in the industry.

STORY FUNDAMENTALS

VPOL101

Craft captivating stories for today’s predominant forms of storytelling – film, television and digital media. Learn the fundamental principles of story and discover the nuance of capturing true experiences of live events, direct fictional narratives, and even influencer content for YouTube and Instagram.

Term 2

EDITING 1

VPOL200

Editing is your key to becoming a master storyteller. Equip yourself with the basic concepts of editing through visual storytelling, technical skills and artistry. Explore theoretical concepts and become familiar with professional workflows using Adobe Premiere Pro software and its various tools. You will produce and shoot two films, one of them being a “Meaningful Things” project, as well as work with supplied footage to create a story from a pre-shot film.

GENRE WRITING FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION

VPOL201

Dive deeper into the screenwriting genre as you explore genres relevant to digital and second screen entertainment. From viewing, reading, and writing, you will learn to create genre films, viral content, television, and webisodes. Classify, analyze and identify genre conventions, and then apply these skills through scene writing exercises. You will also be tasked with creating a beat sheet for a short film, webisode, or piece of viral content in your favourite genre. You will be guided through the process of writing first drafts, as well as how to give and receive notes. The final assignment: write a script that focuses on the techniques unique to your genre of choice.

Term 3

VPOL300

EDITING 2

Take the next step to becoming the ultimate storyteller. Advance your  editing techniques with a focus on storytelling, style, gloss and presentation. Uncover the interplay between music and image while learning to produce the desired pacing and rhythm to marry the two disciplines. This course will have you edit scripted scenes, a film trailer, and a music video.

AUDIO PRODUCTION AND PRINCIPLES

VPOL301

Get into the technical and creative aspects of audio recording, editing and mixing sound in cinema, video, and other multimedia production using Pro Tools. Topics include psychoacoustics, basic techniques of sound-recording, and artistic applications of sound design in film.  You will learn about specific narrative demands and structure, and sound mix techniques.

Term 4

PRODUCING FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION

VPOL400

This is your introduction to producing and production management. Learn how to take a written script and translate it for the screen by understanding the fundamentals of copyright clearances, script breakdowns, budgeting, scheduling, casting and hiring crew. You will practice using the scriptwriting software Celtx and ultimately gain the confidence to produce and distribute an independent film.

ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

VPOL401

Auteurs like David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, and Spike Lee each have their own style. Study these masters and others, then apply their methods to your own assignments. You will also practice camera movement, lensing, lighting, sound design, and directing as you learn the advanced principles of scripted production with a focus on directing and cinematography.

Term 5

DIGITAL SERIES PRODUCTION

VPOL500

Create a short-form digital series from conception to release. Learn to develop high-impact stories and compelling characters, create a series treatment/bible document, craft a verbal pitch, and examine the application process for public funding. Using practical case studies from short-form series, you will come away equipped with the tools necessary to experience low-budget production success.

MOTION GRAPHICS AND VISUAL FX

VPOL501

Enter the magical world of Adobe After Effects and discover the concepts and design techniques surrounding motion graphics and visual effects. Topics include: animated graphic design, compositing, title sequences, adding environmental effects (such as snow and lightning) with computer-generated imagery, navigating the Adobe After Effects interface, creating compositions, applying layers, executing masks, green screen applications, colour grading and sound.

Term 6

DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION

VPOL600

An introduction to the art of remote filmmaking and on-location shooting. Study the ins and outs of producing documentaries, as well as pre-production and post-production workflows. Explore the history of the documentary, as well as how to properly establish story and characters. Having grasped the mechanics behind documentary theory, you will learn practical tips on lean filmmaking and remote production. You will also cover post-production workflows, as well as distribution. Finally, you will produce and shoot your own documentary short film.

BUILDING YOUR BRAND

VPOL601

How you market yourself in the industry can be as important as developing your filmmaking skills. Here you will learn to create an effective online presence while building your brand and developing your online “voice”. To promote and demonstrate your video production skills to prospective employers, you will also create social media profiles that can be translated into an effective marketing engine.

Term 7

BRANDED CONTENT PRODUCTION

VPOL701

Tell short stories via commercial brands and learn about the effectiveness of branded content versus traditional advertising. You will develop an understanding of the marketing techniques employed by creative artists using content as a tool, the different genres of branded content, the ins and outs of sharable content and the human psychology behind viral videos. For your final project, you will create your own branded short film.

WRITING YOUR SCREENPLAY

VPOL702

You can’t film until you have your screenplay. So it’s time to create loglines and a beat sheet for your short film. Work out the story behind your story, develop a draft screenplay and a final production-ready draft (which you will use as a shooting script for your final practicum project in Term 8). Lectures and activities will give you the skills needed to design character arcs, themes, structure, dialogue, exposition, and action as you learn how to transform a short film to a feature length concept.

Term 8

CAPSTONE FINAL PROJECT

VPOL802

Your final project: utilizing your cumulative knowledge, you will use the screenplay written in VPOL 702 and produce, shoot, and edit your own short film. You are strongly encouraged to seek out actors and volunteers in advance to aid in your production and, through instructor feedback, the director’s statement, rough cut, and final cut, your film will come to life.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

VPOL801

Take the next steps to becoming a working writer, director or producer. Skills taught include: applying for jobs by shaping a reel and CV, packaging a feature film or TV show, pitching potential projects for various markets, and creating look books and sizzle reels. Learn to work with various film departments to write a synopsis, outline and treatment in industry-approved formats. You will also understand how to leverage film markets and film festivals to jumpstart your career.

 

ADMISSIONS

Our Admissions Process Made Easy

1

Complete Toronto Film School’s online application form.

2

Pay the (non-refundable) application fee of $150.

3

Provide original or notarized translated academic transcripts.

4

Submit a critique (300500 words) on any film, tv show episode or web series.

For a complete break-down of this program’s admission requirements, please visit our admission requirements page. 

 

TUITION

Tuition Fees

Tuition rates are confirmed 3 months prior to the start of each term. For more information, please contact the Bursar’s office at 1.888.886.1882.

The tuition fee and cost breakdown for the Video Production online program are as follows:

Video Production

$15,360*

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Take advantage of payment options that are available to all new Toronto Film School students.

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*Each course in the program is $960. There are 16 courses in total.

Tuition Fees do not include books, expendable supplies, equipment, software, and resources.

Recommended equipment and software

  • DSLR Camera (ranges from $279 – $6,000) or Prosumer documentary camera ($2000 – $10,000). Please note: 4K camera output is optional but highly recommended for future personal use.

  • Lenses (if camera does not have a fixed lens): External primes and/or zoom lenses (ranges from $100-$5000 each) or iPhone X or later model ($1000-$1500)

  • Shotgun on-camera microphone ($99 – $499)

  • 1TB Hard drive (Approx. $100-200)

  • 2 SD Cards, 128GB recommended ($79- $120 each)

  • Tripod with fluid head ($99 – $499)

  • Wireless lav mic ($100-$500)

  • Small LED light ($150-$1000) optional

  • Gimbal stabilizer ($150-$1000) optional (highly recommended for DSLR or smartphone use)

  • Slider ($100-$1000) optional

Windows

  • Intel® 6th Generation or newer, or AMD equivalent processor; 64-bit support required

  • Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10

  • 16 GB of RAM (32 GB recommended)

  • 15 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on removable flash storage devices)

  • Additional disk space required for preview files and other working files (25 GB recommended for Premiere and 50GB for Pro Tools 11)

  • 1280 x 800 display

  • 7200 RPM or faster hard drive (multiple fast disk drives, preferably RAID 0 configured, recommended)

  • Sound card compatible with ASIO protocol or Microsoft Windows Driver Model

  • QuickTime 7.6.6 software required for QuickTime features

Mac OS

  • Intel® 6th Generation or newer processor with 64-bit support

  • Mac OS v 10.13 or later

  • 8 GB of RAM (16-32 GB recommended for Pro Tools)

  • 15 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)

  • Additional disk space required for preview files and other working files (25 GB recommended for Premiere, and 50 GB for Pro Tools)

  • 1280 x 800 display

  • 7200 RPM hard drive (multiple fast disk drives, preferably RAID 0 configured, recommended)

  • QuickTime 7.6.6 software required for QuickTime features

Software Information

  • *Adobe Creative Cloud Student Membership ($19.99 USD per month)

  • *For Editing courses beginning in Term 2

FAQ

How do I contact Toronto Film School?

The most effective way to get in touch with us fast is to fill out a Request for Information Form so a call with an admissions advisor can be arranged. Or, reach out to us at 1.866.467.0661 or message us on Facebook

Why should I choose the video production online program?

This is a comprehensive, hands-on learning program. You will learn the skills needed to plan, shoot, direct, edit and market your own content through a curriculum designed to meet today’s industry expectations. Below are five reasons why you should choose our program. 

 

In just 24 months, you will: 

 

1. Earn a diploma online. 

Through asynchronous learning, you will learn on your schedule how to make your own films, series, documentaries, music videos, and more. 100% online. 

 

2. Learn from working filmmakers and content creators.

Our faculty bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom. Their insider knowledge will thoroughly prepare you for all stages of pre-production, production and post-production. Because of the comprehensive nature of this program, your diploma will open you up to a variety of career outcomes as listed on our Video Production Program page
 

3. Enjoy networking opportunities and make industry connections. 

As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in exclusive networking events, where every term an industry leader sits down with us to share their career journey, insights, strategies and more—including dispensing valuable tips for those aspiring to break in or succeed in the industry today.   

 

Many events are live streamed, so you can participate from home.

 

4. Learn the business.  

We’ll demystify the process by equipping you with a solid understanding of the business side of the industry too. In fact, our students graduate with the skills needed to start their own company   

 

5. Graduate industry ready.

You will graduate confident and ready in just 24 months—with a demo reel of work that showcases your new skills to employers or potential clients.  

 

If you’re ready to start learning the skills needed to produce your own content, get in touch with us now. Soon, you could be embarking on a thrilling 24-month journey. One that could see you become a fully trained industry professional.  

What are video production diploma job prospects and earning potential?

This program will prepare you for a number of exciting career outcomes. Earning potential depends on the position and company being worked for. Typically larger organizations, networks or studios will pay higher salaries and provide more benefits (vacation, health insurance, bonuses, etc.) than smaller companies.  

What's the duration of the online video production program?

24 months. Students undertake the program remotely through asynchronous learning. Asynchronous learning means that as a student, you can access course contentsuch as lectures, videos, instructions or assignmentsat any time, from anywhere. 

What kind of support will I receive during the online video production program?

You will find our faculty approachable and accessible, available via email and with regularly scheduled video chats to go over your projects and answer your questions. You can also request a call with any of your teachers through email.  

 

Toronto Film School is home to a Career Services Centre, designed to provide you with personalized help and to teach you the latest tactics and strategies in securing a position in your field of interest. The Career Services Centre is open to all online students    

How much does the video production online program cost?

The tuition cost for our Video Production Diploma Program is $15,360 (as of October 2023). The program consists of 16 courses.  

 

Payment options are available, just reach out to us so we can work something out. Also, we recommend you read our Bursaries and Financial Aid page.  

 

For information regarding all admission requirements, please check out Toronto Film School’s Admission Requirements homepage.  

 

Lastly, the fine print: Tuition fees do not include books, expendable supplies, equipment, software and resources. Tuition and fees are subject to change.  

Is there an on-campus alternative to the video production program?

There is. Although the curriculum, courses and tuition costs differs from the Video Production Diploma Program, we do offer an on-campus Film Production Diploma Program. It is shorter in duration and can be completed in 18 months. Classes are held at our state-of-the-art studio campus in downtown Toronto, at 460 Yonge Street.   

 

The film program offers hybrid learning options, with students having the ability to take some classes on-campus and some online (certain conditions apply).

What kind of assignments can I expect in the online video production course?

The program is 8 terms. During this time, you can expect assignments that will allow you to: 

 

– learn scriptwriting software. 

– craft pitches and write a screenplay. 

– create a series treatment/bible. 

– practice camera movement, lensing, lighting and sound design. 

– learn production workflows and best practices. 

– edit scenes, a film trailer, and a music video. 

– create a short-form digital series (from conception to release). 

– learn how to create motion graphics and visual effects.  

– produce, direct and shoot your own short film. 

– create a sizzle reel. 

– develop an online presence to market yourself and your new skills. 

 

And more. 

Can I take the online Video Production Diploma Program at my own pace?

You can. Where and when you go online to take your classes is up to you. You do, however, have to meet your assignment deadlines as determined by your teachers. Of course, we understand that life happens: should you have a situation which prevents you from delivering a project by the due date, we encourage you to talk to the course’s teacher in advance of the deadline. They can assess the impact of a late assignment and work with you to arrange a new delivery date. 

What are the benefits of becoming a video producer?

It’s an exciting career path. As a trained producer, you will have the knowledge and skills to guide your concepts and scripts to life, and know what to expect of all crew members.  

 

Here’s what some of our graduates have to say about our Video Production Diploma Program: 

 

“Their dedication to students is unmatched, with an education that is authentic to industry expectations.” 

– Shelby Mitchell-Adams, Video Production ’22 

TFS grad celebrates world premiere of her documentary 

 

“TFS taught me the importance of storytelling, sound design, and interview techniques. They also helped me build my skills in Adobe. (Video Production Program Coordinator) Steven Hoffner did a great job at breaking everything down and teaching us how to apply it.” 

– Tyrel Latoski, Video Production ’23 

Video Production student’s documentary reaches 1.8 million views on YouTube 

Will I receive a video production certificate upon completion of the online program?

You will receive a Video Production Diploma, not a certificate.  

What are the criteria for passing your Video Production Diploma Program?

You must complete all courses with a 1.7 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the 4.3 scale or better. Any course with a grade W or F must be retaken in order to graduate.  

Is financial aid available for the Video Production Diploma Program?

There are tuition, bursaries and financial aid programs available for those who qualify. To learn more, visit our financial aid page.  

 

Please note: Toronto Film School online programs are offered through Toronto Film School at Yorkville University, New Brunswick. 

Are you in?

Request a call with one of our admissions advisors if you have any questions about this program or the enrolment process. 

Start your application now to secure your spot.