Skills you’ll develop
While studying Film Production, you’ll learn the theory and techniques of motion picture production. You’ll develop important skills through class lectures, technical seminars, and working on collaborative digital film projects completed to professional standards.
These skills may include:
- Techniques, practices, and theory of 16mm and digital filmmaking, inspiring creative independent films
- Creative and innovative approaches to story-telling through visual media
- Collaborating and working effectively with teammates on projects related to documentary filmmaking, alternative cinema, screenwriting, and producing
- Preproduction, production, and post-production, writing and analyzing screenplays, developing storyboards, creating shot lists, and preparing budgets and schedules
- Shooting, directing, blocking, and lighting scenes, as well as capturing audio
- Assembling, cutting, and manipulating footage
- Effective planning, time management, problem solving, and leadership skills applied to digital film projects
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including filmmaking, curating, policymaking, programming and distribution, preservation, writing, arts administration, teaching, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Advertising specialist
- Art director
- Audiovisual technician
- Camera operator
- Casting agent
- Cinematographer
- Communications manager
- Copywriter
- Documentary maker
- Editor
- Event planner
- Extra wrangler
- Festival organizer
- Film critic
- Film director
- Film editor
- Film location manager
- Film producer
- Filmmaker
- Fundraiser
- Journalist
- Lighting designer
- Make-up/costume supervisor
- Market research analyst
- Marketing coordinator
- Media relations manager
- Motion picture musical director
- News analyst
- Production assistant
- Production coordinator
- Project manager
- Public opinion interviewer
- Public relations specialist
- Publicist
- Screenwriter
- Sound designer
- Sound editor
- Storyboard artist
- Talent agent
- Teacher/Professor
- Trade show organizer
- Video archivist
- Video game producer
- Videographer
- Visual effects producer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- UBC Film Society
Meet other UBC students through events and programs. - Departmental events
Network with Film Production students and faculty members at a variety of events. - Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Submit research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage and debate issues within film, media, and cultural studies. - Theatre and Film alumni
Reach out to UBC graduates for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and seek out advice. - National mentorship program
Find mentorship programs for aspiring media producers with the Canadian Media Producers Association. - Film festivals
Check out volunteer and submission opportunities at film festivals across Canada. - Vancouver International Film Festival
Join other cinema enthusiasts by volunteering at the main festival or for various year-round events. - Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Volunteer to support marketing, fundraising, event services, or other opportunities. - Arts funding opportunities
Apply for grants from professional associations, corporations, non-profits, and government organizations. - Resources and funding
Learn about different film industry organizations and opportunities to apply for funding. - BC Alliance for Arts and Culture job board
Search for job opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts. - National Film Board of Canada
Browse opportunities to direct or co-produce a documentary, animation, or interactive project. - Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
- Actsafe Safety Association
- Arts BC
- Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople, Local 2020
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- British Columbia Arts Council
- Broadcast Film Critics Association
- Business/Arts
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canada Media Fund
- Canadian Film Centre
- Canadian Film Institute
- Canadian Heritage Information Network
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Cineworks
- Community Arts Council of Vancouver
- Creative BC
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Digi BC
- Directors Guild of Canada
- Film Studies Association of Canada
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- Institute of Canadian Agencies
- International Association of Women in Radio and Television
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 891
- International Cinematographers Guild, Local 669
- International Film Music Critics Association
- Motion Picture Association, Canada
- Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC
- National Film Board of Canada
- National Screen Institute
- Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
- REEL Canada
- Telefilm Canada
- Women in Film and Television Vancouver
- WorkInCulture
- Writers Guild of Canada
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Film Production graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.