M’CHIGEENG—The excitement was palpable in the Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) offices with the announcement that WFI’s production program has been accredited through a partnership with Brock University.
Beginning September 6, the courses will be offered at WFI’s facility located in M’Chigeeng. “This means students will receive a Brock certificate in Film Production, as well as five university credits (a full year’s worth) to apply to a degree program, should they wish to do so,” said WFI Manager Nano Debassige. “This is really a great opportunity for students to transition into post-secondary education,” he noted, adding “there are limited spots available, so please contact us today if you’re interested.”
Scott Henderson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication, Pop Culture and Film at Brock University, noted that the program mirrors that of Brock’s program.
“It’s the same program as Lab 1,” he said. “We’ve identified five credits so that students coming in will now have an accredited degree program. It opens up all sorts of doors.”
The Certificate in Film Studies will be awarded upon completion to students who complete the following courses with a minimum of 60 percent overall average: Lab 1: Certificate in Film Production; FLIC 2F00, Screenwriting: Writing for Movies where students will be turning a story idea into a short film screen play, moving from outline, through treatment, onto their first and final draft; FLIC 2F01, Directing/Cinematography: Shaping the Vision, which is an introduction to the different roles of directors and the methods that transform script to performance. Including familiarization with camera and lighting equipment, as well as technical, aesthetic and logistical considerations for scene shooting in both documentary and dramatic films; FLIC 2F02, Editing and Soundtrack (Composing): Post-Production, which includes the development of skills for giving structure, form, rhythm and pace to a film to tell a compelling story. This course explores the relationship between sound and music. Sound’s power to convey information and mood as part of storytelling; FLIC 3F00, Pre-Production and Production: Making a Motion Picture. This course will include a step-by-step understanding of the film-making process, including an understanding the various roles involved in film production through the completion of a short film. This course has a restriction, however, as it is open to Film Production students and with the permission of the department; FLIC 3F01, Producing and Marketing: The Business of Film
Preparation of budgets. This course will explore marketing and distribution plans and other facets of film promotion, with consideration of varied media markets and venues, contract negotiation, talent booking and financing.
The partnership with WFI is a first for Canada, noted Mr. Henderson. “The students will be registered as Brock students taking the material at Weengushk.”
“This is unique, and unique in Canada.”
WFI’s vision has always been to open film opportunities to Northern and aboriginal students, noted Mr. Debassige, and the partnership with WFI offers an opportunity to expand the credentials of their students.
“This is a chance for students to enter into the university system,” agreed Professor Henderson. “I see this as a bridge. It’s a chance to start getting those academic courses and credits and looking towards coming here. It creates a nice transition.”
