Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.
SART 1010 - Pre-Production
This course introduces students to the roles and structure of a film production unit. Students will develop schedules, identify resources, complete paperwork and apply the principles of set etiquette and protocol throughout the production process.
SART 1011 - Introduction to Computer Applications
In this course students learn the fundamental operational processes of an Apple Mac computer and associated hardware as used in the film industry.
SART 1012 - Introduction to Film Technology
In this course students are introduced to technologies associated with professional workflows and the fundamentals of camera and sound technologies associated with the film production process.
SART 1013 - Film Analysis I: Documentary
In this course students review and analyze film genres to inform personal practice and craft development. Diversity and inclusion in the film industry is also addressed.
SART 1014 - Introduction to the Art Department
In this course students are introduced to the tools and processes used by the Art department for film productions. Basic drawing skills for creating storyboards, and basic drafting skills for designing floor plans are covered.
SART 1015 - Professional Communications for Screen Arts
This course provides students with the fundamental communication skills and strategies required to convey written and verbal messages in the film industry.
SART 1016 - Introduction to Set Construction and Design
With an emphasis on the safety concerns involved, students take a hands-on approach to such things as electrical theory and practice, hand tools, power tools and woodworking shop procedures required to build sets for film productions.
SART 1017 - Scriptwriting I
This course introduces students to the process of writing, revising and formatting screenplays using industry standard software. Students will also develop skills related to pitching ideas and concepts for short films.
SART 1020 - Production I
This course covers the roles and responsibilities of key on-set crew members. Students will learn how to manage the creative and business aspects of short film productions using industry standard paperwork and procedures.
SART 1030 - Post-Production I
This course covers the roles of the editor and post-production team. Students edit video using industry standard software and manage the media assets related to film projects.
SART 1112 - Film Technology I
This course covers the fundamentals of camera and sound technologies and the associated workflows used by the film industry.
SART 1113 - Film Analysis II: National Cinema
In this course students participate in discussions about the local film community with guest speakers and peers. Diversity in the context of the local film industry is also addressed.
SART 1116 - Art Department I
In this course students plan and construct film sets, paint and dress scenes and design hair, make-up and wardrobe for film productions.
SART 1230 - Industry Workshop I
This course focuses on health and safety processes and procedures and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive working environment in the film industry.
SART 1240 - Industry Workshop II
This course focuses on related skills and knowledges required to be successful in the film industry. Topics such as first aid, sustainability, and the role of unions and guilds will be covered.
SART 1250 - Industry Workshop III
This course covers the role and duties of the 1st Assistant Camera and the part an intimacy coordinator plays on film sets. It also covers advanced lighting and camera techniques and associated new technologies.
SART 2013 - Film Analysis III: Genre
In this course students review and analyze documentary films to inform personal practice and craft development. Diversity in documentary films is also addressed.
SART 2016 - Art Department II
This course focuses on design and continuity for film. Students design and construct film sets, and apply creative techniques and effects to create and maintain the intended aesthetic.
SART 2017 - Scriptwriting II
In this course students develop narrative screenplays for short films, documentary films and music videos.
SART 2020 - Industry Project for Screen Arts
This course is an intensive hands-on production experience. It provides an opportunity for students to work together in a production environment to produce short narrative films. Production, collaborative and management skills developed over the previous terms are applied in a series of productions that are completed within limited time constraints.
SART 2026 - Art Department III
In this course students integrate core visual components of production design to enhance storytelling. Students apply art department process and techniques to props and scenes to meet the aesthetic vision of a film production.
SART 2112 - Film Technology II
In this course students integrate camera and sound recording techniques to produce short films and design lighting plans, camera packages and sound kits. Students also develop workflows that integrate sustainability best practices.
SART 2113 - Film Analysis IV: Community
In this course students analyze and discuss the specific production processes and history related to regional film making. They also discuss how diversity is represented in films from regions of the world outside Canada.
SART 2120 - Production II
In this course students work collaboratively to determine the scope and manage the crews and resources of a film production. Students also complete paperwork associated with legal contracts and deal memos.
SART 2130 - Post-Production II
In this course students work collaboratively to manage all stages of post-production for short films, including managing all media assets and using online editing suites.
SART 2220 - Production III
In this course students work collaboratively as part of a film crew to produce music videos and short documentary films. Students complete all associated industry standard paperwork and address all legal requirements.
SART 2230 - Post-Production III
In this course students apply post-production processes to music videos and documentary films. In addition, they manage the assets and media files related to the production.
SART 3000 - Sound and Picture I
This course is designed to provide learners with an opportunity to incorporate the technical, artistic and planning skills acquired from all courses in the Screen Arts Program.
Learners will advance their scriptwriting and story editing skills by developing scripts for two short narrative films. Learners will be given the opportunity to learn specialized skills in the area of directing and casting actors and 16mm production. Learners will be required to make extensive use of the equipment, studio and editing facilities to complete assignments.
SART 3001 - Production Design I
The theory and practical aspects of this course explores the process of the Art Department and the affect the Designer and his/her team has on the look of a film. Responsibilities including budgeting, set designing, model making, construction supervising, buying/renting, scenic painting, set dressing will be reviewed by example. Supplementary readings, screenings, discussions with guest speakers and field trips will accompany projects.
SART 3002 - Media Workshop III
This is a collaborative course and part of a suite of four. First and second years work as mentors and mentees in a discussion forum. These courses also include guest lecturers and film presentations, participation in the Atlantic film festival, events and workshops.
The content is dynamic and requires active engagement in all four courses. In order to successfully graduate for the Screen Arts program you must participate and contribute to all four courses over the duration of the program.
This is essentially a problem-solving course and although the outcomes are the same for all courses the content will be different. It’s mandatory to attend all four courses.
SART 3003 - Post-Production I
This course is designed to introduce the post production management and editing aspects of film and video. Learners will use and understand the techniques of editing picture and sound tracks along with layering tracks into a complete work. Motion picture film, videotape and digital media are employed. Industry-standard software and hardware will be used to complete assignments. The post production process will be broken down from logging footage, to media management to delivery of the finished product and will concentrate on aspects of the editor and post production supervisor roles.
SART 3004 - Computer Applications III
This course focuses on developing motion graphics skills and applying them to projects associated with the Screen arts industry such as film credits and titles. Learners are also exposed to the tools used to create effects.
SART 3005 - Producing I
This course is designed to allow learners to develop their producing and production management skills in the completion of short projects. Managing, scheduling, planning, budgeting, developing and promoting projects will for the core of the course. The role of the producer will be explored from developing the idea to funding and completion of the project.
SART 3030 - Personal Project
Students develop and follow a plan to complete a personal film project. Students will incorporate feedback from peers to improve the production and present the finished film.
SART 3035 - Career Development for the Film Industry
In this course students investigate career opportunities. Students also develop promotional materials, build a portfolio website and identify available funding sources for film and television production.
SART 4001 - Post-Production II
Learners will build on the techniques learned in Post-Production I to further develop their skills in cutting picture and sound tracks into a complete work. Videotape and digital media are employed. Industry-standard software and hardware will be used to complete assignments. The course also covers sound editing, sound design, sound mixing, colour-correction, and DVD production techniques as well as the distribution of video and audio via the world wide web.
SART 4002 - Media Workshop IV
This is a collaborative course and part of a suite of four. First and second years' work as mentors and mentees in a discussion forum. These courses also include guest lecturers and film presentations, participation in the Atlantic film festival, events and workshops.
The content is dynamic and requires active engagement in all four courses. In order to successfully graduate for the Screen Arts program you must participate and contribute to all four courses over the duration of the program.
This is essentially a problem-solving course and although the outcomes are the same for all courses the content will be different. It’s mandatory to attend all four courses.
SART 4003 - Production Design II
This will be a creative course. Learners will have the chance to both analysis and create work. Music video production will be discussed at length from the perspective of a Production Designer, to help learners with their own music video production projects.
There will be a number of hands-on projects, including the creation of a large maquette and a photo-manipulation project. All learners will also be involved in a special interest project of their choosing."
SART 4004 - Computer Applications IV
This course covers the skills needed to create a portfolio website and the related knowledge and processes such as formats and platforms required to successfully manage and maintain a professional, self-promotional website.
SART 4005 - Producing II
This course is designed to allow learners to build upon their producing and production management skills from Producing I in the development, management and completion of short projects. Managing, budgeting, developing and promoting projects will form the core of the course. The role of the producer will be explored from developing the idea to funding and completion of the project as well as producing business plans for independent productions.
SART 4006 - Sound and Picture II
This course is designed to provide learners with an opportunity to incorporate the technical, artistic and planning skills acquired in the other courses. Learners will examine, develop and produce a variety of production genres including documentary and music videos. Through lecture and hands-on exercises, learners will learn the technical and theoretical skills required to professionally execute their productions. Learners will also be introduced to the theory and processes involved in the role of camera assistant.
SART 4500 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep an electronic journal. This is a course of 175 hours spread over five weeks.
