Why would I enroll in this program?
The Certificate in Collaborative Filmmaking program provides students with the opportunity to combine theoretical learning in storytelling and direction while completing hands on training to develop marketable skills in a variety of capacities in the film and television production landscape. Instruction is provided by active professionals ensuring that industry standards and expectations are passed on to this next generation of filmmakers. Coupled with generous sponsorship from the industry’s leading cinema equipment manufacturers, students learn the relevant skills with the appropriate resources. With the support and guidance of a dedicated mentor, students hone their craft through the development and completion of a short piece – be it narrative film, episodic, documentary, or web based.
I am just out of high school, thinking about taking a gap year, should I consider this program?
This program serves as an alternative entry route into the film and television industry. Unlike the traditional four-year university programs that are largely theory based, students acquire real world skills, develop a network of working professionals and leave with a body of work as evidence of their abilities. The CCF program costs less than a year of most university programs and is completed over a 30-week period. Upon completion, students are prepared to enter the workforce as skilled practitioners.
I just finished college with a degree in film, would this program help me towards finding a job?
The CCF program seeks to serve students in the areas where traditional four-year university programs cannot – by developing real world skills with the support of an active industry professional. Students are able to put their theoretical knowledge to practice in hands on production environments using industry standard equipment that rivals any studio or network set. By collaborating closely with a diverse group of instructors and peers, students also develop an extensive network – an imperative resource in finding jobs within the industry.
I am thinking about changing my life and my career, would this be the right path to a career change?
The CCF program offers intensive training for career-changers. Students are able to access industry professionals instructing on their expertise on a variety of platforms, industry standard equipment, a diverse network of peers, and the support of a mentor in achieving their goals. Hands on learning with a diverse student population allows for shared experiences that simultaneously advances your standing as a member of the filmmaking community.
What kind of jobs would I be qualified for after completion?
Filmmaking is largely entrepreneurial and your training with Maine Media Workshops + College would prepare you for a variety of positions. You might begin your own production company, freelance your talents in script development, lighting, grip, sound, camera or post, join a production company with a third party, or seek work within an organization to provide their media content. Our graduates use their skills in a variety of capacities from traditional unionized studio and network settings, to freelance gigs in film, video and television, to in-house media departments with government, marketing and nonprofit organizations.
I’ve studied film previously, am I able to use that experience towards credit for the CCF program?
Film workshops that you have completed with Maine Media Workshops + College within the past year may be used as credit towards the second term of the CCF program. Due to rapid developments in technology and the nature of the industry, workshop credits older than one year will not be counted. View Maine Media Colleges transfer credit policy here.
What are the Admissions requirements for joining the CCF program?
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age with a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent from your country of origin. A completed registration form, submission of your resume or CV, examples of your previous work such as a reel or full projects you’ve completed, and a brief expression of interest – outlining your experience, long-term goals, and what you hope to achieve through completion of the CCF program – will be used to consider your application for acceptance to the program. View CCF admissions requirements here.
What is the total cost for the entire 30-week program?
Tuition for the CCF program is split between the three terms; tuition for varies for each term. You can find all tuition information on our Tuition and Fees page. Up to $3,000 in merit and need-based scholarship funding is available per term. There is a one-time application fee of $75 as well as a $150 per term Student Activity fee. Lodging and meals pricing information may also be found at that link.
Who will my mentors be?
Students will work with screenwriter Wayne Beach who will serve as the mentor for CCF students. Mentorship will include a minimum of four weeklong workshops alongside Wayne as well as a weekend retreat with plenty of one-on-one time, and electronic communication throughout the process to share revisions and receive feedback.
In addition, mentorship is a large component of all workshops during which instructors ensure there is ample one-on-one time, plenty of opportunities to ask questions, sharing of work, and critique. Instructors also share their contact information after each workshop so that students may remain in contact for years to come. Many relationships, jobs and other opportunities have been founded on the Maine Media Workshops + College campus!
Must I attend all three trimesters?
Students seeking to earn a Certificate in Collaborative Filmmaking must complete all three terms of the program in entirety. Terms must be taken in sequence, and a student may have up to three years to complete all three terms.
Header Image credit: Christine Moriello, 2016 PCVS graduate