What happens after I graduate... ...will I be able to find a job after I graduate?
We designed our programs to develop the skills needed to achieve success in the Media Arts industry. People already working in the field indicate that we’ve done a good job of training the students. A majority of our students have found work within a year after graduation. These grads took the initiative, used some of their contacts and found work. Many of these contacts were developed during their stay and study at PFMA as we have access to quite a large film network. Students have many opportunities to make and develop long-term connections; from guest speakers from across Canada, excursions to local production sites and workshops taught by industry experts from all over BC. These contacts are often the in that is needed to catapult a student into a successful career in the industry. Our Assistant Director also provides resume, cover letter and job searching assistance upon request to all students.
1. How long is the program?
Each program year is typically 36 weeks, 20+ instructional hours per week. Consisting of at least 720 hours per year of instruction time
2. When do the programs start?
Full time programs start in the fall (September), and again in winter (January).
3. How many students are in each class?
Each class has no more than 18 students, this provides for plenty of individual attention.
4. What are the admission requirements?
A completed Application Form.
Non-refundable application fee ($150 – Domestic | $250 –International)
Copy of valid Photo Identification; drivers license, passport
Resume
Official transcripts from the last academic institution you attended.
Letter of personal statement
Students under the age of 19 will require their parent or guardian’s signature
International: proof of English proficiency through a min score of 570 (written) or 233 (computerized) test of esl (toefl).
5. How do I apply?
All applicants are required to fill out an Application form (this can be found on the website or at the school). Each Application form must be accompanied by a letter of intent along with proof of education, a copy of your Birth Certificate or Drivers License, Resume, International: proof of English proficiency through a min score of 570 (written) or 233 (computerized) test of ESL (TOEFL) and a $150 non-refundable registration fee. Click here for Full-time application form
6. What is a Letter of Intent?
This is a letter in which you are to clarify your future goals to ensure the program meets your needs.
7. How do I know if I've been accepted?
All successful applicants will be notified by mail or email shortly after admission has been approved.
8. Is Financial Assistance Available?
Students enrolled in programs at Pacific Film & New Media Academy may be eligible for financial assistance from a number of sources. The Canada Student Loan plan offers assistance for eligible students, and WorkSafe BC (formerly W.C.B.), Social Services and Human Resources Canada offer some sponsorship programs. Contact the school or the agency involved for further information. The Academy offers several tuition payment options to students paying their own tuition fees.
9. As a student at the Pacific Film & New Media Academy, am I eligible for student loans?
Yes, Pacific Film & New Media Academy is both registered and accredited with the Private Career Training Institutions Authority (PCTIA), a branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. www.PCTIA.bc.ca this allows our students to access every funding option available to them.
10. Do you offer Job Placement?
The school itself does not offer job placement. However, we are often contacted by employers seeking entry-level employees. As such, we ask all students to leave us with a contact e-mail so that we can pass these postings along. We also have an in-house Postings Board.
11. What is the city of Victoria like?
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Diverse in geography and culture, Victoria offers one of the most hospitable climates in Canada - being the only place in Canada that grows indigenous pygmy palm trees. As the capital of BC, students enjoy the safe and vibrant community Victoria is known for being. With the sun, ocean, mountains, gardens, heritage buildings, arts, and ecotourism Victoria itself is an inspiration for any student.
12. What is the Island Advantage?
Victoria is very Film Friendly and our students enjoy shooting in one of Canada’s most pristine places. With Victoria’s proximity to the major Media industry markets of Vancouver and Seattle our city is a great jumping off point. Our goal is to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge through hands-on training facilitated by experienced instructors in all areas of study:
13. Are your programs integrated?
On student projects and productions we integrate all of our classes early on, so students benefit from the collaboration of working with the diversity of disciplines, getting “reel world” experience.
14. How does Pacific Film & New Media Academy stay current?
90 % of the Pacific Film & New Media Academy faculty is comprised of working professionals, all experts in their respective fields. PFMA has formed a Program Advisory Board comprised of industry leaders representing the acting, film & television production, and new media sectors. These advisors keep our curriculum progressive as well as serve as potential employers for graduates.
15. What type of equipment will I have access to?
Motion Picture Production students shoot on DV, HDV, Betacam SP and 16mm film; We have a fully-functional sound stage, a green screen, PC and MAC labs, an excellent array of high powered tungsten lights and accessories; Full grip and gaffers kit including; hydraulic crab dolly to name a few….
16. What editing programs do students use?
Students are also trained in Final Cut Pro as well as Adobe Premier. Are you still curious? Contact our office for more information about our studio and facilities.
17. How can I apply?
Applications can be completed online, in person or by mail. For application instructions visit our registration page online. Students are accepted on a space available basis, to ensure your seat students should apply at least two to three months before programs start. For more information regarding our programs and enrolment, contact our Registrar at Registrar@vicfilm.com.
18. What should I expect after I apply?
Once a complete application package is received, you will receive confirmation from the Registrar. A full assessment of your application will be made within two weeks after which you will be contacted with the outcome.
For our part-time programs a minimum enrolment is required to recover the full costs of providing the program. When a program fails to reach this minimum we re-schedule it. We will notify registrants five working days before the program start date and inform them of the new start dates, or make arrangements for a refund. Click here for Part-time registration form