Foundation – Film

 

Preparatory Program

 

Explore screenwriting, filmmaking, and post-production while building hands-on skills and projects for your reel.

Vancouver Film School has created a program for aspiring visual storytellers to explore career opportunities in film and television. Foundation – Film is a four-month preparatory program that introduces students to the fundamentals of screenwriting, cinematography, directing, producing, post-production, sound design, and more. 

Students receive hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software, while participating in shoots that will build the knowledge and confidence needed to advance into VFS’s Film Production, Writing for Film, Television & Games and Sound Design for Visual Media programs. 

Register quickly as very limited seats are available! 

Course Details:

Dates:  August 31 – December 17, 2026 

Duration: 16 weeks (full-time), 21 hours per week  

Cost: $6,983 $5,483 CDN (Domestic); $10,833 $8,833 CDN (International) – LIMITED-TIME DISCOUNT UNTIL AUGUST 30, 2026!  

Apply Now

 

Future Dates: January 4 – April 23, 2027 

Duration: 16 weeks (full-time), 21 hours per week  

Cost: $6,983 CDN (Domestic); $10,833 CDN (International) 

 

 

Foundation – Film

Program Overview

Term 01

Build your filmmaking foundations by learning screenplay structure, script formatting, and visual storytelling. Evoke emotion by applying camera perspective and shot composition during hands-on training with cameras, lenses, lighting, and green screen. Shape narratives with editing theory, color correction, and layering sound. Practice directing and producing basics with script analysis, blocking, obtaining permits and releases, and marketing considerations.

Term 02

Deepen your screenwriting skills by exploring character relationships, theme, and dialogue. Expand your visual storytelling toolkit by creating storyboards and animatics that use silhouettes, value, and color to guide viewer focus and emotion. Develop on-set audio recording techniques alongside foley creation, voice editing, and mixing, while practicing a wider range of directing and cinematography concepts directly in workshops and a team-based short film project.

More About the Program

Foundation – Film is designed to give aspiring filmmakers a strong creative and technical base for pursuing an advanced VFS film program. Over sixteen focused weeks, you’ll develop an essential storyteller’s toolkit through courses in: 
 
  • Cinematography 
  • Colour Correction
  • Composition
  • Directing
  • Lighting
  • Producing
  • Production Design
  • Screenwriting
  • Sound Recording
  • Sound Mixing
  • Storyboarding and Animatics
  • Video Editing 
Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the same professional tools used across the global entertainment industry, while building a strong portfolio that will satisfy the prerequisites for the following VFS programs: 
 
  • Film Production
  • Writing for Film, Television & Games
  • Sound Design for Visual Media 

 

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Admissions Requirements: 

There are no program specific entrance requirements.

Foundation – Film is ideal for those requiring art portfolio development to enter VFS’s full-time Film Production, Writing for Film, Television, and Games, and Sound Design for Visual Media programs, or for those that enjoy filmmaking, screenwriting and/or sound design and are looking to explore careers in these areas.  

If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet Level 1 of VFS’s ESL Requirements, which includes a variety of eligible ESL tests. Click here for full information on VFS’s Language Requirements.

 

 

 

Testimonials

"VFS was the first step on my road to making Clerks. I not only learned the basics of my craft – I also met other like-minded dreamers who would go on to help me tell my stories for the rest of my life."

Kevin Smith

Film Production Alum
Clerks, Jay & Silent Bob

"Having previously worked in the film industry in Argentina, I was looking to further my experience by creating a writing portfolio with the help of working professionals, and I was not disappointed… the lessons I learned from instructors still echo in my head anytime I sit down to write."

Ariadna Martinez

Writing for Film, Television & Games Alum
Senior Writer, Ghost of Yōtei

"The Sound Design program at VFS allowed me to completely reinvent myself. I went from a boring, mindless job to a challenging and creative career. I was able to apply practical knowledge from the Sound Design program into a variety of film, TV, and game projects."

Dorian Pareis

Sound Design for Visual Media Alum
Assistant ADR Engineer, Snakes on a Plane

 

 

Foundation – Film Preparatory Program FAQs

Foundation – Film is a 16-week preparatory program designed for aspiring filmmakers, writers, and visual storytellers looking to explore careers in film and television. Students gain hands-on experience in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, sound design, and storyboarding while working with industry-standard equipment and software. Throughout the program, they develop practical skills and portfolio pieces that prepare them for further study in VFS’s Film Production, Writing for Film, Television & Games, and Sound Design for Visual Media programs.

This program is ideal for:

  • Students exploring careers in filmmaking, screenwriting, or sound design
  • Beginners looking to build foundational creative and technical skills
  • Aspiring directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and storytellers
  • Students who want to strengthen their portfolio before entering an advanced VFS program
  • Creatives interested in learning industry-standard filmmaking tools and production workflows
  • Domestic and international students seeking a focused, hands-on introduction to the film and television industry

There are no program-specific entrance requirements. If English is not your first language, you must also meet VFS’s Level 1 English language requirements through an approved ESL test. Full details on language requirements can be found on the VFS International Admissions page.

If English is not your first language, you must submit eligible test scores that meet VFS’s minimum language requirements; for applicants who do not yet meet these requirements at the time of application, you may receive conditional acceptance. Once you meet the required English proficiency, you will be given full acceptance and be able to begin the program.
  • Domestic: $6,983 CAD
  • International: $10,833 CAD

Yes. VFS offers structured payment plans, allowing students to pay tuition in installments rather than in one lump sum. Speak with a VFS Admissions Advisor for options.

Successful completion of Foundation – Film provides the portfolio prerequisites needed for admission into these one-year programs:

International students require a valid study permit (student visa) to study at VFS in Canada. VFS provides guidance on applying for study permits, but it is the student’s responsibility to complete the application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

VFS does not provide on-campus housing, but our Student Services team can help connect you to a variety of housing options, including student residences, private rentals, or homestays. We recommend arranging accommodations as early as possible, as Vancouver’s rental market is competitive.

How to Apply

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