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Microprogram in Screenwriting and Film Producing

Taught in English on campus or online in French

Program overview

Learn the art of screenwriting from industry professionals and develop a short film script to bring your ideas to life on the screen. 

This program welcomes candidates from diverse educational backgrounds and does not require prior experience or prerequisites to enroll. 

Deadline to apply for Winter 2025: November 1st, 2024

The English version of this microprogram is delivered in person only.

Admission requirements

This microprogram welcomes candidates from diverse educational backgrounds who are interested in becoming a screenwriter, story editor, script evaluator or other kinds of producing roles. 

  • Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
  • Registered undergraduate students at Concordia are not allowed to enrol in this microprogram. 
  • No previous degree or diploma required for acceptance.

What to expect

Over 12 weeks, you will learn how to approach story material to develop a version of a short film script and discover the ins and outs of film producing like how to:

  • choose a film project
  • ensure its development from script to production
  • work with agents, financiers and public financing agencies (Telefilm Canada, SODEC, CALQ and NFB) including legal and rights experts, distributors and exhibitors

9 credits of coursework

Please note that no prerequisites are required for students enrolled in the microprogram.

Description: An introduction to writing for film. Students explore the written word as a means to convey and clarify visual ideas and cinematic stories. Synopses, treatments and scenarios for various genres are explored. Students are required to submit their own writing for discussion and analysis. 

Component(s): Studio

Description: Additional topics to FMPR 341 include adaptations of existing work for the screen and developing longer film projects. Three-act structures as well as new narrative formats and documentary approaches are explored. Students are required to submit their own writing for discussion and analysis. 

Component(s): Studio

Description: This comprehensive course introduces students to the creative and administrative challenges of producing. This includes strategies for fundraising, pre-production, budgeting and scheduling techniques, legal financial and insurance concerns, post-production, distribution and exhibition. A broad range of genres and platforms are covered including Telefilm, SODEC, NFB, CALQ and other Arts Councils.

Component(s): Lecture

Course schedule

Course Duration Class schedule
FMPR 341 Writing for Film I
January 13 - February 19 Mondays & Wednesdays from 6 to 10:00 p.m.
FMPR 441 Writing for Film II
March 3 - April 9 Mondays & Wednesdays from 6 to 10:00 p.m.
FMPR 336 Introduction to Film Producing January 18 - April 12 Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

After the microprogram

Students who successfully complete this microprogram will receive:

  • A certification of completion
  • 9 undergraduate credits at the university level
  • The core competencies and the skills you'll need for entry level roles in the film industry

How to apply

  1. You’ll need a Concordia Netname to start an application. Create a Netname account.
  2. Once you have a Netname, complete an application. Select “Undergraduate Microprogram” from the list to get started.
  3. Include your supporting documents:
    • Curriculum vitae (cv)
    • A letter of intent stating your interests and motivations to pursue filmmaking (two pages maximum, single-spaced in English or French)
    • Proof of your status in Canada
  4. Have a valid credit card to pay the application fee of $40 CAD.
    Please note that we accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and UATP.

You may upload documents to your application even after submitting it. However, we cannot complete the assessment of your application until we receive all required documents.

Deadline to apply for Winter 2025: November 1st, 2024

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Keep in mind that the English and French micoprorgrams and separate cohorts and that the English microprogram is delivered in-person only. The screenwriting and film producing microprogram offered in French is delivered online only.

Students in the microprogram will only be registered for classes in the microprogram for which they are admitted and cannot audit or register for additional classes.

Admission to the BFA Film Production program remains competitive and does not give preference to students who completed the microprograms. If you're interested in undergraduate and graduate level cinema programs, you should consult the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema website for more information.

Yes! Microprogram students are welcome to enjoy the same resources as students in degree programs such as the Health and Wellness services and Library services.

Contact us

Do you have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach us with questions about this microprogram. 

Email: cinema@concordia.ca

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