Microprogram in Screenwriting and Film Producing
This program is open for applications for Winter 2023 (January to April)
Deadline for Applying: NOVEMBER 1 2022
Have questions? Speak with a prof.
October 17: Sign up for an online question and answer session about this microprogram.
October 22 : Come to Concordia's Open House, October 22, for an in-person information session.
A single application letter can change your life!
In this microprogram, instructors who are also professional scriptwriters and filmmakers will teach you how to write a script and how to turn it into moving images. You will learn the art of screenwriting while also discussing, developing and writing up your own script ideas in a small group-seminar setting. You will discover how to best approach story material, as well as all the do’s and don’ts — what to do and what to avoid — in becoming a successful screenwriter. You will also discover the ins and outs of film producing: how to choose a film project, ensure its development from script to production, how finance it and how to distribute it. You will learn about working with agents, financiers and public financing agencies, with legal and rights experts, distributors and exhibitors, and how to become a successful producer.
Our classes are offered on weeknights and on week-ends to help already active individuals acquire the knowledge and skills they need to get foothold in the film industry.
General information
- Duration: 1 semester, Winter, 2023. Starts the week of January 9
- Courses will be delivered on weeknights and week-ends [days TBA]
- Credits: 9 credits
Program overview
This undergraduate Microprogram in Screenwriting and Film Producing teaches students two fundamental aspects of cinema: the creation of a screenplay and how to go about producing a film. Over the course of a 13 week semester, students will learn how to write a script and how to develop a project into a film according to film industry standards. The synthesis of screenwriting and film producing will help students navigate the intricacies of creative, technical, and logistical aspects unique to filmmaking, from conception, to financing, production and distribution.
What students are saying
I learned a lot and I really enjoyed having actual producers and people in this field talking to us because it gave us a really good idea of what we should be ready for.
It has given me the tools to materialize the stories I imagined and has given me a network of people to potentially work with. The teacher’s feedback and the knowledge they shared with us was extremely valuable.
Everything I received and learned during this microprogram will be useful for my future writing projects, for my future projects to produce, and also for my creative process in general.
Program structure
Degree requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a total of 9 credits
9 credits – Core Courses
- FMPR 341 – Writing for Film I (3 credits)
- FMPR 441 – Writing for Film II (3 credits)
- FMPR 336 – Introduction to Film Producing (3 credits)
Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for the complete description of courses
English & French schedule
| FMPR 341 Writing for Film I | January 9-February 20 |
| FMPR 441 Writing for Film II |
February 22-April 17 |
| FMPR 336 Introduction to Film Producing |
January 9-April 17 |
English-language section (all in-person)
Mondays 6-10pm Writing for Film I & II
Wednesdays 6-10pm Writing for Film I & II
Saturdays 8:45am-12:45pm Introduction to Film Producing
French-language section (all remote)
Tuesdays 6-10pm Scénarisation cinématographique I & II
Thursdays 6-10pm Scénarisation cinématographique I & II
Saturdays 8:45am-12:45pm Introduction à la production cinématographique
*Note that the course prerequisites as currently listed for these three courses in the undergraduate calendar do not apply to students enrolled in the Microprogram in Screenwriting and Film Producing.
After your degree
You will gain core competencies and the skills required to get a foothold in the film industry. Upon successful completion, you will be able to explore possibilities for entry level roles in the film industry.
Screenwriter
Story editor
Reader / Evaluator for producers, studios, funding agents
Independent producer
Assistant producer
Tuition and Funding
The tuition fees of the program may differ depending on your student status. To estimate the cost of your education at Concordia, go through five (5) easy steps on our online tuition calculator:
- Step 1: Choose undergraduate
- Step 2: Choose Quebec resident OR Canadian, non-quebec resident
- Step 3: Choose Faculty of Fine Arts
- Step 4: Choose Part-time student
- Step 5: Enter 9 credits for the winter term
Admission requirements
This microprogram welcomes candidates with non-traditional career paths or those who do not necessarily possess a university or college degree.
- The microprogram is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only.
- Students already registered in an undergraduate program at Concordia are ineligible.
- You do not need a previous degree or diploma to be accepted.
Application process
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2022
Contact cinema@concordia.ca for further details.