Courses
The MPA program starts at the 3rd year, with parallel streams in Acting and Production offering intensive theory & hands on instruction in acting, producing, directing, screenwriting, audition techniques, business & career path, cinematography, sound, digital editing, & production management.
Students also benefit from an extensive guest speaker series with practical workshops conducted by industry experts & field trips to major production facilities & industry events.
The 3rd year culminates in an Advanced Certificate in Motion Picture Arts, after which students may move on to the mentored 4th year practicum, either working directly in the industry or using MPA's equipment & facilities to produce a motion picture, or a combination of both.
Graduates of the 4th year receive the Bachelor of Applied Motion Picture Arts degree.
For course information or to apply click here.
Noted Past Guest Speakers
Érik Canuel - One of Canada's most celebrated directors. Erik has directed more than 200 commercials, 50 rock videos, an impressive number of television episodes and several feature films, including the popular "Bon Cop Bad Cop" (2006).
Paul Taylor - the consummate filmmaker, an innovator in both 3-D and 2-D projects. His talents span some twenty-five years and can be seen in documentaries, commercials, short films, music videos, and feature films, including shots in such projects as "Being John Malkovitch", "That Thing You Do", "House", and "Nip and Tuck".
William (Bill) White - former President and CEO of William F. White Inc. with locations across Canada, LA and Budapest, WFW has become Canada's key provider of film and digital production equipment to the industry. Bill has been honored by the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) for his outstanding service and contributions to the motion picture industry. Bill is currently pursuing interests in specialized 3D camera equipment and related technologies.
David Miller - an independent Canadian producer having produced and executive produced many short films, including ARUBA (2006). He currently is producing several feature films including the hit film AMAL (2008). Besides being a producer David also specializes in Public Relations, where he worked with several organizations in the film and television industry - including the National Film Board of Canada, where he orchestrated the campaign for the 2005 Oscar award winning short animated film RYAN.
Shirley Vercruysse - Producer with Burns Film Ltd. Production credits. Waydowntown (2000), A Problem with Fear (2003), A Simple Curve (2005), The Oldest Basketball Team in the World (2006), Radiant City(2007)
Dean Bennett - Editor, Cinematographer, Director. Production credits: Tom Stone (2002), Girl Racers (2005), Distant Drumming: A North of 60 Mystery (2005), Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005), Heartland (2007, CBC TV series)
Shaun Johnston - Actor. Production Credits: Jake and the Kid (1995 TV Series), Chicks with Sticks (2004), Into the West (2005 TV mini Series), Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005), Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007), Heartland (2007, TV series)
Peter Wunstorf - Cinematographer. Production Credits: Road to Saddle River (1994), Total Recall 2070 (1999), Brokeback Mountain (2005) (director of photography: second unit), Snow Day (2000) (director of photography: second unit)
Wes Doyle - Cinematographer, Camera operator. Production Credits: Into the West (2005Mini series), Ginger Snaps the Prequel (2004), various commercials for Telus, Syncrude, Alberta Health, Western Canada Lotteries, Time Life Records, Time Life Books, Alberta Ford Dealers, Sask. Lotteries, Manitoba Tourism, West Edmonton Mall, The Brick, and many more...
Bonnie Thompson - Producer with National Film Board (NFB) North West Centre. Too many films to list
Gary Burns - Director/ Writer. Production Credits: The Suburbanators (1995), Kitchen Party (1997), Waydowntown (2000), A Problem with Fear (2003), Radiant City (2006)
Margaret Mardirrosian - Head of Anaid Productions. Produced a variety of programming for Food Network, Life Network, CTV, CBC, Alliance Atlantis, Family Channel, OLN, and much more.
Josh Miller - Executive Producer of Panacea Entertainment. An award winning writer/ producer based in Edmonton. His feature films include Intern Academy, Dead Simple, Freezer Burn. His TV credits include Anash and the Legacy of the Sun Rock, Mentors.
David Schultz - Writer for numerous feature films for Illusion Entertainment and writer/director/producer for the feature film "Jet Boy"
Dwayne Beaver - Director/ Writer. Production Credits Include: The Rhino Brother (2001), Moccasin Flats (2006), Alice, I Think (2006), Road Hockey Rumble (2007)
Don Archbold - Former head of SaskFilm. Executive director just finished working with Stephan King among other productions.
Michael Jorgensen - Founder of Myth Merchant films. He is an Emmy award winning filmmaker with a passion for character driven science and history stories.