Film Director / Producer
Canada punches above its weight in film - Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are major global production centres.
About the Career
Canada's film and TV production industry is large and growing - Toronto and Vancouver are major Hollywood production centres.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $45,000
- Senior level: $200,000+
Income is extremely variable and project-based. Successful directors and producers can earn significantly.
Job Outlook
Competitive demand. Canada's film and TV production industry is large and growing - Toronto and Vancouver are major Hollywood production centres.
How to Get There
- 4-yr BFA (Film Production) or BA (Film Studies) or self-directed career
- Time to career: 4+ years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Directing & Storytelling
- Cinematography & Editing
- Screenwriting
- Team Leadership
- Budget & Schedule Management
Typical Employers
- Film & TV production companies
- Streaming & broadcast networks
- Commercial & music video studios
- Independent production
- Post-production houses
High School Roadmap
- Make short films on your phone. Study great films. Join film club or drama club.
- Enter local or national short film competitions. Learn basic video editing (DaVinci Resolve is free).
- Build a portfolio of short films. Research Concordia's Film Production program.
- Apply to film production programs. Concordia, TMU, and York are the top Canadian choices.
Top Universities for This Path
- Concordia University – Montreal, QC
- Toronto Metropolitan University – Toronto, ON
- York University – Toronto, ON
- University of Victoria – Victoria, BC
- Simon Fraser University – Burnaby, BC
Insider Tips
- Concordia's Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema is Canada's most respected film production program.
- Canada has significant film tax credits - Toronto and Vancouver are major production hubs for Hollywood productions.
- The Telefilm Canada fund supports Canadian filmmakers - research its programs for future opportunities.