TELL REAL STORIES
The demand for documentary films and series is skyrocketing. Learn documentary filmmaking and refine your storytelling skills by developing multiple projects, all while perfecting your business, presentation, and sales acumen. Gain the experience and skills necessary to get your ideas commissioned, funded, and produced. By the end of three terms, you will have earned an extensive skill set and developed a marketable project ready for festivals or broadcasters.
DELIVERY
IN-PERSON
CREDENTIAL
DIPLOMA
PROGRAM LENGTH
8 MONTHS
NEXT START DATE
SEPTEMBER 29
ABOUT INFOCUS DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM
KNOW THE BIZ
As a documentary filmmaker, shooting your film is the easy part. Gain not only the technical and storytelling skills required of a documentarian, but also a deep understanding of the business of factual entertainment through hands-on practice completing financing research and budgeting, sourcing funding through grant applications, planning and implementing crowdfunding campaigns, and identifying and selling your ideas to broadcasters and investors.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROS
Your mentors in the Documentary Film Program are all industry pros and some of the best documentary filmmakers in Canada. You’ll learn from multi-award-winning directors and producers who are able to provide the most up-to-date instruction on the techniques and state of the film industry, networking opportunities, references, and job opening intel, right in the classroom!
SELL YOUR PROJECTS
Pitching is a core element of the program, providing you with real-world experience presenting your work to industry professionals. You’ll gain the experience and skills necessary to get your ideas commissioned, funded, and produced. Build connections with top documentary professionals and learn how to access distribution channels to successfully deliver your projects to an audience.
OUR STUDENTS WIN AWARDS
With InFocus, you are more than just a student. We are dedicated to your success, both during the program and in launching your professional career after graduation. InFocus alumni win awards, receive grants, and often make the selection of prestigious festivals right out of school. In addition, the producers and industry mentors you work with will be your best references after graduation and will help connect you to broadcasters, buyers, and commissioners, greatly accelerating your career in film, television, and streaming.
87%
EMPLOYMENT RATE
100+
FESTIVAL SELECTIONS
BECOME A DOC FILMMAKER
Refine your storytelling skills through the development of multiple films, all the while perfecting your business, presentation, and sales acumen. Hone your creative talent and master your pitching skills to produce a short-form documentary. Shoot multiple projects that range from Cinema Vérité to investigative journalism. Master the technical fundamentals of camera, light, and sound. Become a well-rounded documentary filmmaker and bring your stories to the limelight.
TODAY’S AWARD-WINNERS TEACHING TOMORROW’S
InFocus alumni work on everything from massive Marvel superhero films to Oscar-winning dramas to critically acclaimed TV to indie gems. Workshops with Vancouver film unions give students the inside scoop on entering the industry, networking events provide contacts and job leads, and classes on starting a production studio provide insight on how to pursue a more entrepreneurial path in Vancouver’s booming film industry.
ACCREDITED DOCUMENTARY EDUCATION
The Documentary Film Program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. InFocus Film School also has Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, meaning that it exceeds quality assurance standards set by the province of B.C. in regard to student protection and quality of education.
InFocus programs do not lead to regulated career pathways, as careers in the film and media industries are not subject to occupational regulation in Canada. However, graduates often go on to work for major studios, production companies, and media organizations both locally and internationally.
PROGRAM DETAILS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be accepted into the Documentary Film Program, students must:
- Meet the terms of InFocus Film School’s English Proficiency Policy
- If under the age of 19, submit proof of successful completion of grade 12 (or equivalent)
START DATES
Class DOC-24: September 29, 2025 to May 29, 2026
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
INFOCUS FILM SCHOOL
554 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5
info@infocusfilmschool.com
+1 604-915-6900
