Opportunities

British Columbia is one of the biggest film hubs in North America. With state-of-the-art studios, competitive tax incentives, and a highly skilled workforce, B.C. has more than earned its reputation as Hollywood North. If you’re dreaming of a career in film, whether above-the-line or below-the-line, education and hands-on experience are key. Here’s your guide to film schools, workshops, and training programs to help you build skills, knowledge, connections, and a strong portfolio.

Please note these lists are not exhaustive. Research is encouraged to find the best offerings in your region.

Why Training Matters

Working in film requires equal parts creativity and technical skill. The right training helps you build the skills and confidence to thrive on set. Here’s what workshops and programs can offer:

Film Schools

B.C. is home to some of Canada’s top film schools, offering everything from intensive one-year diplomas to full four-year degrees. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, these programs provide the technical skills, creative guidance, and practical experience you need to launch a career in film.

Visit the Knowledge Hub for additional educational opportunities, and explore micro-credential programs on the DigiBC website.

Workshops and Training Programs

Beyond formal education, short courses and hands-on training are a great way to build practical skills and industry knowledge. These programs range from safety certifications to creative intensives, helping you gain confidence and connections before stepping onto a set.

Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship can be a game-changer for emerging filmmakers, offering guidance, industry insight, and connections that accelerate your career. These programs pair provide structured support to help you grow.

Independent Filmmaking Societies & Communities

Community-driven organizations occasionally host workshops, screenings, equipment orientations, and peer‑to‑peer learning opportunities that help emerging filmmakers grow their skills outside a formal school setting.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Breaking into B.C.’s film industry is all about taking that first step, whether it’s enrolling in a film program, joining a workshop, or completing essential safety training. With world-class facilities, a thriving production scene, and countless opportunities to learn, B.C. has what it takes to launch your career in film. Explore the resources above, build your skills, and start connecting with the community.

Don’t forget to visit the Creative Pathways™ Opportunities page to find current training, mentorship, and job opportunities.

This article is updated as of January 2026.

Funding programs, grants and mentorship are a vital springboard for emerging filmmakers in B.C. Whether you’re working on a short film or your first feature, there are programs across the province designed to support new voices in storytelling. From development support and production funding to mentorship opportunities, there are many avenues to explore. Here’s a roundup of funding programs to help you take the next step in your filmmaking journey.

 

Available Programs

Sundar Prize Mentorship Program | Rolling
The program aims to bridge the gap between emerging filmmakers and experienced professionals in the B.C. and Canadian film industry. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and networking, all designed to foster the next generation of domestic filmmakers.

TELUS STORYHIVE | Rolling
In association with the National Screen Institute, the STORYHIVE Editions program supports new and emerging filmmakers with production funding, training, mentorship, and distribution to create and share diverse, compelling, and locally reflective short films. Once selected, filmmakers receive one-on-one mentorship and training from the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) to support their projects.

National Coaching Program | Rolling
Presented by WebSeries Canada, this program offers early-stage producers/creators personalized one-on-one coaching from experienced industry leaders. In the program, participants could build their network with seasoned pros, gain insights in a collaborative environment, and develop skills in production, storytelling, pitching, and more.

Filmmaker Assistance Program | Deadline: November 14, 2025
As an initiative of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) is designed to encourage and support independent anglophone Canadian filmmakers.

 

Upcoming Programs

The following programs are expected to open for applications later this year. Stay tuned for updated intake dates and deadlines. As deadlines and eligibility criteria may change, please visit each funder’s website for the most current information.

Creative BC’s Equity + Emerging Development Program | Applications open on October 29, 2025, and close on December 3, 2025
The program provides direct and targeted support to projects in development from underrepresented groups through different program streams to ensure intersectional support across all phases of a project, genres, and formats. Creators can receive a grant of up to $10,000 to cover the cost of bringing together a development team to do research, develop a concept or write a script. The grants are available for a wide range of content, including scripted feature-length films or series, animated features or series, and documentaries/factual one-offs or series.

 

Past Programs

The following programs have closed for this cycle, but keep an eye out for potential future intakes.

Telefilm Canada: Talent to Watch Program | April
The program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project. It offers three application streams, including Industry Partner, Festival Selection, and Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream.

Kris Anderson Connexions Mentorship Program | April
Launched by DOXA Documentary Film Festival, the program facilitates one-on-one mentorship between an experienced documentary filmmaker and an emerging filmmaker from underrepresented communities. The program will create a space for participants to discuss their creative practices and goals with a mentor who can speak to their specific needs, while also creating opportunities for peer mentorship and collaboration.

STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition | April-May
This edition is offering new and emerging Asian filmmakers $20,000 in production funding to produce a 20-45 minute locally reflective documentary or scripted film or series pilot. In addition to the funding, selected projects will also receive mentorship from the National Screen Institute and distribution on TELUS Optik TV and the STORYHIVE YouTube channel.

The Empowered Filmmaker | May-June
TELUS STORYHIVE‘s The Empowered Filmmaker is an indigenous-focused film program designed to take individuals with no prior knowledge in filmmaking and shape them into self-sufficient, nimble and powerful media content creators.

VIFF Catalyst Program | June-July
Catalyst is an intimate cohort-based program that will provide 15 selected emerging filmmakers with a full VIFF Pass, one-on-one mentorship, a professional development stipend to help offset any economic impact from attending the festival, and 10 exclusive facilitated group sessions covering all stages of production to kick-start their independent filmmaking careers. Participants are selected based on their demonstrated pursuit in creating boundary-pushing and ambitious work.

Emerging TV Producers Program | July
Launched by GEMS Vancouver, the program provides training and mentorship for up to ten women and gender-diverse creators, aiming to equip them with the business skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to break into the complex Canadian TV production system. Participants will begin with foundational workshops that cover the key aspects of navigating the Canadian television industry. Over the course of three months, they will continue developing their projects with support from experienced industry mentors—refining their pitching materials and strategies, developing financing plans, fine-tuning budgets, and more.

Screen BC Short Film Award | August-September
In partnership with Creative BC, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, and the Whistler Film Festival Society. This award supports an emerging filmmaker to develop their directing career by realizing a unique creative vision in a short film project.