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The University of Winnipeg

THFM-3310 Film II Application information 2025-26

THFM-3310 (6) FILMMAKING II: DIRECTING THE SHORT FILM

APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR 2025-26

There are 12-14 spaces available in 2025-26 for THFM-3310(6) Filmmaking II: Directing the Short Film.

Submissions are reviewed by a panel of THFM faculty.  Registration for Filmmaking II is by permission of the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Film ONLY.

NOTE:  The pre-requisite for the course is THFM-2310(6) Filmmaking I:  Screen Narrative Technique.

Prospective students should complete the online application form which includes a place to provide links to your material.  (Submission material doesn’t have to be new; it can be a sample of work from previous film classes.)  See link further on this page.

CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE COURSE

  • Grades
  • Quality of work
  • Attendance in prior classes
  • Demonstrated positive attitude, professionalism, and time management skills

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS         

All applications for Filmmaking II must be submitted by 4 pm THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025. 

NO EXCEPTIONS.

The submission form is online - see below for link.

NOTE:  Please do not wait until the last day to apply!  The sooner you apply, the sooner your application will be reviewed, and the more time the reviewers will have to consider your application.

NEW THIS YEAR: DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (DOP) FOCUS

  • Film II has 2-3 places open for students who would like to focus on Cinematography, rather than directing a film of their own. (These 2-3 places are included in the overall 12-14 places.)
  • Director of Photography (DOP) students will take on the responsibilities of Director of Photographer/Cinematographer on 3-4 Film II films.
  • Director of Photography (DOP)-focus students will be involved with Pre-Production and Post-Production (colour grading) on all the films they shoot.
  • It is not possible for Director of Photography (DOP)-focus students to direct a film of their own in Film II.
  • Director of Photographer (DOP)-focus students will complete many of the same assignments as non-DOP-focus students.
  • Director of Photographer (DOP)-focus students will be matched with a mentor.
  • Director of Photography (DOP)-focus students will present finished Cinematography reels at the end of the Winter term.
  • Students who apply to Film II as Director of Photography (DOP) and are not invited to be DOPs, will still be considered for Film II as Directors.

NOTE: The Director of Photography (DOP) focus is for students who can demonstrate an intermediate/advanced understanding of Cinematography, as well as prior experience in the role of Director of Photography.

If you are interested in taking FILM II and focusing on being a Director of Photographer (DOP), you must indicate that in your application. There is a box to check on the form and extra film examples of your work as a cinematographer to submit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FILM II - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING!

  • FILM II is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am - 12:45pm.
    Attendance is required. Frequent absences could result in failing the course.
  • FILM II is a full-year course and requires a very serious time commitment, to both to your own film and to the films of your FILM II classmates. Students in FILM II are required to crew on the films of other students in FILM II.
  • FILM II requires you to spend 8-15 hours a week outside of class, sometimes more, working on assignments. Deadline extensions will not be granted based on students being overloaded with film projects or coursework from other classes. 
  • Students direct one film* in FILM II, with a strong emphasis on directing actors, pre-production and post-production. Students shoot their film between November 21st, 2025, and February 1st, 2026. (*Director of Photography [DOP]-focus students will be Cinematographer on 3-4 Film II films.)
  • Fall Term focuses on Directing Actors and Pre-Production. Winter Term focuses on Post-Production and preparation for working in the film and television industry.
  • If you are accepted into FILM II, you will be required to come to class on DAY I with the first draft of a 9 to 11- page narrative (non-documentary) screenplay that you would like to make in FILM II. (This includes Director of Photography [DOP] focus students.)
  • Your film ideas should be possible to film in all weather conditions as Film Production takes place from mid-November to late January. Post-Production involves picture editing, sound editing/design and mix, and colour grading.  Post-Production takes place in Winter Term.
  • You should not be enrolled in another film production course while taking FILM II. (e.g., Film Documentary, Film Horror, Film Comedy, Advanced Picture Editing)
  • It is recommended – but not required – that you take THFM-3312 SOUND EDITING the same year you take FILM II.

STEPS

  1. If you would like to discuss your pre-requisites, options, and the application procedure, contact THFM Student Advisor Melinda Tallin (tallin@uwinnipeg.ca or 204-786-9955) who can help you figure out where you stand in terms of credit hours, requirements, time commitments, etc.
  1. Prepare the required materials for your application:
  • Film samples
  • Screenplay sample
  • Grades (permission)
  • Previous film courses/instructors
  • Statement

FILM SAMPLES (required):  

  • You are required to submit TWO films as examples of your directing work. You must have been the sole Director for the entire film. No Co-Directed films. The films you submit should demonstrate your abilities as a filmmaker. We will be looking at your skill as a visual storyteller. Intro to Film projects made in a group will not be accepted.
  • IF YOU ARE APPLYING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (DOP) FOCUS ON CINEMATOGRAPHY, you must also submit two additional films where you were the sole Cinematographer. Intro to Film projects made in a group will not be accepted.
  • Film credits must be included in all films submitted, and your specific role must be stated in those credits. The links may be on Vimeo or unlisted on YouTube. (If you are unsure of which platform to use, or are unable to attach them, please contact thfm@uwinnipeg.ca.  

SHORT SCREENPLAY SAMPLE (required):  PLEASE SUBMIT ALL SCREENPLAYS AS PDF FILES

OPTIONS: (choose one) 

  1. Your final screenplay from Intro to Screenwriting. This should be the final draft you submitted for the course.
  2. The screenplay from one of your Film I films.
  3. The screenplay for the film you would like to make in Film II. (This could also be the screenplay you wrote in Intro to Screenwriting.)

Screenplays can be submitted (.pdf only) by link in the application form or sent directly to thfm@uwinnipeg.ca with the subject line “FILM II APPLICATION”.

GRADES (required):  Your grades are an important part of the criteria considered in your application.  Please give permission to the department to print your transcript as part of your application (or provide a statement of your grades).

LIST OF PREVIOUS UNIVERSITY FILM COURSES AND YOUR INSTRUCTORS (required).   The online application form has space for this, including a chart with the most common courses and faculty, and an area to add other courses not included on the chart.

NEW THIS YEAR:  STATEMENT (required):
Please submit a 250-500 word statement with the form indicating why you think you should be accepted into THFM-3310(6) Filmmaking II: Directing the Short Film. 

It is recommended that your letter focus on the way you are developing your own voice and style, rather than how important film has been to you throughout your life.  You could also talk about how you have developed your visual style, or how you think about your unique storytelling style

FINAL STEPS 

Complete the online application form (link below), including the appropriate checkmarks, links and passwords.  

Review your application and confirm your links work and your films are playing correctly before you submit.  

If you are submitting any material by e-mail to thfm@uwinnipeg.ca you must indicate FILM II APPLICATION in the subject line. 

THE FILM II APPLICATION FORM is completely online.

You can find it here: 2025-26 Film II Application Form

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025  4 pm NO EXCEPTIONS

You can also find the information and link on the THFM website under Film Resources: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/theatre-film/student-resources/film-resources.html

REMEMBER TO DOUBLE CHECK LINKS to be sure your entire film submissions look and sound the way you intend.

You may be called for an interview with faculty. If necessary, this will be scheduled between June 23 – 25, 2025.

Once the applications have been reviewed, recommendations for acceptance into the course will be submitted to the Chair. A Waiting List may be established, at the discretion of the Chair.

All candidates will be notified by Friday, June 27th whether or not they have been accepted into FILM II. If you are accepted and indicate you will take the course, we will process your permission so you can register.  If you are not able to register during your assigned time, your spot will be held for you.  However, if you decide not to take the course, please advise Melinda as soon as possible so the next person on the waiting list can be notified.

IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE WITH THE FORM, PLEASE CONTACT MELINDA AT m.tallin@uwinnipeg.ca or 204-786-9955.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025  4 pm

Apply now!