Motion Picture Arts

The motion picture arts diploma program was designed from the ground up for creative-minded individuals to tell their stories through the power of film. This 10-month program is tailored to give students the technical skills, knowledge and network connections required to get started in this industry. 

The Motion Picture Arts Diploma Program takes students beyond the classroom, allowing them to gain true hands-on-experience while building their portfolios. Students collaborate on numerous class projects that take them through a variety of film productions.

Rais offers a highly focused and intensive curriculum, which allows students to create their own projects and build on their professional portfolios. We restrict the class size to a maximum of 15 students to ensure unprecedented one on one time with the equipment and industry professional instructors. The Motion Picture Arts Program delivers the practical skills, techniques and technology necessary for the next generation of filmmakers to create, promote and distribute their work.

The Rais Difference

• Quality education without the excessive tuition costs or 1-2 year commitments required by most other schools.
• Unparalleled access to the production facility and camera equipment for students to create their movies.
• Less note taking, more writing, directing, shooting, editing & creating effects.
• Small class sizes, taught by instructors still working in the industry.
• The faculty and facility are valuable resources for students even after graduation.

Short Non-Fiction/Documentary Project 

Students choose a topic and interview subjects to produce a short documentary.

Music Video Project

Students collaborate with a band or singer/songwriter to create a music video.

Corporate Video Project 

Students pitch and produce a promotional video for a local non-profit organization. 

Scene Breakdown Project 

Students will go through pre-production, production and post production for the re-creation of an iconic movie scene.

Final Film Project 

In addition to the class projects, each student will produce an individual short movie. Students not only have complete creative control, but also full access to RAIS equipment and facilities to create this final project. Each film student will be paired up with an Audio Engineering student to create the sound design and 5.1 surround mix for the project. The film will premiere at a local theatre at the end of the term.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Filmmaking
2. Film History
3. Story and Screenwriting
4. Cinematography 1
5. Digital Editing (Adobe Premiere Pro)
6. Sound
7. Visual Effects (Adobe After Effects) 1
8. Short Non-Fiction/Documentary Project
9. Colour Grading
10. Music Video Project
11. Cinematography 2
12. Corporate Video Project
13. Visual Effects (Adobe After Effects) 2
14. Scene Breakdown Project
15. Final Film Project
16. Visual Effects (Adobe After Effects) 3
17. Individual Demo Reel Project
18. Professional Development

Extracurricular Studio/Gear Time:
Each student has almost unlimited access to film equipment after hours to use in either the production studio or on location.

Optional Computer Lab Time:
The computer lab is open from 1pm – 9pm, Monday – Friday for students to work on school or personal projects.