Students start using cameras within the first few weeks of the program. VFS students shoot on 16mm film and video. Production costs such as film and tape stock, processing and mixing are included in tuition. Each student is required to write a script and pitch it to fellow classmates. Aspiring directors may submit a Director s Proposal to be considered for directing any one of the selected dramas.
Students experience both documentary and dramatic filmmaking.
Documentaries are shot on digital cameras and edited on Avids. Dramas are shot on 16mm film and edited on Steenbecks. All productions are 10 minutes in length and all productions are completed. Each student participates in the making of one documentary and two dramas and have the opportunity to participate in the production of a personal 2-3 minute short shot near the end of the program. Crew sizes are small - approximately ten students for dramas and five students for documentaries.