Overview
With BCIT’s Television & Video Production diploma program, you’ll develop all of the skills necessary for a career working on film, broadcast television, live events, and video production crew. Immerse yourself in every aspect of TV and video production, including writing, directing, producing, shooting, editing, lighting, and audio mixing. Through practical, hands-on experiences on sets, in studios, and on location, you’ll learn the technical and aesthetic skills needed to tell stories visually and impact audiences around the world.
About the program
- 2-year diploma
- Graduate with a portfolio of professional work
- Experience the full spectrum of TV and video production, from music videos to documentaries
- Use industry-standard digital and HD equipment and workflows
- Produce content in creative, high-energy teams on a weekly basis
- Receive support for entering projects into film festivals or other competitions
Want more info? Check out our Program Details.
Work-integrated learning
Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner (TV and radio stations; production, sports and entertainment companies). Practicums are typically 4 weeks long.
Students may also have the opportunity to enter co-op in level 4.
Who should apply for the Television & Video Production Diploma?
The Television & Video Production diploma program is right for you if you want to:
- Work behind-the-scenes, not in front of the camera
- Blend creativity with technical skills
- Work well in team environments
- Pursue a career as a director, editor, camera operator, lighting technician, or audio professional
Ready to get started with the Television & Video Production program? Visit Entrance Requirements to apply.
What grads can do
Graduates of the BCIT Television & Video Production diploma program have extensive experience writing, producing, shooting, and editing for TV and online audiences. You’ll gain many valuable skills that can lead to a wide variety of video and media job opportunities.
Take a look at Graduating and Jobs to see the types of roles Television & Video Production grads take on.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (67%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (67%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (67%) from a recognized institution
- BCST 0060 (65%) or BCST 1160 (50%)
Recommended for success
- Attend an information session, held each month of the school year at 5:30 pm in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus.
- Before beginning this program, you are strongly recommended to have:
- Proficiency in oral and written English.
- Previous studies in computer applications, media, business, and other humanities, as well as an awareness of current events.
- Completed two BCIT Broadcast and Media Part-time Studies courses that are related to television and/or video production.
- Experience in any related broadcast or digital media field, social media, or other post-secondary education.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
- Go back Overview
- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
As well as textbooks and stationery, you’ll need the following resources:
- Mobile phone with voice mail (must have silent mode)
- Access to a computer with the following capabilities. Drive: SSD, CPU: 3GHz, at least 8G RAM (16G is preferred), HDMI port
- my.bcit e-mail address (may forward email to an email provider of your choice)
- Portable USB-powered hard drive for media and assignment storage – at least 500GB
- SD memory card – 32GB – rated 133x or faster (used in terms 2 through 4)
- Headphones (over-ear, or in-ear variety) with 3.5mm connector (no mobile phone headphones)
- Access to a digital camera
Recommended equipment
We recommend that you buy a laptop (please see specifications above). It will be useful for your classroom and lab projects, though you’ll also have access to BCIT computer labs. It can be a Mac or PC – you’ll learn and use software applications that work on both systems.
Access to an inexpensive camera capable of recording HD video is also valuable for training purposes. While most assignments require the use of BCIT broadcast-quality professional equipment for production and post-production, digital video cameras or digital SLR cameras can be valuable for use on some individual and group projects.
Vehicle access
You are not required to own a vehicle. However, you must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in Levels 1 through 4 in order to transport production equipment for individual and group projects.
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:
Books & supplies
Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:
Television
Level 1: $2,550; Level 2: $200; Level 3: $2,250; Level 4: $300
(General estimated cost, and subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
Your courses in this program offer you a unique experience by focusing on the skills you’ll need to work behind the scenes in production for web videos, TV, podcasts, and other broadcasts. As part of your training, you’ll learn the most current, effective techniques in writing, directing, production, editing, and more. You’ll also create your own portfolio of work to demonstrate to your future employers and clients, including your own drama or documentary production.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BCST 1101 | Media Technology Fundamentals 1 | 3.0 | |
BCST 1120 | Television and Video Production 1 | 6.5 | |
BCST 1124 | Writing for Video Production | 3.0 | |
BCST 1125 | Introduction to Visual Media | 2.0 | |
BCST 1223 | Production Planning | 3.0 | |
BCST 2207 | Introduction to Non-Linear Editing | 3.0 | |
BSYS 1620 | Computer Applications for Broadcasting | 3.0 | |
COMM 1212 | Communications for Television and Video Production | 3.0 | |
ORGB 2510 | Organizational Behaviour | 2.0 | |
Level 2 (15 weeks plus 5 week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 1109 | Introduction to the Media Industry | 2.0 | |
BCST 2120 | Television and Video Production 2 | 8.0 | |
BCST 2123 | Production Management | 3.0 | |
BCST 2219 | News Production Practicum | 6.5 | |
BCST 2222 | Media Technology Fundamentals 2 | 3.0 | |
BCST 2224 | Writing for Television | 3.0 | |
BCST 3318 | Non-Linear Video Editing | 2.5 | |
COMM 2212 | Production Development and Proposals | 3.0 | |
MDIA 2218 | Introduction to Motion Graphics and Visual Effects | 3.0 | |
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
BCST 3120 | Television and Video Production 3 | 12.5 | |
BCST 3317 | Non-Linear Audio Editing | 3.0 | |
BCST 3324 | Advanced Writing for Television | 3.0 | |
BCST 4318 | Post-Production | 3.0 | |
MDIA 3218 | Advanced Motion Graphics and Visual Effects | 3.0 | |
Level 4 (15 weeks plus 5 week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 4120 | Television and Video Production 4 | 13.0 | |
BCST 4419 | Industry Practicum | 6.5 | |
BLAW 3300 | Broadcast Law | 3.0 | |
BUSA 1201 | Television and Video Production Management | 3.0 | |
COMM 4412 | Communications for Employability | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 115.5 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
Program Details
In this program, you’ll train thoroughly for the behind-the-scenes jobs available in the growing world of video production. This includes working closely with industry professionals to learn the skills today’s employers are looking for, all to help prepare you for your dream career as an editor, video producer, film maker, and more.
Through BCIT’s Television & Video Production diploma program, you’ll prepare and deliver programming that’s broadcast weekly on Shaw TV, streamed online, and delivered through online video services. As part of earning experience in every facet of production, you’ll rotate through various roles, including writing scripts, shooting and editing, directing, lighting, and audio mixing.
Because BCIT’s first goal is to prepare you for a successful career, we regularly update and adapt our course offerings and hours to meet changing industry conditions and demands. Some classes and practicums may take place outside of normal class hours, including evenings and weekends to offer flexible training opportunities for students.
To give you even more current, relevant experience, you’ll participate in a 4-week practicum with a TV station, film studio, or media production company to learn on the job and develop connections throughout the industry. Students find practicums in communities throughout the province, across the country, and around the world!
Program length
Two years, full-time
The program runs from September to May each year.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
The unique training you receive at BCIT focuses on job-relevant skills and experience so you can begin your career as quickly as possible, with the skills today’s employers need. By graduating with your own completed drama or documentary project, a professional portfolio, and the encouragement and support to enter contests, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to help begin an exciting career.
Some job opportunities in television and video production include:
- Camera Operator
- Video Editor
- Independent Film Maker
- Media Relations Personnel
- Freelance Producer
- Wedding and Live Event Videographer and Producer
- Scriptwriter
- Production Coordinator
- Post-Production Supervisor
- Producer
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Robert Nason, Instructor
Rob has been employed in Television Production since 1962 as a Television Operations Technician in Camera, Audio & Lighting, Technical Director, Director, Technical Producer and Manager, Broadcast Operations for:
- CHSJ-TV, Saint John, CBC Halifax, CBC Toronto
- CKVU-TV and NOWTV, Vancouver
- CBS, New York
- EUROSTEP, London, UK.
The range of program formats extend through: Educational Programs, News & Information Programs, Music & Variety to Live Sports Broadcasting.
David Griffiths, Instructor
David began working in video production in 1988 as a volunteer for Shaw Cable in Prince George, British Columbia. Following Shaw Cable, David started as a full-time employee of CKPG Television in 1990. In 1992 David moved to Burnaby BC, and enrolled in the Television & Video Production course at BCIT to expand his skill set.
After graduating from BCIT in 1992, David began working in live sports broadcasting as a Chyron operator and programmer, then moved into Directing, Technical Directing, and Broadcast Engineering for seven years. While continuing to work in live sports broadcasting, David worked has also worked in Post Production for Studio Post and Imaging in Vancouver, B.C., and rapidly developed skills in Video Compression, Media Authoring, Graphics and Animation, as well as Editing.
David has been a faculty member in the Television & Video Production program at BCIT since 1999, and continues to work as a freelance editor in feature films, technology consultant for local post-production companies, and as an online editor for episodic television programs, as well as working with the Vancouver Canucks.
Ashif Jivraj, Interim Associate Dean
Ashif Jivraj has been the Interim Associate Dean ince September 2022
Sia Dezvareh, Interim Program Head
Sia Dezvareh has been the Interim Program Head since September 2022
Michael Moss, Instructor
Mike began his working life in pro audio sales. He also volunteered as a DJ at the campus radio station at Langara College, was a roadie in the local music scene and was a partner in a mobile disco business. Looking for a career in media he applied at CBC Television and spent the next 30 years working at their Vancouver studio.
Mike began in Telecine (Film Transfer), and over the years moved on to Master Control, Videotape recording, video switching, ENG editing, EFP (Field) Audio, studio camera, audio operator and finally landed a job as Supervising Technician for the CBC Vancouver Newsroom. Here Mike supervised the crew who worked on live remotes, election coverage and daily live news production.
Later advancing to the position of Manager of TV Post Production at CBC Vancouver, Mike supervised the Production Editing, Graphic Design, Audio Post Production and Server Ingest/VTR area. Mike worked with producers on numerous TV shows and documentaries.
Mike now works as an independent media technical consultant, technical producer and editor.
- Recipient of the CBC 25 year service award
- Past member of the National Press Photographers Association and the Western Association of Broadcaster Engineers.
- Mike was most recently Chair of the BCIT Television Program Advisory Council and continues to advise faculty on industry trends.
David Berenbaum, Instructor
Dave began his career in television volunteering for Rogers Community Cable before attending and graduating from BCIT’s Full Time Television program in 1992. After graduation, he worked at a local station in Master Control and freelanced on a variety of sets as a camera and lighting assist.
Turning his focus to post-production, Dave found a home cutting commercials and corporate videos eventually ending up at The Eyes where he propelled to the position of Vice-President. While at The Eyes, Dave produced and directed many award winning television series for Canadian and US networks as well as supervised all aspects of post-production.
Dave is now back in the edit suite cutting docu-reality and docu-drama programming while simultaneously on the faculty teaching editing.
Ken Kaneko, Instructor
- UBC Graduate, BFA in Technical Theatre and Design
- 30 years as a Camera Operator, Editor, FD in local entertainment TV
- Camera Op local sports, Replay Op Canucks
Cindy Leaney, Instructor
Cindy produced and directed original content for Showtime UK/CTV, CBC Television, Global, Bravo, Vision, Fashion Television, Much Music, TVO, & Knowledge Network.
Cindy has worked on location in Canada, throughout the USA, England, Northern Ireland, Argentina, and Czechoslovakia.
- Content Editor & Co-Writer. Producer Workbook 5
- Former Vice President. Board of Directors. Women in Film + TV – Vancouver
- Former member Board of Directors, Documentary Organization of Canada – BC Chapter
Sandro Licastro, Instructor
Sandro has worked on everything from live events to video games.
- Production Generalist
- 10 years with Proshow Audiovisual and Broadcast
- Semi professional cat herder
Advisory committee
- Carly Plett, Director of Photography
- David Seeman, Business Manager, News/Studio, CTV
- Gary Milne, Broadcast Manager
- Gerry Belec, Global TV
- Heather Hawthorn-Doyle, Executive, OMNI Film Productions – Chairperson
- Jayne Akizuki, Independent Video and Television Producer
- John Ritchie, Executive Producer, Force Four Entertainment
- Ken Anderson, Vice President, Camera Division – SIM Vancouver
- Lauren Guilfoyle, Head of Production – Zoic Studios
- Todd Giroux, Robot Post
- Ken Anderson, General Manager, Sim Digital
- Stu McNish, Oh Boy Productions
- Paul Brettell, Canucks Sports & Entertainment
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
General Enquiries
Sia Dezvareh
Acting Program Head
604-432-8486 | sia_dezvareh@bcit.ca
Kai Mannella
Administrative Assistant
604-434-5734 | Kai_mannella@bcit.ca
Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Program selection and program planning
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Special Projects
BCIT Television & Video Production looks for a limited number of projects for professional clients and organizations between September and June each year.
We train our students to correctly value the highly specialized skillsets they are developing. We do not accept requests for volunteers or other unpaid positions.
If you have a project suggestion (preferably with at least 1 month notice), please submit a Project Request form.
Questions or comments?
- Go back Faculty, Advisors & Staff
- Next up Subscribe
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- Go Back Contact Us
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.