BFA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Are you passionate about the power of storytelling and the art of crafting compelling narratives? The degree at 91ÑÇÉ« offers a comprehensive, hands-on education that will immerse you in the craft of writing for film, television, and digital media. You’ll study the foundational elements of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, dialogue, and genre conventions, while honing your creative voice. With access to advanced writing labs and collaborative workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to write original screenplays, participate in writing-focused productions, and develop your work in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you're interested in writing feature films, TV series, or web content, this degree prepares you to shape the future of screenwriting and narrative media.
Career Options in Cinema & Media Arts – Screenwriting
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Actor
- Animation Writer
- Associate Producer
- Brand Storyteller
- Content Strategist
- Copywriter
- Creative Director
- Director (Film, TV, Theater)
- Dialogue Writer
- Editor (Film, Video, Audio)
- Event Coordinator (Film & Media)
- Film Critic
- Film Festival Coordinator
- Film Producer
- Freelance Screenwriter
- Interactive Storyteller
- Media Researcher
- Motion Picture Director
- Narrative Designer
- Post-Production Supervisor
- Producer (TV, Film, Digital Media)
- Production Assistant
- Public Relations Specialist (Entertainment)
- Script Doctor
- Screenwriter (Feature, TV, Web)
- Script Supervisor
- Set Designer
- Story Editor
- Storyboard Artist
- Television Producer
- Transmedia Storyteller
- Video Game Narrative Writer
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Cinema & Media Arts – Screenwriting
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Assistant Director
- Copywriter
- Creative Assistant
- Editorial Assistant
- Film Production Assistant
- Media Coordinator
- Multimedia Production Assistant
- Post-Production Assistant
- Production Assistant (Film/TV)
- Script Reader
- Social Media Assistant
- Sound Assistant
- Storyboard Assistant
- Television Researcher
- Video Editor (Junior)
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Cinema & Media Arts – Screenwriting
Core Skills
- Screenwriting & Storytelling: Develop original scripts with a focus on structure, character development, dialogue, and world-building for film, television, and digital platforms.
- Creative Writing & Narrative Construction: Create engaging original content across various genres and formats, enhancing storytelling techniques.
- Film & Television Formatting: Master industry-standard screenplay formatting to ensure scripts are presentation-ready for film and television professionals.
- Collaborative Script Development: Participate in group writing workshops to collaborate on projects, receive feedback, and refine work in a team environment.
- Writing for Digital Media & Interactive Platforms: Explore new media and interactive storytelling, including transmedia and VR/AR, to write for emerging platforms and technologies.
- Adaptation & Script Editing: Learn to adapt material for the screen, transforming novels or plays into screenplays, and revise scripts for improved structure, pacing, and impact.
Communication, Data Gathering, and Organizational Skills
- Collaborative Communication: Develop effective communication skills for creative teamwork, collaborating with directors, producers, and writers to bring scripts to life.
- Audience Analysis & Engagement: Analyze and adapt writing for different target audiences, enhancing connection and engagement through storytelling.
- Research & Data Gathering: Conduct in-depth research to inform writing, gathering background material and understanding historical, social, and cultural contexts.
- Pitching & Presentation: Hone skills in pitching scripts and ideas to industry professionals, structuring clear and compelling presentations to attract interest and funding.
- Project & Time Management: Learn organizational skills to meet writing deadlines, manage schedules, set realistic goals, and organize work effectively.
- Story Development & Feedback Integration: Accept and incorporate constructive feedback to enhance writing, based on input from peers, mentors, and industry professionals.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Management & Coordination: Gain experience managing writing projects from concept to final draft, coordinating with editors, producers, and team members.
- Leadership & Team Management: Take on leadership roles within writing teams, learning to motivate and manage creative groups for successful project completion.
- Collaborative Writing & Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork: Work with filmmakers, actors, and designers to develop cohesive narratives through collaboration.
- Resource Allocation & Budget Management: Plan and allocate resources effectively during script development, balancing time and budget constraints with creative integrity.
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Navigate creative differences, resolve conflicts, and find innovative solutions to writing and production challenges.
- Networking & Professional Relationship Building: Build a network of industry contacts and foster relationships with mentors and professionals in screenwriting.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- (WGC) - Negotiates fair pay and benefits, advocates for policies that strengthen Canadian storytelling, and brings screenwriters together as a community, ensuring their contributions to the industry are recognized.
- (CMPA): Advocates for policies and programs that benefit the Canadian screen-based industry.
- (DGC): Sets industry standards, negotiates collective agreements, and offers professional development resources.
- (ACCT): Supports professionals in the film, television, and digital media industries in Canada. It organizes the prestigious Canadian Screen Awards and offers training, networking, and advocacy for the industry.
- (ACA): Provides resources, professional development, and advocacy on behalf of advertisers, including those in the media and creative industries.
- (CBSC): Oversees the Canadian broadcasting industry, ensuring that content follows industry standards related to fairness, accuracy, and appropriate language. It helps resolve complaints related to broadcast content.