The Adventure Filmmakers Workshop is an exceptional chance for independent and emerging filmmakers to advance their skills under the guidance of two of the world’s premier and proven adventure filmmakers. During a jam-packed ten days in the fall, participants will hone their craft, strengthen their skills, and network and mingle with fellow filmmakers, industry insiders, and decision-makers.
This all takes place within the core of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, where epic stories are told through the eyes of adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers from around the globe.
Workshop sessions will help participants sharpen their narrative and vision, organize their workflow, develop audio and editing techniques, and perfect their pitches. Our faculty promote an open, interactive, and creative atmosphere.
We pack the days with hands-on practice, lively discussion, and brainstorming. We’ll welcome industry insiders as guest speakers, offering rare access to potential mentors, collaborators, sponsors, and backers. The workshop includes on-campus lodging and meals — all participants have to do is focus on their craft and soak up the inspiration.
During this program, filmmakers will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guests to:
- explore the elements of compelling narrative in film.
- practice the art of pitching projects.
- share strategies and best practices with peers.
Financial aid is available.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
This workshop is designed for filmmakers. To get the most from the program, applicants should have a strong desire to take the next step in all aspects of their filmmaking, including pre-production, pitching, location skills, editing, and distribution. Past participants have included elite athletes transitioning to filmmaking, adventurers wanting to expand to different media platforms, and established filmmakers wanting to break into the adventure genre.
This program is aimed at those committed to filmmaking as a life choice. A strong knowledge of technical sound, camera, and editing is essential. Applicants are encouraged to focus on one specific film project they would like to develop and be prepared to share it with the group with a view to moving that idea into production in the near future.
This program is run in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Total fee before scholarships (tuition, accommodation, and meal plan)
$4 448.85
Tuition amount covered by 100% scholarship, made possible through endowments and donations
$2 520.00
Maximum cost of accommodation and meal plan (including GST) before any additional scholarship is applied (see scholarships section below)
$1 928.85
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amounts and information on how to apply.
- Scholarship covering 100% of tuition cost is awarded to all arts participants, made possible through endowments and donations.
- To apply for additional scholarship towards accommodation and a meal plan, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials. With additional scholarship applied, participants should still expect to pay a minimum of 50% towards their accommodation and a meal plan (refer to amount listed above).
- Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, a meal plan, and accommodation costs.