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Program Information
Adventure Filmmakers Workshop 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Dates
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025
Program Dates: October 31 – November 09, 2025
Overview
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.
Description
Program days will be filled with hands-on practice, lively discussion, and brainstorming. Teaching sessions with experienced faculty and guest speakers will help participants sharpen their narrative and vision, organize their workflow, develop audio and editing techniques, and perfect their pitches. Participants will also have access to potential mentors, collaborators, sponsors, and backers.
In addition to meals and accommodation, participants will have access to production spaces where they can work on their projects, share ideas and foster a creative community.
Requirements
The program is designed to cater to filmmakers with a strong desire to take the next step in all aspects of their filmmaking, including pre-production, pitching, location skills, editing, and distribution. A strong knowledge of technical sound, camera, and editing is essential.
Past participants have included
- elite athletes transitioning to filmmaking.
- adventurers wanting to expand to different media platforms.
- established filmmakers wanting to break into the adventure genre.
Participants will benefit most if they are committed to filmmaking and have a strong desire to take the next step in all aspects of their filmmaking, including
- pre-production, pitching.
- location skills.
- editing.
- distribution.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Welcome, orientation
- Introductions, group allocations, group and individual feedback
- Film viewings and fast film critique
Day 2
- Anatomy of success: What makes a successful film?
- Production development and planning before the camera rolls
- Budgeting and funding strategy
Day 3
- The art of storytelling and narration
- Storytelling resources
- Indigenous Guest Speaker – oral storytelling practices
- Making the perfect pitch workshop
- Technology, sound on location, and appreciating the mix Post production sound and music
Day 4
- Pitching workshop
- Interviewing, and editing workflow
- Secrets for staying organized for small and large projects
- The black art of lighting
Day 5
- Legal considerations; releases, talent, music and post-production
- Social media
Day 6
- Group film project - Shoot Day! Get out there and get your film in the 'can'.
Day 7
- Editing and post-production; turn your 'rushes' into a finished film
- Filmmakers have evening access to the VIP Screening Room at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
Day 8
- Filmmakers will have access to the VIP Screening Room at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
- Attend workshops (tba)
Day 9
- Filmmakers will have access to the VIP Screening Room at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
- Guest speakers (tba)
Day 10
- Review participants' short films
- Presentations from guest lecturers (tba)
Departure: Monday
This schedule is subject to change and additions will be guided by the needs of participants.
Faculty
Keith Partridge
Capturing the essence of adventure in over 80 extreme location films has taken filmmaker and director of photography Keith Partridge to some of the world's most hostile and spectacular environments. Keith’s explorations have been pushing the limits of extreme filmmaking for television and cinema for over 30 years. He received an EMMY for cinematography for the BBC’s Human Planet series and the Guild of Television Cameramen’s Award for Excellence in 2017 for the filming of an exploratory expedition into the ‘Lost Worlds’ of Venezuela. In 2023 he received the Royal Television Society’s Camera Craft Award. He is also a lecturer with the University of Cumbria in the UK.
Photo credit: John Arran
Faculty
Michael Brown
In his career, Michael Brown has excelled as both adventure athlete and as a filmmaker. He has been to the summit of Mount Everest five times, each time with a camera rolling. His work as a director and cinematographer spans all seven continents. Films Michael has directed have won many film festival awards including the Grand Prize at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. He is also a recipient of three national Emmy® Awards, the International Alliance For Mountain Film's Grand Prize, the Explorers Festival's Camera Extreme and the Giant Screen Cinema Association (IMAX) Outstanding Cinematography Award. Michael's lens has captured ice caves for NOVA, tornadoes for Discovery, science at the South Pole for National Geographic, avalanches for the BBC and mountain climbing for giant screen IMAX movies. Michael has made a habit of going to the world's harshest, most dangerous environments and always comes back with incredible footage and compelling stories. Outside Magazine describes the cerebral filmmaker as a "swashbuckling librarian," and Men's Journal calls him "a master of gut-dropping action.
Faculty
Technical Requirements
What's Included
Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness centre.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
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Participants have access to the VIP screening room to view films and attend Festival workshops.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
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Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.
To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A one-page resume or CV describing professional education and achievements, including your most recent projects and your role in them, as well as where your films have been shown, and relevant academic, personal, and professional experience.
Cover Letter
In 500 words or less, explain both your background and your long-term goals as a filmmaker, and outline your current project. If you have requested a scholarship as part of your application, explain how this would benefit you.
You are encouraged to bring a camera to the workshop. If accepted into the program, please indicate the brand and type of camera you would bring in your cover letter.
Project Proposal
A 250-word pitch for the project you'd like to focus on during the program. Include the basic story line, what stage of development you are in, what kind of funding you require, and how this project is meaningful.
Showreel
Please provide a URL link that showcases your work.
Learning Objectives
Provide a short summary of your learning goals for the program and how you hope to contribute to the workshop.
Financial Assistance
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, scholarships are available for this program. Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question to be eligible for financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
- Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180