Please note that the program application functionality for all Banff Centre programs will be temporarily turned off for our seasonal closure at 4pm on Thursday 19th December, until noon on Thursday 2nd January. No new applications or payments may be made during this period. Please note that part 3 (portfolio submission) will remain open. See part 3 of the 'How To Apply' section for details. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

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Adventure Filmmakers Workshop 2025

Mountain Culture | In Person
Application Deadline
May 28, 2025
Program Dates -
Arrive
Depart

Program Information

Adventure Filmmakers Workshop 2023

Adventure Filmmakers Workshop 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor. 

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

Michael Brown

Faculty

Technical Requirements

Camera 
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. 

Software 
Experience in editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite-Premiere Pro or AVID are assets, but not required.

What's Included

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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.

Accommodations
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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.

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Studio Space Read more Close

Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities.

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Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

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Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

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Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Read more Close

Participants have access to the VIP screening room to view films and attend Festival workshops.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$4 229.40
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$3 374.70
You Pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$854.70

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.

  • Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
  • 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.

Holiday Closure

The student application and payment system is now closed for the institutional rest period. It will reopen at noon on Thursday 2nd January. The Admissions Office closes Thursday 19th December and reopens Thursday 2nd January.

Step 1:

Application Temporarily Unavailable

Step 2:

Application Temporarily Unavailable

Resume

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
Application Deadline
May 28, 2025
Program Dates -
Arrive
Depart