Instructor, Film Arts
About The Position
Film Arts is an eight-month intensive, collaborative and comprehensive program for students wishing to work in film as actors, writers, directors and producers. Instructors are working professionals who bring their expertise and experience into the classroom. Over the two terms at Film Arts, students will produce two films each. For the Summer 2026 semester, the Film Arts program is looking for an instructor to teach the following courses: FLMA 1200 “Art of the Short Film” is a 3-credit course lecture/seminar/lab course. Short films will be screened, discussed and/or written about during the class. This course begins with a historical perspective: a look at the very first films made by Edison, the Lumiere Brothers, Melies and others. From there we branch out to dramatic, experimental, art, animated, and documentary films; music videos; commercials; and short films made by some of the directors we admire today. Students will gain an appreciation for the history and art of the short film; be exposed to the diversity of styles, genres and aesthetic expression possible with short films; and connect the techniques, language and principles of the short film to commercial feature length films. Students will explore expression and history of the moving image as a 'universe' which surrounds them and informs their daily cultural, economic, technological and personal lives. FLMA 1250 “Case Studies” is a 3-credit course focused on the journey from script to screen. This course emphasizes scene construction, visualization techniques, and directorial vision through analysis of screenplays and completed films. The course schedule includes guest speakers and industry site visits (e.g., post-production facilities). The instructor is responsible for sourcing and coordinating these contributions in collaboration with department administration. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Analyze screenplays and work toward a director’s vision by creating design materials, storyboards, shot lists, and providing creative guidance through post-production of their films. Key areas of study include:[Text Wrapping Break] Scene analysis through beat identification and blocking Working with actors — Meisner vs. Method techniques Creating a safe and collaborative set environment Advanced sequence shots and dolly moves Director’s Vision / Look-book production and post-production Film marketing and distribution strategies Post-production, colour timing, and sound design methodology
Requirements
- A minimum of 10 years of credited professional experience directing narrative film and/or television productions with demonstrated experience working with actors in a directorial capacity, familiarity with working with the writer, storyboarding, shot listing, and pre-visualization processes as well as practical knowledge of post-production workflows including colour timing and sound design.
- Demonstrated expertise in both screenwriting and directing of feature-length narrative projects funded by Telefilm, CBC, Knowledge Network, Superchannel and/or equivalent bodies, preferably with nominations or awards.
- Proven teaching experience in film arts at the post-secondary level, including courses on directing, acting, screenwriting, film history, or visualization (e.g., institutions like Capilano University or UBC, Langara College, In Focus, Alexander College, or Vancouver Film School).
- Attendance at film festivals and industry networks (e.g., TIFF, VIFF, Berlinale, Cannes), including participation in talent labs.
- Deep expertise in film history and aesthetics, ranging from the Lumière brothers and the silent era to the evolution of synchronized sound and color.
- Adept at analyzing production design, cinematography, and soundscapes.
- Extensive background in international cinema—specifically Iranian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and European traditions—with a focus on the intersection of historical context and filmic movements.
- Strong organizational skills for managing classes and digital tools like Brightspace.
- Master’s degree in film or qualification for Langara College’s master’s equivalency accreditation.
- Training in acting technique, including Meisner and/or Method approaches.
Nice To Haves
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage diverse student populations.
- Extensive education and practical knowledge of the history of the moving image.
- Experience mentoring diverse groups, such as street youth, beginning filmmakers, or at-risk individuals, through workshops, coaching, or production guidance.
- Festival recognition or award nominations for directorial work.
- Established professional network in the Canadian film and television industry.
- Experience writing original screenplays, treatments, or other script-based materials.
- Familiarity with Brightspace (D2L) or comparable learning management systems.
- Applicant stays current by attending premier film festivals and markets to discover emerging trends and consistently fine-tuning their professional development to remain up to date for students.
- A successful recipient of funding from Telefilm, NFB, Canada Council or other sources who can relay this invaluable information to our students.
- Attendance at film festival talent labs.
- Awards or nominations for directorial work, such as best direction, best film, or audience choice at festivals.
- Experience in related roles, such as First Assistant Director or field director for TV series.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a track record of creating safe, supportive environments on set and in the classroom.
- A Member in good standing with the DGC or WGC.
Responsibilities
- Delivering engaging lectures and labs on produced films, with a focus on scene analysis, blocking, beats, and advanced cinematography techniques.
- Managing course administration via Brightspace (D2L), including posting discussions, grading participation, and ensuring email forwarding for student communications.
- Maintaining currency in relevant subject areas and striving for excellence in instructional practices and pedagogy.
- Maintaining currency with software required to produce said work.
- Ensuring effective use of available class time and supervising lab/studio time.
- Attending departmental meetings and assisting with departmental duties.
- Attending film set visits and being available to consult with students.
- Maintaining collegial working relationships, actively contributing to the department and College.
- Coordinating guest speakers (e.g. directors, actors, and post-production experts).
- Facilitating field trips to post-production facilities.
- Evaluating student work, including Director's Vision packages for production and post-production, class participation, and a final exam (modified open-book format, no internet access).
- Enforcing college policies on plagiarism, submissions, and etiquette.
- Fostering an inclusive, collaborative classroom where students work independently and in groups, respecting facilities and deadlines.
- Offering office hours by appointment and providing timely feedback on assignments, and other student consultation.
Benefits
- Extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
- Generous vacation package plus paid time off during college winter closure (1 week in December)
- Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
- Potential eligibility for educational, training, and developmental programs
- Access to on-site daycare subject to availability
- Tuition waivers for courses at Langara College, subject to space availability
- Course/program tuition reimbursements
- Wellness classes and campus engagement events
