Want to break into the film industry?

Start your journey behind the camera at Sisler CREATE.


Whether you dream of directing, shooting, editing, or producing, CREATE’s Post-High Film Production stream is where it all begins. Designed for grads under 21 from across Manitoba, this program gives you hands-on experience, pro gear, and real industry insight.

From script to screen, you’ll build your portfolio, learn how sets actually run, and get mentored by people who live and breathe filmmaking.


Ready to roll? Read through the application requirements (below) carefully and put your portfolio together. Then be sure to apply using the form at the bottom of this page.


If you have questions, please reach out to the Film Program instructors:

Marcus Fowler – mfowler@wsd1.org

Jonathan Dyck-Lyons – jlyons@wsd1.org

HOW TO APPLY

FILM PRODUCTION – Program Highlights:

Skills Bootcamp: Students join our program with a wide range of prior experience. To start the year, we bring everyone up to speed with a skills bootcamp designed to prepare you to take on your first mini documentary.

CBC Creator Network: All film cohort students spend the first semester creating short documentaries for broadcast on CBC through the CBC Creator Network. CBC staff deliver masterclasses and mentorship. Students are paid for their content.

Bell MTS/Fibe TV1: During the second semester, some film students work with Bell MTS to create a short factual series for broadcast on Fibe TV. Students are paid for their content.

Narrative Filmmaking: Students who focus the second half of their year on narrative short film production will receive mentorship from industry professionals and have the chance to screen their work at a theatre event sponsored by IATSE 856.

Internships: Throughout the second half of the post-high year, students have the opportunity to be placed in a range of filmmaking internships at every stage of production, including office & pre-production, on set, editing, VFX, colour grading and more. Many of our internships have led to full-time employment in the year following completion of the program.

Client-based projects: Our students’ prominent reputation has led to many requests for paid client work from numerous organizations, such as True North Sports Entertainment, Festival du Voyageur, Winnipeg School Division, and more.

Workshops: The film cohort regularly brings in industry mentors and leaders to host talks & workshops, including gaffers, camera operators, producers, cinematographers, directors, editors, union members and more.

Tours: We regularly tour facilities such as Frank Digital, William F. White, Big Sky Studios, Winnipeg Film Group, Urban Prairie Post, Red River College, CBC Studios, and a variety of active Film & TV productions.


Some Samples of Past Student Work:

CBC Creator Network mini-documentaries:

Manitobans shine on national Para hockey team

They’re wooden, they’re whimsical and they’ve charmed an entire neighbourhood

So a ghost walks into a bar … How a Winnipeg comedian developed a passion for the paranormal

Costumes, music, and dance beats: Winnipeg’s Ati clan celebrate their culture with annual festival 


Narrative Short Films:

2023/2024 Film Cohort Short Films

2024/2025 Film Cohort Short Films


Instagram Accounts:

2023/2024 Film Cohort Instagram

2024/2025 Film Cohort Instagram

2025/2026 Film Cohort Instagram


Application Requirements:

Please note that we will be assessing applicants’ ability to follow instructions and pay attention to detail.


SET UP YOUR PORTFOLIO:


INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply for the Sisler CREATE Post High Film program, students must submit a portfolio that demonstrates foundational film production skills, creative storytelling ability, and a commitment to collaborative media-making. The portfolio must include:

  1. ONE of the three CORE PROJECT options below.
  2. Any other media production work that you are proud of.
  3. At least one letter of reference from a media production teacher or someone else that would be able to speak to your media production abilities.
  4. A short letter from you to us where you tell us a little about yourself and why you want to take this program. Be sure to share with us: related classes you took in high school, what you like about film/VFX/digital design, what you hope to get out of the Sisler CREATE program, and what your career aspirations are. *NOTE: There is a section on the application form (below) that asks for a similar “essay” about why you are interested in the Sisler CREATE program. Feel free to write “submitted in portfolio on Google Drive” as your response for that question.


CORE PROJECTS (you only need to do ONE of these):


1. Music Video Edit (approximately 2 Minutes)

Pick a song that you love and shoot a music video for it!

Purpose: Showcase your ability to combine cinematography and editing techniques in a dynamic and stylistically coherent piece.

Requirements:

  • Include a mix of shot types (wide, medium, close-up).
  • Emphasize visual rhythm, pacing, and match cuts.
  • Use transitions, visual effects, or overlays purposefully.
  • Demonstrate understanding of:
    • Colour grading and visual tone
    • Cutting on the beat
    • Syncing visuals with emotional cues in the music

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Visual storytelling without dialogue
  • Editing rhythm and flow
  • Technical polish (camera movement, shot stability, lighting)


2. Personality Profile (approximately 2 Minutes)

Think of this as a mini-documentary. Choose a classmate, friend, or family member who is willing to share about something interesting that they’re into. Here is an example of the kind of thing we’re looking for:

Purpose: Highlight your ability to conduct interviews, structure a compelling narrative, and use b-roll to support spoken content.

Requirements:

  • Must include at least one on-camera interview with a subject.
  • Must use b-roll footage to illustrate ideas or moments discussed in the interview.
  • Clear audio recording and intentional sound design.
  • Narrative should follow a clear beginning, middle, and end.
  • Use of lower-thirds and/or title graphics encouraged.

Suggested Supporting Resources:

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Interview framing, lighting, and audio quality
  • Effective use of b-roll to support or contrast the subject’s story
  • Emotional engagement and clarity of subject matter


3. Short Story (approximately 2 Minutes)

This can be any type of narrative video that you have created.

Purpose: Demonstrate your storytelling ability, creativity, and understanding of basic narrative film language.

Requirements:

  • Should have a clear beginning, middle, and end (3-act structure).
  • Should show understanding of blocking, camera placement, and continuity.
  • Should include a variety of shot sizes and angles and adhere to the 180-degree rule.

Suggested Supporting Resources:

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Originality and clarity of concept
  • Effective use of filmmaking techniques
  • Performance direction and shot choice
  • Pacing and continuity


OTHER WORK:

If you would like to submit other work (video, motion graphics, graphic design, animation, etc.) that you have done to support your overall portfolio, you are encouraged to do so. This would go in the “Other work to show” folder. 


Submission Guidelines:

  • Export videos in 1080p resolution (MP4 preferred).
  • Title each file clearly, e.g.: Lastname_Firstname_MusicVideo.mp4, etc.
  • Make sure that your Google Drive folder access is set to be viewed by “Anyone with the Link”.


Questions?
Email jlyons@wsd1.org or mfowler@wsd1.org, or visit www.sislercreate.com for more information.

We look forward to seeing your work and learning about your voice as a filmmaker.


Apply to Post-High Film Production: