Bow Valley College’s Centre for Entertainment Arts programs (CEA) are the latest additions to their offering, perfect for creatives who want to break into the industry. Carefully crafted for the new generation of game developers, animators and VFX artists, the 8,000 sq. ft facility will train students to contribute to Calgary’s rapidly diversifying economy (for the second time, the city was named as one of the best places to live as a moviemaker by MovieMaker magazine) — and beyond.

With students from all over the world, Bow Valley College is Southern Alberta’s largest comprehensive college with an 88% graduate employment rate. Full of great facilities and services, the school boasts an extensive list of courses across various disciplines separated into specialised schools and programs. All provide a well-rounded learning experience — the 600 faculty and staff members collectively speak over 50 languages, and- deliver high-quality instruction across small classes where teaching is interactive, personalised and engaging.

“One of the best parts of a-Bow Valley College CEA education is that the students get the opportunity to work with industry professionals who provide invaluable feedback,” adds Clemens.

Instructor Jon-Jon Atienza is one such expert. One film he worked on — "The Flying Sailor" by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis – was nominated for an Academy Award. "I was hired to do VFX assets; it was a short contract for one major shot. If you’ve seen the film, it’s the part where the guy is floating and suddenly explodes into tiny little particles, sweeps through space, goes back to earth, and he crash-lands," he says. "I did pretty much the majority of that sequence."

Having experts as lecturers and mentors can significantly boost one's education. “Our students are learning from the same people who are working and giving feedback on some of the biggest projects in the world. 'Stranger Things,’ ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Ninja Turtles’ are just a few of the productions our instructors have worked on.” Students will also work on a final portfolio that will give them a leg up when applying for jobs.

Top that off with the chance for real work experience that gets your foot in the door, and you have what many students call an exceptional program.

The many disciplines within the entertainment industry can be overwhelming, but the college ensures that students are guided towards their individual end goals. “To help students to learn where they want to go and what they want to do, we teach a wide variety of skills to allow them to explore careers,” says Clemens. “We’ve had students who entered with an idea of what they wanted to do and are now looking to pivot to something different within the industry because they found their passion, and we’re supporting that.”

Art is a fundamental part of life, and artists, regardless of their forms, are crucial for humanity. And it helps that these same creators flourish and shine in a thriving industry. “Calgary and Alberta are in a prime moment for growth in the entertainment industry,” says Jeff Clemens, program chair for the CEA. “There have never been more productions here, and with ‘The Last of Us’ being one of the biggest shows in the world, it’s been amazing to see Calgary (and Bow Valley College) featured. Along with the growth in these industries, there are needs for people and talent that aren’t being met. Bow Valley College CEA is - looking to fill that gap and to be the primary training facility for this industry in Alberta.”

What makes Bow Valley College’s new centre special?

“One of the best parts of a-Bow Valley College CEA education is that the students get the opportunity to work with industry professionals who provide invaluable feedback,” adds Clemens.

Instructor Jon-Jon Atienza is one such expert. One film he worked on — "The Flying Sailor" by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis – was nominated for an Academy Award. "I was hired to do VFX assets; it was a short contract for one major shot. If you’ve seen the film, it’s the part where the guy is floating and suddenly explodes into tiny little particles, sweeps through space, goes back to earth, and he crash-lands," he says. "I did pretty much the majority of that sequence."

Having experts as lecturers and mentors can significantly boost one's education. “Our students are learning from the same people who are working and giving feedback on some of the biggest projects in the world. 'Stranger Things,’ ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Ninja Turtles’ are just a few of the productions our instructors have worked on.” Students will also work on a final portfolio that will give them a leg up when applying for jobs.

Top that off with the chance for real work experience that gets your foot in the door, and you have what many students call an exceptional program.

The many disciplines within the entertainment industry can be overwhelming, but the college ensures that students are guided towards their individual end goals. “To help students to learn where they want to go and what they want to do, we teach a wide variety of skills to allow them to explore careers,” says Clemens. “We’ve had students who entered with an idea of what they wanted to do and are now looking to pivot to something different within the industry because they found their passion, and we’re supporting that.”

Art is a fundamental part of life, and artists, regardless of their forms, are crucial for humanity. And it helps that these same creators flourish and shine in a thriving industry. “Calgary and Alberta are in a prime moment for growth in the entertainment industry,” says Jeff Clemens, program chair for the CEA. “There have never been more productions here, and with ‘The Last of Us’ being one of the biggest shows in the world, it’s been amazing to see Calgary (and Bow Valley College) featured. Along with the growth in these industries, there are needs for people and talent that aren’t being met. Bow Valley College CEA is - looking to fill that gap and to be the primary training facility for this industry in Alberta.”

What makes Bow Valley College’s new centre special?

Lights, cameras, CEA programs that jumpstart careers

Hear from the students

Learn more about Bow Valley College

Want to know more?