Where Art Meets Opportunity: How York University Prepares Students for Creative Careers

University is all about exploring new horizons and gaining new experiences to prepare students for their future careers. At York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) these possibilities go far beyond the theoretical—through a unique partnership with a working film studio, emerging creatives have the opportunity to take on coveted roles in an industry that’s infamously difficult to get started in.

“Growing up in Nova Scotia I always saw Toronto as a film hub. The biggest thing that drew me to York University’s Film Production program was the location,” says Josh Cummins, a student of AMPD’s film production program. “To be able to work in this city with all of these great productions happening seemed really exciting to me.” 

But Cummins wanted a program that wouldn’t just put him close to the action, he wanted to be immersed in it. 

“York, specifically, has so many resources that prepare you for the industry and grant you hands-on experience,” he says. “The faculty have worked in the Toronto film scene and are, in many cases, still working within that system today. Coupled with the access to professional facilities and equipment, York seemed like the best place

for me if I wanted to work in the Toronto film industry after graduation.”

“No better way to learn”

Now in his fourth year, Cummins says his experience at York has surpassed his expectations.

Through a partnership with Cinespace, Toronto’s largest provider of film and television production facilities, those sets and productions have become Cummins’ classroom, connecting him with professional, on-set working experiences and key industry connections.

Located at Cinespace, the home-base for Canadian-filmed productions such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Shape of Water, the York U Motion Media Studio (YUMMS) is a full-scale production facility, complete with soundstages, a green screen and all the other trappings of a professional film studio. It’s here students have the opportunity to learn alongside major, award-winning productions. 

“There’s no better way for students to learn than by experiencing the industry firsthand, especially in film and television production,” says Magali Simard, vice-president, government & industry relations - INTL at Cinespace Toronto. “Being immersed in the environment they may one day work in is invaluable. It helps students feel comfortable with the space and understand the scale of production operations.” 

For Cummins, this access has been career-defining. 

“Working at YUMMS has opened my eyes up to all of the possibilities within film,” Cummins says. “It’s a magical place and gives you a sense that anything could happen. One time, former prime minister Justin Trudeau showed up to one of our workshops for a chat. On the YUMMS set on another day, I realized I had a passion for recording and editing sound. Being at YUMMS makes me feel like I’m part of a Canadian community that is actually being supported and that there is infrastructure in place to allow for youthful Canadian voices to be heard—which is really important for cultivating our upcoming talent.”

Building upon classroom knowledge

For Mikaela Cordero, who graduated with a BFA in Theatre in 2024, this programming provided the opportunity to try on various production roles. “I got to explore various production departments such as wardrobe, scenic painting, carpentry, stage management, and audio,” Cordero says. 

After she discovered her passion lay in lighting, she applied through Cinespace’s training program, Cinecares, to work as a “third electrician,” the crew member responsible for setting up and executing lighting plans on the set of Devil Disguise (Season 1), an eight-episode TV series. “I was interviewed by the NBC Universal Team, and the gaffer, David Allan,” Cordero says, recalling the experience of applying for the five-month placement.

“Looking back, this experiential learning helped me build the confidence, skills, and professional connections to embark on my journey into the film industry,” she says. 

Study in one of Canada’s best cities for students, with access to global employers and industry contacts from North America’s 2nd largest financial and economic hub. Be at the heart of the action. Explore York’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design programs.