The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD)

Coming out of the Digital Media program gave me a unique advantage in being a front-end developer who has a creative background and is able to think a bit more creatively about development.

Daniel James (BA ’17)

Front-end Software Engineer – Helium Inc.

What I valued most about my time at AMPD was the culture with its vibrant passion for theatre arts coupled with inclusivity––where different voices and perspectives were not just welcomed but celebrated. The training—equal parts theory and hands-on practice—pushed me to think deeper, grapple with time management, and trust my instincts. My professors encouraged me to see storytelling as both an artistic calling and a responsibility, reminding me of the power it can hold. That foundation has guided my career and my creative path, shaping the kind of work I strive to make: authentic, inclusive, and transformative.

Stafford Arima (BA ’92)

Artistic Director, Theatre Calgary

I got really inspired by the experiences around me. I love that the arts faculty included music, theatre, film and design. You have to take other courses and integrate yourself amongst this whole arts umbrella.

Claire Scott (BFA ’16)

Artist & Curator

My time in York University's CMA program at AMPD was foundational to the way I work and collaborate today. I was drawn to the program because of its hands-on approach and the opportunity to explore a variety of paths within the film and media industry. From day one, I was surrounded by like-minded creatives who challenged and inspired me. One of the things I valued most was the chance to try on many different hats: writing for TV, directing fiction, cinematography, picture editing. Today, I approach filmmaking from a place of community building, and it's this program that taught me how to build and maintain strong professional relationships, something the film industry is built on. I’m especially grateful for the time and feedback my professors gave me on my work. Their encouragement allowed me the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, which was crucial to my development.

Eric Bizzarri (BFA '17)

Co-Founder and CEO, Future of Film Showcase

York’s Digital Media program allows me to use my love of coding for both creative as well as practical applications, and so much more. I have not only been able to learn and develop new programming skills, but I have also used them to create games, websites and algorithms which I am proud of, as well as many different kinds of art, with beautiful designs, sounds and messages that have been inspired by the wonderful nature of this program.

Robert J. (Fourth-year Digital Media student)

Helen Lee (MFA ’24)

Director of Tenderness, premiered as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts program in 2024

Albert Shin, BFA 2006

There’s a really great community of PhD students here at AMPD – it’s important to have those people there to challenge you in the right kinds of ways.

Shannon Garden Smith (PhD Student, Visual Arts)