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

The theory and fundamental skills I gained at York for creative movie-making through development and production prepared me for my career. I would suggest that students absorb the experience and learn by forcing mistakes, pushing the limits and networking. As one of my third-year professors said, ‘When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’

Bill Bannerman (BFA ’83)

Executive Producer, known for The Twilight Saga, The Predator, Masters of the Universe and more.

One thing I love about the Digital Media program is that it’s at the intersection of art and technology. I’m learning incredible technical skills and I’m using that to create art in so many different forms. I have so much creative freedom.

Prachi Sadhwani

Fourth-year Digital Media student

International Student – India/Jamaica

I chose AMPD because it has a diverse group of creatives who are like-minded to myself. What makes my program unique is the broad range of courses that allow Design students to branch off to different streams. The most valuable thing I have learned so far in my program is to not be afraid of experimentation. By taking leaps of faith and not being scared to try new things, I have received the chance to experience streams within my major that are offered outside of my comfort zone, including package design, motion design, and branding. These experiences and challenges have contributed to my academic and creative pursuits by allowing me to learn and grow as an aspiring artist and designer in Toronto.

Kesha U
Fourth-year Student in the Design Program

What I remember most about my time at York was the incredible faculty and some of the most amazing teachers that I’ve ever come into contact with. People who really shaped my journey as a musician and showed me what the options were in this industry. The advice I would give students today is to just keep going – focus on the things that excite you, and don’t lose sight of the reason that you got into playing music in the first place.

Jeremy Ledbetter (BFA Music ’02)

Juno Award-winning pianist and composer

Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson's production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.

Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)

Director of Measures for a Funeral, premiered at TIFF in 2024

The support of my peers and the guidance of my professors provided me with a strong foundation to step into the real world and on set with confidence. Through my time at AMPD, I gained valuable skills that I’m still building on, and it gave me a growth mindset to stay open and always be learning. My advice to future students is to be open to any pathway. You never know where each opportunity might lead.

Mikaela Cordero (Theatre BFA ‘24)

CineCares Electric Trainee, ‘Devil in Disguise’

One of my favourite things about the Screenwriting program is that you can connect with real filmmakers, people who are actually out there and doing what you want to do, so you can watch things that they have made, and hear directly from them about their process; it is just really helpful to know what it takes to make it, and to develop your own stories.

Oliver B

Current student - Screenwriting

Studying in AMPD's Music program deepened my passion for music and provided me with skills that I continue to use in both performance and life. One of my most cherished memories is Tuesday nights with the Gospel Choir, where I made lifelong friends who I now consider family.

Angelina (Gulla) De Paola (Music, '10)

York University (Administration), Private Voice teacher and Performer