AMPD Testimonials

What stands out for me from York was the attention and support we received as students. Our program created a safe space to experiment and develop our voices as filmmakers. That freedom to take risks and refine our perspective was formative, and it’s wonderful to see alumni from the program now spreading their wings in a big way. Read our feature on Jack’s journey.

Jack Weisman (BFA ’15)
Director, Cinematographer & Producer
Grand Jury Prize Winner, 2026 Sundance Film Festival

What stands out about my time at York is the relationships. We made many close friends that we continue to work with to this day. It’s important to work with collaborators you trust and who believe in your work, and those relationships can take years to develop. It becomes harder to form those bonds as you grow older. York was like this primordial soup where many of those initial creative connections began. Read our feature on Gabriela’s journey.

Gabriela Osio Vanden (BFA ’16)
Director, Cinematographer & Producer
Grand Jury Prize Winner, 2026 Sundance Film Festival

My time at AMPD as both a master’s and doctoral student was a crucial part of my development as a composer and musician. As a student, I developed several compositions and concepts that synthesized my musical influences, and the music of Immersed is a direct continuation of that journey. My professors supported me in pushing the boundaries of my creative process while learning to see potential through multiple critical lenses. Read our feature on Justin’s journey.

Justin Gray (MA ’14)
Composer, Bassist & Producer
Grammy Award Winner, Best Immersive Audio Album

Most training is foundational for an artist and York was no exception. At York I began to develop both my creative practice as well as my voice as an artist. I'm grateful for the four years of exploration. I also think theatre school is a great training ground for long hours, and a rigid schedule. That was helpful when I left and started booking work.

Nadine Bhabha (BFA ‘16)
Actor, Heated Rivalry (2025)
Canadian Screen Award nominee

My time at York and the opportunity to experience a plethora of different theatre classes helped to cultivate respect and understanding about all the hard work that occurs behind the scenes. At AMPD, I had classes about costuming, lighting, and carpentry, and each class taught me new skills and gave me a new appreciation for the people who have made careers out of these skills.

Ellise Roth (BFA ’22)
Actor (Theatre and Film)  

In AMPD’s Dance program, you can study anything from kinesiology and production to ballet and more. We also get exposure to dance styles from around the world. One of my most memorable experiences was working backstage on upper-year shows in my first year. Now, as a fourth-year student, I’m on the other side as Assistant Artistic Director, helping with choreography and supporting the production. Seeing that growth has been very meaningful to me. The support from my professors has also helped me take on professional opportunities outside of school, including performing with the National Ballet of Canada, while still balancing my studies.

Jacqueline, fourth-year Dance Student

Performed with the National Ballet of Canada (The Nutcracker)

I love how the program balances hands-on learning with theory. As much as you’re writing and exploring ideas, you’re also refining technical skills and learning how to work behind the camera as part of a crew. We had opportunities to visit YUMMS at Cinespace Studios and talk to industry professionals and TV writers. It’s a very driven and collaborative environment where everyone wants you to succeed.

Daniela, third-year Film Production student

The media industries are constantly evolving, so you have to reinvent yourself to stay relevant. I credit the depth of my York education for giving me the perspective to understand new challenges and the agility to tackle them.

Michael Emberley (BFA Film Production, ’00)
Award-winning television editor

My time at York gave me the foundation I needed to step into professional design work. I was encouraged to develop my artistic voice and translate that into my designs, and many of the artists I met there remain collaborators to this day.

Michelle Tracey (BFA Theatre ’13)
Award-winning costume & set designer