AMPD Testimonials

The knowledge I gained in digital and interactive media was a huge asset for my current role. The Media Arts program offered a strong foundation in film, media studies, and production, while also letting us dive into areas that excited us. One of my favourite Media Arts experiences was shooting a 360 short film at the York U Motion Media Studio. It was my first time on set and a valuable learning experience. As production manager, I coordinated the shoot and team roles. It was an exciting experience that I was proud to lead.

Adina Brodkin (BFA ’22)

Digital Associate Producer at CBC

I came to film school to find people to make work with. Almost twenty years since graduating, I still work with a large number of York alums. It’s no surprise, since this school tends to attract people seeking more radical ways to make films, and not just formulaic imitations.

Maya Bankovic (BFA ’07)

Award-Winning Cinematographer, with work featured at TIFF in both 2024 and 2025

As an international student, I feel that AMPD has a very welcoming community. Since my first year, I've learned things from screenwriting to film analysis to spending time on set. I like that I can choose what interests me.

Gabi Barros

Fourth-year Cinema & Media Arts student

International Student - Brazil

My time at York was actually amazing. I never put myself in a box and nor did York University and it opened up so many doors. York has everything to do with my success now.

Debra Brown (BFA ’78)

Principal Choreographer, Cirque du Soleil 

I chose to come to AMPD because York offers the only university-level screenwriting program in the entire country. The networking opportunities here, combined with being located in Toronto—the hub of Canada's film industry—definitely played a key role in my decision to join this program.

Victoria Austin

Second-year Screenwriting Student

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

The Design program provided me with several opportunities to practice professionally and prepare me for my graphic design career. These opportunities span from doing a co-op in my third year, learning about the business of design in Design Management, participating in hackathons with my classmates and more.

Caitlin Lewis

Graphic Designer, Division of Students, York University

The community that is here in the studios is supportive and they love my work and they always cheer me on. They inspire me - I found my community.

Revill Villanueva (BFA ’23)

Visual Arts – Studio 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have toured the world with artists like Do Make Say Think, Andy Shauf, and The Weather Station, while also co-founding festivals, serving on the Board of Directors at the Music Gallery and leading the Guelph Jazz Festival as Artistic Director. I am very grateful for the patience and openness from my teachers at York as I explored various aspects of music and eventually settled into performance and education as my career. This has gifted me with a profound humbleness in what it means to be part of a community and a human of the world.

Karen Ng (Music '06)

Toronto-based musician and curator