AMPD Testimonials

Science and technology make it possible to achieve things that were once beyond our reach. Creating experiences through digital media is shaping a new era, as forms of interactivity continue to diversify. I truly enjoy the moments when I showcase my Digital Media Arts assignments and projects to friends and professors. Their reactions and interactions inspire me to think about what I can create next. By combining art and science, we can craft new types of experiences that expand the boundaries of imagination and storytelling. This is what excites me to continue studying Digital Media.

Hiro Kubayashi (Fourth-Year Digital Media student)

International Student – Japan

At AMPD, I used the skills I learned in acting class and beyond to explore storytelling in a way that truly suited me. I got to know playwrights of the "canon," future playwrights, ones unappreciated in their time, and ones I felt deeply connected to, and slowly realized I am completely unique. I started writing the kind of plays I wanted to see on stage, the plays I wished existed for me to perform and pull monologues from, and I put them up at playGround. I wrote two short plays during my time at York, led my own creative spaces, and built new ones that gave me hope for a better future and a new way of making theatre. I am so grateful for the connections York brought me.

Mercedes Isaza Clunie (BFA ’23)

Founder and Creative Director, First Born Theatre

At AMPD, I gained practical skills, fresh creative tools and the confidence to tell stories across different formats, which now shape the work I do. Aside from my desire to tell my stories, I was drawn to the program because of its small class sizes and the hands-on approach. I loved the idea of seeing my work evolve from script to screen and being part of that entire creative process.

Boris Licina (BFA ’25)

Creative Producer and Screenwriter

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 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

Through AMPD, I was able to get an internship and after that my career really exploded. I was hired by the producer of The Witch, and since then I’ve gone to TIFF premieres, walked the red carpet at Cannes, and met people like Sebastian Stan and Cate Blanchett. I’ve worked on movies like The Apprentice and explored many different parts of the film world. I couldn’t have done that without AMPD.

Taylor Crowley (BFA Film Production ’22)

Development Coordinator and Emerging Producer

At AMPD, I was given so many opportunities to try all aspects of theatre—whether it was costume design, hanging lights, writing, or acting. Working on so many shows forces you to respect the people around you and build something together that you never could have created on your own.

David Hein (BFA Theatre ’97)

Tony-nominated writer, composer, and lyricist of Come From Away and Waking Ned Devine on Broadway

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

I chose AMPD because York has the oldest film production program in Canada, so I knew I could trust the quality of the education and the resources offered throughout my four years. One of the biggest advantages is that our professors are deeply connected to the industry and are actively working in the field.

Kush, Fourth-year Production Student