Cinespace Studios Toronto, the city’s largest provider of film and television production facilities, has been named Studio of the Year at the 2025 Global Production Awards in Cannes.
This award honours a studio that delivers the highest standards for both productions and the local community, while also demonstrating development and innovation. Among the factors that made Cinespace stand out is its ongoing partnership with York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD).
The York U Motion Media Studio (YUMMS) is a one-of-a-kind space inside Cinespace that puts AMPD students at the heart of the film and television world.
“Our shared goal of creating the best environment to develop talent is embodied in YUMMS,” says Magali Simard, Director of Industry & Community Relations at Cinespace Toronto. “The collaboration between York and Cinespace is completely unique in the market and has set a gold standard for educational and industry partnerships. Every day, students are training, filming and meeting professionals right here on the same campus as some of the largest productions in the world are made.”
The studio environment gives students real exposure to professional productions, and according to Simard, that access is essential to preparing the next generation of creators.
“There’s no better way for students to learn than by experiencing the industry firsthand, especially in film and television production. Being immersed in the environment they may one day work in is invaluable. It helps students feel comfortable with the space and understand the scale of production operations.”
In addition to classes, YUMMS also hosts events, workshops and professional meetups. One example is Industry Talks, a speaker series that brings leading voices, including successful AMPD alumni, from across the media industry directly to students.
“Initiatives like the meet-and-greets organized by YUMMS, where students connect with industry professionals, and seeing York grads go on to work on productions at Cinespace, really enhance the experience,” says Simard.
“It’s the perfect way to bridge education and real-world application.”
The win also reflects the studio’s deep integration with Toronto’s production ecosystem.
“At Cinespace Toronto, we’re committed to being more than just a world-class studio facility. We aim to create a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that supports our clients and our community,” adds Simard. “We want productions to choose us not only for our spaces and services, but also for the way we engage with the local community. With CineCares, our flagship crew training program and our incredible partnership with York University, we get to contribute significantly to the future of talent in Toronto and Ontario.”
AMPD Associate Professor and YUMMS Director, Ingrid Veninger, has been working closely with Simard and the Cinespace team to grow the partnership and deepen student opportunities.
“It’s brilliant to be in partnership with Cinespace Toronto,” says Veninger. “Our students have access to world-class studio facilities, and now, Cinespace Toronto has been named Studio of the Year at the 2025 Global Production Awards. An incredible recognition for an incredible partner.”
The win underscores what AMPD students gain through a partnership rooted in real-world access – right in the spaces where screen stories are made.
Congratulations to the Cinespace team!
Visit globalproductionawards.com to learn more.
About Cinespace
Cinespace Studios is a best-in-class global platform of production facilities that supports content providers and their creatives. The platform is one of the largest sound stage operators globally with 109 active stages across Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Wilmington and Studio Babelsberg in Germany. CineCares, a division of the studio, has been established to support, promote, and engage local communities to support workforce development and crew diversity. For more information, visit www.cinespace.com.
Tour the York U Motion Media Studio
Curious what it’s like inside the studio? Watch a tour of YUMMS with Professor Ingrid Veninger. Visit the York U Motion Media Studio’s website or follow along on Instagram @yorkmotion.