There’s something electric in the air at Industry Talks.
“Students engage with incredible guest speakers and industry trailblazers, connect with each other in a fun setting and leave feeling energized and inspired,” says acclaimed filmmaker, York U Motion Media Studio (YUMMS) Director, and AMPD Associate Professor Ingrid Veninger.
“I’ve seen so many exciting collaborations spark at Industry Talks—people find crews, actors, co-writing partners and more. Industry Talks isn’t just about listening to professionals—it’s about discovering what’s possible. It’s about finding your people, your voice and your next creative breakthrough.”
With six masterclasses and social mixers throughout the year, Industry Talks 2.0 wrapped its final event this March. Hosted at YUMMS at Cinespace, the series combined real-world insight with meaningful creative exchange, giving AMPD students a front-row seat to career paths in Canada’s evolving film, television and media industries.
What’s New in 2.0
Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural series, Industry Talks 2.0 featured dynamic conversations and real-world insight. The event always ended with a social mixer where students networked over refreshments, reflected on what they’d heard, and connected with guests and peers in a relaxed, welcoming setting—right in the middle of the studio’s green screens and standing sets.
Industry Talks 2.0 also introduced a brand-new element: a dedicated podcast series, offering bite-sized highlights and behind-the-scenes moments for those who couldn’t attend in person.
Voices from the Industry
Throughout the 2024–25 series, students had the chance to engage with some of the most accomplished voices in Canadian film and television.
The lineup featured Ian Iqbal Rashid, the Peabody Award-winning Executive Producer and Lead Writer of Sort Of (CBC) and Lea Marin, Head of Drama Development at CBC.
Students also heard from AMPD alumnus and BlackBerry cinematographer Jared Raab (BFA ’07), as well as writer/director Katia Café-Fébrissy, a recent recipient of Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch.
In February, they welcomed AMPD alumna Weyni Mengesha (BFA ‘05), Artistic Director at Soulpepper Theatre and one of Toronto Life’s 50 Most Influential Torontonians, who shared how her time at AMPD helped shape her creative path.
“AMPD was important for my journey,” Mengesha said. “It changed my path. I started university as an actor, but by second year I knew I wanted to direct. By third year, I was focused on understanding the aesthetics of Black Canadian work and the artists who came before me.”
The final event this March wrapped with MOTION, an award-winning showrunner, screenwriter, producer, poet, and emcee. With credits including Diggstown, The Porter, and Akilla’s Escape, MOTION shared her creative journey, career path and experiences with students, offering valuable insights into the industry.
After the event, she shared her hopes for what students took away from the experience.
“I hope students left feeling inspired and excited about what’s next for them. Choosing a career in the arts—film, TV, storytelling—is a meaningful decision. Building a community around your passion is key.”
Reflecting on the series as a whole, Veninger highlighted what has made Industry Talks resonate so strongly with students.
“In my mind, there are three key elements that have helped build real momentum," she explains. "The consistency of a monthly event students can count on, the open-floor Q&A where attendees come prepared to engage, and the social mixer at the end—this is the heart of the evening.”
A perfect example came after Weyni Mengesha’s talk. She was approached by a group of passionate theatre students, and, seeing a reflection of her younger self in them, she generously offered tickets to Kim’s Convenience at Soulpepper Theatre. She also invited them backstage to meet the cast.
It's often during the social mixer where the most meaningful moments of the night happen. Students have the chance to speak directly with the guest speaker, ask thoughtful questions and make genuine connections. It’s the kind of experience that can open unexpected doors.
“Who knows where that experience might lead?” Veninger says. “The sky’s the limit.”
Missed a session? Catch up with Industry Talks Podcast Bytes.
Follow @YorkMotion and stay connected for updates on future events.