Promoting Pathways to the Film and Television Industry

Secondary DDSB and DCDSB students learn about on and off-screen career opportunities

On November 27^th, approximately 400 secondary students from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) gathered at the DDSB Education Centre in Whitby.

Students were there to learn about the numerous career pathways that are available to pursue in the film and television industry.

“It’s valuable for students to realize that film production happens locally and not just in places like New York City or Los Angeles,” explains Denise Stirton, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) and Cooperative Education Facilitator at the DDSB.

Stirton and Eileen Kennedy, Economic Development Coordinator and Film Liaison for the Regional Municipality of Durham, teamed up to bring the Film Industry Career Fair to Durham students.

Endless Opportunities at Durham Live

Stirton says the underlying reason for bringing this opportunity to students is to shine a light on an entertainment district, called Durham Live, currently being constructed in Pickering. One of the main facilities that are to be a part of Durham Live includes a film studio owned by TriBro Studios. The film studio is part of phase one of the four-part Durham Live construction plan. At this point in time no official completion date has been announced, but ground has been broken.

TriBro Studios is building a 400,000 square-foot studio facility that will feature two 70,000 square-foot soundstages, a 100,000 square-foot stage, and much more. As a result, thousands of jobs in the film industry from set and stage construction, to hair and makeup, props, wardrobe, electrical, lighting, and camera operation will become available in Durham Region.

Representatives from TriBro Studios also attended the Film Industry Career Fair to share information with interested students.

Q&A with Industry Professionals

The Career Fair offered participants a chance to meet industry professionals, visit interactive displays, and learn about job opportunities in the film and television industry.

Representatives from post-secondary institutions including Durham College and Ontario Tech University were on-hand to offer students information about their film and television industry programs.

Students also engaged in a panel discussion where they spoke directly to a variety of industry professionals from organizations such as: Director’s Guild of Canada, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), and SpinVFX (a visual effects studio that produces imagery for feature films and television).

Thinking Outside the Box

Stirton notes, “Career fairs such as these are a great way for students to get hands-on experience and learn about the fabulous employment opportunities in their own neighbourhood. It allows them to think about something different.”