Co-coordinator of Film Production Sends His Welcome: Guest Blog by Yale Massey

A warm welcome to students entering the Toronto Film School and beginning the wonderful journey into the television and film industry.  And welcome back to all returning students to the Film Production Diploma program. For those of you who do not already know me, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Yale Massey and I am the co-coordinator of the Film Production Diploma at Toronto Film School. I am not new to the wonderful environment at Toronto Film School as I have been instructing in the Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre Diploma program for the past six years.

I have seen many classes and students graduate and it has been a joy to see everyone in their graduation gowns at the final ceremony. In the past I oversaw the writing, producing and directing of the short films by students in the Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre Diploma program. They have often told me that the best part about making short films has been teaming up with Film Production Diploma students as well as the Writing for Film and Television Diploma students and the Graphic Design and Interactive Media students. It is that kind of collaboration between Film Production, Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre, Writing for Film and Television and Graphic Design that is precisely what I intend to encourage here atToronto Film School.

I am thrilled to be working alongside Rick Bennett, the interim co-coordinator of the Film Production program. Rick has a wealth of knowledge and many years experience working in the industry and at Toronto Film School .

Recently I sat in on the term 4 pitches. The talent, preparation and creativity that came through in the pitches delighted the panel. We are very excited about the six films that have been green lit. Congratulations Spencer Collins, Nick Julian, Shad Cr, Romanesh Reynoso, Dan Campbell and David Multari. Good luck with your productions this term.

I am only a few weeks into the job as co-coordinator and I have had the pleasure of meeting many current Toronto Film School students and alumni. It has been delightful to hear that grads are co-producing feature-length films while others are having their shorts screened at film festivals. Please drop by our office and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to working with all of you and to helping you on your journey at Toronto Film School and beyond.

Yale Massey is the co-coordinator of the Film Production Diploma program at Toronto Film School. He is an award-winning director and cinematographer.