Innovative program supports talent development in cultural sector

OCAD U LiVE interviews actor Ben Stiller on the red carpet at TIFF’24

Through a paid, hands-on innovative training program, OCAD University is supporting talent development for Canada’s booming cultural sector, one that generated more than $58.5 billion and accounted for 2.2% of Canada’s GDP in 2022.

 OCAD U LiVE, an on-demand video channel, is 'paying off' for both students and Canada's thriving creative industries. These content creators have access to professional equipment such as lighting, recording and editing tools at a street-facing studio at TIFF Lightbox, thanks to a partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Students gain employable skills so they can work in film, television and digital media production, like Hunter Crouse who landed a full-time video editing position at CNBC in London, England or Wrynn Geswin who now works on a Netflix show.

“My experience with OCAD U LiVE has led to so many new opportunities working in a range of projects from editing digital lectures for creative entrepreneurs, filming gallery exhibitions, to interviewing artists,” says OCAD U alum Hunter Crouse. “Working for OCAD U LiVE ultimately led to me landing a full-time video editing position at CNBC in London, England. It was truly wonderful to be part of a team that was so supportive and motivated us to do our best.”

OCAD U alum Wrynn Geswin landed a job on a Netflix show, thanks to his experience working on sets and connections made through OCAD U LiVE.

“Without OCADU Live, I wouldn't be where I am today,” says Geswin. “OCADU LiVE offered me opportunities to acquire invaluable on-set experience outside of the classroom. It also provided me with access to professional equipment as well as training I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise,” adds Geswin. “At OCADU LiVE, I actually got paid for the work I was doing, allowing me to quit my part time job and be able to concentrate on fully pursuing film as a career. I was able to meet a great network of like-minded students both from OCAD U, as well as other universities on top of making connections with professionals within the industry.”

OCAD U LiVE not only trains students to land jobs in the creative sector, but it has evolved into a dynamic, professional, for-profit production house. Clients have included The Drake Hotel, Fan Expo Canada, First Service Corporation, TIFF, Toronto West BIA and Secret City Adventures, among many others. Students have also been hired by other production companies, including Zero11Zero. 

“We were very impressed by the professionalism, creativity and attention to detail the student team members displayed,” says Jennifer Kennedy, Director, Marketing & Communications, First Service Corporation.  “The final products were well received and several of my colleagues commented on how impressed they were by the team. Working with OCAD U LIVE is a great way for companies to create high quality videos while helping students build their portfolios.”

And for the past two years, OCAD U LiVE was the only university with spots on the red carpet at TIFF. In 2024 OCAD U LiVE was officially accredited as ‘media’ for the festival. Students conducted interviews with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Ben Stiller, Hugh Grant, Sandra Oh, Bill Murray, and Gillian Anderson. 

OCAD U LiVE also featured a booth on ‘festival street’ for the first four days of the festival showcasing student work. 

Since its launch in 2020, OCAD U LiVE has trained more than 180 students, produced more than 66 multi-episode series, presented over 600 original videos, and broadcast more than 150 hours of programming. Participating students come from a wide range of programs that include Integrated Media, Experimental Animation, Advertising, Graphic Design and Digital Futures.