Over 800 visitors flocked to Durham College (DC) on Monday, May 8 for Film Durham’s Film and Television Industry Career Fair.

DC students, local high school students and curious community members filled the gym at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to learn about all of the careers behind the camera in Ontario’s booming film industry.

By hosting the event, DC helps students build their networks by connecting them with industry professionals, while promoting the programs we offer that can help prepare them for a career in filmmaking.

The event kicked off with a panel discussion. After that, the guests were free to visit the booths and interactive displays filled with information on all the important elements of film production, from costume design and hair and makeup to prop creation and animation. 

Unions like the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the International Alliance of Stage Employees (IATSE) were also present to provide more information about what a career in the arts is like.

“Creating a movie or TV series requires a broad range of skills and interests and provides many well-paying, high-quality film jobs,” said Eileen Kennedy, film/tv specialist at Invest Durham. “These events allow a sharing of information and experiences between Film Durham and the students, which enhances their knowledge of the film and television industry and filmmaking in general.”

A number of productions have been filmed in Durham Region in recent years, including popular titles like Schitt’s Creek, The Handmaid’s Tale, Umbrella Academy, American Gods and more. With more films and series entering production every year, the opportunities are practically limitless.

Costume designer Tova Harrison was excited to share her experience with the attendees as she displayed costumes from two projects she has worked on: The Woman King and Star Trek: Discovery.

“It’s important that people at this age know what the possibilities are. The more knowledge the better, and events like this are great for that,” she said. 

DC has a number of programs that can help prepare students for a career in filmmaking, and hosting the event was a great opportunity to promote them according to Edin Ibric, a professor in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design.

“You see how hungry the students are for the knowledge to get into the industry, to gain some experience or at least some direction in terms of where to potentially go to be whatever it is they want to be,” he said. “If we see there’s a good fit with what we’re offering at DC, then it’s a great opportunity to talk about those courses and programs.”