Humber Film at 50
Humber College’s Film and Television Production (FMTV) program celebrated its moment in the spotlight at Humber Film at 50.
One of Humber’s most popular and competitive programs that is highly regarded in the industry turned 50 this year. To celebrate, current and former faculty, students and alumni came together for a reunion on February 8 at The Spoke Club in downtown Toronto.
Among the attendees was Frank Siracusa, President and CEO of Whizbang Films. He’s worked as executive and co-executive producer on many TV shows, including The Handmaid’s Tale and Star Trek: Discovery .
“I was active in drama in elementary and high school, but I wasn’t aware that there was a program at Humber,” he explains.
He came across it by accident one day, while visiting Humber with a friend. After looking into the curriculum and the experience he would gain in the program, he decided to apply. Siracusa graduated from the program in 1984, when it was Cinematography.
“It gave me an appreciation of the technical aspects behind film production … We did things like made props ourselves. I learned how to operate film cameras and sound equipment.
The teachers Humber had in place at the time were very supportive, very strong. The program really felt like a community.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Stewart Aziz Memorial Scholarship supporting FMTV students. An Honours graduate of Humber’s Creative Cinematography program, Stew was recognized with the Humber Cinematography Award in 1983, following his passion to a successful career in the film and television industries. In addition to his professional skill, and eclectic interests, Stew is remembered as a devoted friend, father and husband. He is survived by his wife Elaine and their two children.
Relive the moment by checking out our Online Event Gallery.
Here's what alumni have to say:
“Humber College Film and Television Production gave me the foundation to build my career. The state of the art equipment and instructors who were also working professionals helped me to hone my skills through on-the-ground production experience.”
Shaleen Sangha
Vice President, Radical Sheep (A Boat Rocker Media Company)
Class of 2004
“Of all I gained in my time at Humber, the most vital skill I learned was COLLABORATION. What a wonderful industry to be part of.”
Paul Stodolny
Director of Photography (Lighting), Tangent Animation
Class of 2002.
"The Film and TV Production course at Humber College was one of the best courses I've taken. It had a good balance between practical and theoretical filmmaking process. I not only learnt the aspects of filmmaking that I wanted to pursue, but also received in-depth training in other aspects of filmmaking which I had never thought about."
Asis Sethi
Freelance Producer, OMNI Television
Freelance After Effects and Visual Effects Artist, Editor, Think Brown Media Inc.
Writer, Producer, Director, Asis Media Production Inc.
Class of 2007
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