Through a paid, hands-on training initiative, OCAD University is building capacity for the country’s booming creative industries, which generated more than $55.5 billion, accounting for 2.7% of Canada’s GDP in 2020.
Students in programs such as Experimental Animation, Integrated Media, Digital Futures and Advertising are getting paid to create content for OCAD U LiVE, a 24/7 on-demand digital streaming channel now in its fourth year.
They are also gaining employable skills for film, television and digital media production by working in a professional street-facing studio located at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Thanks to a partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival, these content creators have access to professional equipment such as lighting, recording and editing tools.
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 Toronto West BIA, the Centre for Mindfulness Studies and Secret City Adventures. Students have been hired by other production companies, including Zero11Zero.