If you’re looking for a new show to watch, look no further than OCAD U LiVE season six!
This 24/7 on-demand digital streaming channel, with content produced by students for students, is back with its sixth season starting the week of March 6.
OCAD U LiVE is a space where students can gain employable skills in media production. Content creators are compensated for each episode and have access to professional equipment, including lighting, recording and editing tools at a dedicated studio.
The platform’s creative direction is led by an advisory committee whose members include students and is supported by Executive Producer Leonardo Dell’Anno from OCAD U’s Marketing & Communications team. Dell’Anno is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated producer who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than a decade.
Since its launch in the fall of 2020, OCAD U LiVE has hired more than 130 student content creators, produced more than 50 multi-episode series, presented over 500 original videos and broadcasted over 100 hours of programming.
BEE YOU!, Bikes of OCAD U and The Super Sensitive Show are three new shows airing during season six.
BEE YOU!
Environmental Design student Mina Vekaria produces BEE YOU!, a show that celebrates the beauty of dance and the power of stretching, with videographer Julie Messner and editor Gordon Tran. Vekaria notes that this show is not just a dance performance – it is an invitation to explore and celebrate the beauty and capabilities of the human body.
Bikes of OCAD U
Produced by student Gabriel Jae with some technical support from Integrated Media studio tech, Tommy Truong, Bikes of OCAD U highlights the unique people of OCAD U, including students, faculty and staff, and their connection to the school and wider community through their bikes. Bikes of OCAD U will become available on the platform soon.
The Super Sensitive Show
Illustration student Daria Joyce hosts The Super Sensitive Show, a podcast-style show with audio and video. Fellow Illustration student Stephen Marrello is the cameraperson and editor. The Super Sensitive Show is a safe, honest space to share ideas and discuss mental health, business and art, with interviews and activities.
In conversation with the creators behind BEE YOU!, Bikes of OCAD U and The Super Sensitive Show
What inspired you to create your show?
Gabriel Jae (Bikes of OCAD U): I was inspired to create the show through a combination of seeing the vast amount of people who ride their bikes to campus and taking a closer look at my environmental impact and the sustainability of my lifestyle. After gaining that inspiration I thought that this would prove an excellent way to meet more people as well as highlight them and their work across all the disciplines of OCAD U.
Mina Vekaria (BEE YOU!): I have been a dancer since the young age of three, and after 13 years of hard work, I graduated in Bharatnatyam in December 2021. When I moved to Canada, I struggled to adjust to the new seasons as Kenya is warm throughout the year. I am originally from Kenya, and I have been living in Canada for approximately 15 months. Being an international student, I found dance classes and gym memberships to be quite expensive, and I lacked motivation. However, once I settled in, I found a perfect opportunity on campus and after some encouragement from a friend, I signed up. Although I have taken a 15-month break, I am now ready to start again and get back on track with my dancing.
Daria Joyce (The Super Sensitive Show): My small business, Super Sensitive! I produce clothing, prints, stickers, and more. I wanted to add more community and involvement to it and I thought a show on OCADU Live would be a great way to grow my audience and connect with people with the same values.
What role has OCAD U LiVE played in supporting your studies and career in film and TV?
Jae: OCAD U LiVE gives me a low-risk chance to practice organizing a production, growing a portfolio and creating media to my name that I own the IP for. It allows me to hone my skills at each position of production. I love the support and flexibility that is also offered from the team that allows a great balance between classes and production.
Vekaria: I am grateful for the tremendous support that OCAD U LiVE has provided me with. Though I lack knowledge in shooting and editing, this opportunity will be a great learning journey for me. Despite pursuing environmental design, I aspire to have a full-time career as a dancer/model/actor in the future. This experience will give me the confidence to face the real world after graduation and prepare me for what lies ahead.
Joyce: OCAD U LiVE has given me a place to share my ideas and passion. The amazing team has allowed me the opportunity to grow my business while also learning how to speak publicly and on air, connect with industry professionals and build confidence in my brand. This is just the beginning for Super Sensitive, and that’s all thanks to OCAD U LiVE! I feel so lucky to be a part of this new family and create in a beautiful space.
What’s next for your show, or your career?
Jae: I hope that the next step for the show is its return in the next season. I am also looking at documenting a few charity events to have as extended cuts of the regular show. I hope that this show will help grow my portfolio and help me get some footing in TV here in Toronto.
Vekaria: In the upcoming episodes of my show, I have a lot of exciting collaborations lined up with fellow dancers and fitness experts. Not only will I be sharing engaging tutorials and workouts, but I also plan on diving deeper into the theory and history of different dance forms. From exploring the cultural significance of traditional dances to delving into the technical aspects of choreography, I want to provide my audience with a well-rounded experience. I'm also looking forward to featuring guest artists and showcasing their unique styles and perspectives. So, stay tuned for a diverse range of content that will entertain, educate, and inspire you!
Joyce: Even though my show is just starting, I have big plans for it. I want to take Super Sensitive into the streets of Toronto and get it more known in the community. I would love to do a mural project somewhere in the city with multiple artists as well as Stephen, tying in our illustration and design background! While Super Sensitive is a big part of my focus, I’m also doing freelance illustration and am always up for new projects of any kind! You can follow along with my journey and portfolio at www.dariajoyce.com
See more from these creators and watch OCAD U LiVE on demand.