Seneca Media Students Takeover TIFF 2018
Warning: name dropping ahead. Just two weeks in to their third semester, things have already gone Hollywood for students from Seneca College’s Journalism and Television Broadcasting programs. Students were given the opportunity to participate in some exclusive events for the Toronto International Film Festival thanks to a partnership with ‘Out There’ host Melissa DiMarco. When you work in media like our #SenecaMedia students do, you just might find yourself alongside big names such as Keira Knightly, Hilary Swank, Mahershala Ali, Sienna Miller, Michael Shannon, Viggo Mortensen, and Jason Sudeikis…to name a few.
Journalism Students Navigate Press Junket
Instead of spending their first official class of the semester in the classroom, third semester journalism students headed down to the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Toronto to work with the team from ‘Out There’ on press interviews. Their real-world experience, however, started before they even got there. The event was originally planned to be a red carpet where students would line up with their cameras and questions ready to go. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans and all students were informed at 12:40am that the event was being changed to a press junket format. This meant that instead of standing along a red carpet, the students would be conducting five minute interviews in an assigned press room. Cast members from the upcoming movie Corporate Prey rotated in and out of the room for students to interview. Even in this unfamiliar situation, all the students kept composure and worked like seasoned entertainment reporters. We’re sure it’s an experience they won’t soon forget.
TV Students Network at TIFF
For the third year running, Seneca’s Television students were welcomed by the entertainment show to network with industry professionals on Sunday September 9th at the Toronto International Film Festival. Over 42 of the 1st and 3rd semester television students were able to make some real-world contacts with producers, directors, production managers, editors, audio professionals, casting agents and many more.
Two recent TV Grads, Brandon Bentley and Saschaine Clarke, are now working for “Out There”. Brandon was on hand to speak with the students about his experiences, and give them tips for the future. We are also developing field placement opportunities with the show for the TV students to take part in.
The industry professionals spent time with every student who approached them and were very gracious. There were many comments and observations by these professionals that our students were very attentive, asked intelligent questions and came across quite polished and professional. This was not only a day to remember for our students, but something that will aid them in their future careers.
