First of its kind curriculum supports Ontario’s screen industry infrastructure through targeted training
TORONTO – Cinespace Studios and York University today announced the creation of a Production Accounting Micro-Credential program in response to a growing demand for film and television skilled labour and a specific need for production accountants in Ontario as presented in the Toronto Screen Industry Workforce Study. Cinespace tapped Production Accountants and Directors Guild of Canada-Ontario members Marr Morgan and Kitty Spiropoulos to design the curriculum. This program designed to foster a high-quality pipeline and combines active learning and practical application.
The 6-week program, taught in person at Cinespace Studios Toronto’s Kipling campus, will launch in June and provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of accounting in the creative sector and provide the opportunity to enter a sustainable career in the high-demand sector of Ontario’s film and TV industry. This partnership with York University has been established with CineCares, a division of the studio that supports and engages the local community to develop a more diverse workforce and broaden educational platforms.
“Cinespace is deeply committed to creating pathways to jobs within the film and TV industry. We’re excited to expand our existing partnership with York University to offer workforce development through targeted education,” said Ashley Rice, President & Co-Managing Partner, Cinespace Studios. “Film and television production accountants are in critically short supply globally and this micro-credential program will allow the industry to quickly fill a much-needed role as production volumes continue in the region.”
“York University is proud to extend our partnership with Cinespace Studios to deliver this innovative micro-credential in Production Accounting that fills a need for highly skilled professionals in a growing industry like film and television”, said Sarah Bay-Cheng, Dean of the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design, York University. “The Production Accounting micro-credential is testament to York University’s commitment to making quality education accessible to diverse learners while preparing the industry leaders to create positive change”.
“Schulich ExecEd is excited to partner with the York University Motion Media Studio and Cinespace Studios for the Foundations of Production Accounting program,” said Rami Mayer, Executive Director, Schulich ExecEd. “Accelerated reskilling is the way of the future for midcareer professionals, and micro-credentials have become the way of acknowledging to employers that the new skill has been learned. This program is a wonderful example of its practical use for a real need in an important industry for Ontario and the GTA.”
“Ontario as a jurisdiction needs to consistently train new talent to meet film production volumes coming to the region in the coming years. We also need to prioritize providing a pathway to good paying jobs and attracting workers to a fulfilling career in the industry,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport for Ontario. “This partnership between the largest production facility and one of the most prestigious post-secondary institutions represents a milestone in addressing one of the sector’s biggest workforce shortages.”
In 2022, Cinespace Studios Toronto renewed its commitment to enhance and elevate The York University Motion Media Studio for learning, teaching, and production on the Kipling campus. Students from York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design have enjoyed and benefited from invaluable hands-on learning opportunities, practical training in new media technologies, and direct exposure to leading members of the industry they are preparing to join. Cinespace will provide funding for two scholarship bursaries through the Black Screen Office for two individuals to attend the production accounting micro-credential program.