Film and Video Production
In This Article
First cohort from Japan takes a short film from script to screen in six days
TORONTO, ON, October 7, 2026 – Toronto Film School (TFS) today announced the launch of the Global Filmmakers Lab, a week-long, immersive program designed for international film commissions, educational institutions, production companies and creative organizations seeking to give their filmmakers hands-on training and industry experience in Toronto.
Each lab is built around a partner’s goals and the specific skills its participants need to develop. Partners can shape the curriculum around the technical, creative or business skills that matter most to their teams, with a one-week intensive designed to fit their schedules. Participants learn from a faculty of industry-active filmmakers at TFS, which The Hollywood Reporter recently named one of its Best International Film Schools for the fourth year running. They train at TFS’s new studio campus at 120 Bloor Street East, using industry-grade cameras, equipment and production technology.
“What makes the Global Filmmakers Lab work is that participants don’t just hear about the process, they go through it,” said TFS President Andrew Barnsley, an Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning executive producer (Schitt’s Creek).
“Every organization has its own goals for its creatives, so we build each lab around what their participants need to learn. And because we’re a film school run by working filmmakers, in a city where the industry is on our doorstep, we can bring the faculty, expertise and real-world experience to make it happen.”
A First Cohort from Japan
The lab’s first cohort was a delegation of six students from Japan. Over one week, from September 21 to 26, the participants moved through each stage of production, from script to screen, and finished with a short film.
“I wanted to recreate the full production life cycle, from development to delivery, within one week. The goal was for participants to experience how a project moves from script to screen, with a specific focus on above-the-line roles: writing, directing and producing,” said Emilija Davidovic, TFS’s Film & TV Production Program Director, who developed the lab’s curriculum. “We selected mentors for each stage of the Lab, who are all experts in their respective fields, and I think their expertise and guidance elevated the participants’ experience to a whole new level.”
The week began in the writers’ room, where Screenwriting Program Director Michelle Daly, former Head of Comedy at CBC, led a lecture on the Canadian development landscape and guided the group as it developed the film from treatment to locked script. Casting director Yeimy Daza of Groundglass Casting then led participants through live auditions, callbacks, and chemistry reads to cast the film.
“I never had an in-person live audition or casting process, so it really helped me understand what a casting director is and how to communicate and work together with one,” said Keito Ono, a screenwriter, director and producer, and MFA candidate at Columbia University School of the Arts.
In pre-production, the filmmakers built shot lists with producer and assistant director Colin Brunton (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Kids in the Hall). During principal photography, each took a turn directing scenes with the full cast, with guidance from cinematographer Raymond Tuquero.
“I really love the image quality and the colour of the Alexa Mini, and being able to actually work with a professional cinema camera was a great experience for me,” said Naoya Ogasawara, a fourth-year film student at Nihon University College of Art, specializing in cinematography. “It made me realize how valuable it is to have opportunities to work with professional equipment.”
In post-production, the cohort gave notes on the in-progress cut while editor Andrew Cromey explained how to work with an editor. Davidovic then covered budgeting, financing, and co-production, followed by one-on-one feedback on each participant’s own project with writer-director Andrew Bush (Cavendish, Roller Town).
“This program is intense, and it takes very hard work, but it’s very valuable. Every instructor is working in a professional field, so I can hear their valuable experiences and take advantage of the lectures for my next project,” said Shin Kimura, a director and screenwriter based in Japan who graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts.
The week ended with a screening of the finished film, a moderated Q&A and a mixer with alumni, faculty, and guests.
“What stood out to me most was how fully the participants embraced the collaborative nature of the lab,” Davidovic said. “They had to make casting decisions, solve practical problems, respond to the realities of the studio and set, and agree on post-production notes and changes. By the end of the week, the final product was a truly amazing example of what can be achieved in a short period of time with absolute focus and a strong team.”
Built Around Partner Goals
Working with each partner, TFS shapes a curriculum around the organization’s priorities and the outcomes it wants for participants. The lab draws on faculty who work in the industry and bring practical expertise across a range of filmmaking disciplines, including:
- Advanced screenwriting strategies
- Writers’ Room protocols
- Conducting live auditions
- Specialized lighting techniques
- Advanced cinematography
- Advanced production design
- Proper set etiquette
- Directing talent and working with intimacy coordinators
- Professional video and audio editing, including colour correction
- Package and proposal development
- Distribution and marketing strategies
Who the Lab Is For
The lab is designed for international above-the-line creatives with foundational film studies experience, including writers, producers, and directors.
Eligible participants must have:
- Minimum one year of relevant education in a certificate, diploma or degree (work experience in film/TV can be substituted for this requirement)
- A basic understanding of production and editing workflows
- An ability to read, write, and speak English at a post-secondary level
- A laptop they can use each day at the lab
Participants who complete at least 80 per cent of the lab and submit a final project receive a certificate of completion from TFS.
Partner With TFS
Organizations interested in a customized lab for their participants or members can contact [email protected].
About Toronto Film School
Toronto Film School is an internationally recognized career college that prepares students for jobs in film, TV, video games, and graphic design. A faculty of industry professionals brings real-world expertise to the school’s curriculum through a focus on practical experience, networking opportunities, and portfolio building. Students can choose from a variety of on-campus and online accelerated diploma programs, graduating industry ready in 12–24 months. For more information, please visit www.torontofilmschool.ca. Connect with us on Instagram @torontofilmschool, X @TOFilmSchool, Facebook at /TorontoFilmSchool, LinkedIn at /toronto-film-school and YouTube @TorontoFilmSchool1.
