Nurturing Canadian Creativity: A Q&A with TFS President Andrew Barnsley

From its origins in Canadian technical education to its current role in powering the country’s booming film, television, and game industries, Toronto Film School (TFS) isn’t just a creative institution – it’s a vital part of Canada’s cultural and economic fabric.

With its expertise in hands-on training, TFS helps train Canada’s next generation of creatives into industry-ready professionals, allowing them to transform their passions into profession.

“TFS is more than just a school – it’s a launchpad for Canada’s up-and-coming storytellers,” said Andrew Barnsley, TFS’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning president. “Whether it’s film, acting, screenwriting, video game design or graphic design, we’re here to help students turn their passion into a fulfilling career.”

In this Q&A, Barnsley – the proud advocate for Canadian storytelling behind such homegrown hits as Schitt’s Creek, Son of a Critch and Jann – discusses the school’s proudly Canadian roots, its role in shaping the nation’s creative workforce, and how its industry-focused approach continues to fuel Canada’s global presence in the arts.

Q: What are Toronto Film School’s roots?

A: TFS traces its historical roots back to the Radio College of Canada (RCC), a pioneer in Canadian tech training that was founded back in 1928. During World War II, RCC trained radio operators and technicians, including some of the first programs for women in tech, which was groundbreaking at the time. After the war, they helped veterans get back on their feet through education. That spirit of innovation, inclusion, and giving back is still a big part of who we are today.

Q: How does TFS continue to reflect Canadian values today?

At TFS, we strive to live and breathe Canadian values in everything we do. We’re all about equity and access: our doors are open to students from all kinds of backgrounds. Collaboration is a big part of the student experience here at TFS, so students from all our different programs and disciplines – from Film Production and Acting, to Screenwriting, Video Game Design and Graphic Design – are working collaboratively on projects from the start. Our community is also super diverse, which makes the stories we help tell feel that much more authentic and Canadian. And when it comes to innovation, we’re all about hands-on, real-world learning that goes beyond traditional education. It’s all about inclusion and preparing students for the industry as it really is.

Q: How is TFS connected to Canada’s creative industries?

A: TFS is immersed in Canada’s creative scene. Our campuses are right in downtown Toronto, which is the heart of film and TV production in the country, and our online programs are taught by professionals who are active in the industry. So, from day one, students are learning right in the middle of the action, getting real-world experience every step of the way.

Q: What kind of access to the Canadian screen industries do TFS students have?

A: TFS students are thrown into the heart of the industry from the moment they begin their studies with us. They get real access to studios and state-of-the art equipment, are able to connect with working professionals, and have tons of chances for mentorship. And since we’re based in Toronto – the centre of Ontario’s $3.15 billion-a-year screen industry – students are literally surrounded by opportunities. The industry employs over 30,000 Torontonians every year – from creative roles like actors, writers, directors and producers, to more technical jobs such as camera operators, sound engineers, and lighting technicians, to post-production roles including editors, VFX artists and sounds engineers. No matter where your talents lie, it’s a great place to start building a career.

Q: How does TFS prepare students for careers?

A: At TFS, students learn straight from the pros – our instructors are all active in the industry, so they’re teaching what they actually do every day. Right from the start, students are working on actual projects, not just assignments, so by the time they graduate, they’ve already got hands-on experience under their belt – not just a diploma. It’s all about getting career-ready from the beginning.

Q: Do TFS graduates stay in Canada?

A: Yes, many of our grads choose to stick around and build their careers right here in Canada. They’re a big part of creating local content that not only reflects Canadian stories, but also gets seen and loved around the world. It’s very cool to see their work go global while staying rooted here.

Q: Who should consider attending TFS?

A: TFS is a great fit for anyone who’s passionate about film, acting, writing, gaming, animation, or design – and wants to turn that passion into a career. If you’re looking for a place that blends creativity with real industry connections, and you value a supportive, inclusive vibe that feels very Canadian, Toronto Film School may be for you.

Q: How can people learn more about TFS?

A: The best way to learn more is to check out our website at www.torontofilmschool.ca. You can explore all our programs, see what we’re about, and start mapping out your creative journey from there