Faculty of Media & Creative Arts News

Fadi was recently featured in The Focus Magazine for his team's work on the dramatic scene where Brad Pitt's character plummets 80,000 feet to Earth from an antenna that extends outside the planet's atmosphere.

We caught up with Fadi to find out more about what he does and how Humber helped him get there.

What is your current job title and what does that mean on a daily basis?

My current job title is "Tracking and Layout Department Lead" at Mr.X Inc in Toronto, Ontario. The tasks I perform in a day can vary, so here are some of the things that I do:

Lead - I oversee a team of 8 others on a daily basis as part of my duties as lead. I work with them to address any issues or concerns they have, as well as just general supervision, support, and direction.

New Show Setup – I work with the technical leads in the studio to set up new shows. I help ingest the data that’s been given to us by clients and set up the foundation required for each show so they’re ready for our artists to work with. This includes things like dictating render resolutions, color spaces, and software templates.

Interviews – I conduct interviews alongside my manager to scout for potential new hires in the Toronto tracking and layout department.

General Troubleshooting – I work alongside all the artists in my department to help them with any issues they may have. This can be related to the specific shot/show that they’re working on, or it could be one of our proprietary tools that needs bug fixes.

Pipeline Overseeing – I manage and oversee the pipeline for the Tracking and Layout department across all 3 locations. The "pipeline" is the technical term for the proprietary toolsets that allow for the transfer of data from one department to the other. I discuss, oversee and approve any development that affects the data coming into or going out of the tracking and layout team.

Training – Having worked with a team to pioneer the current training system in place for Tracking and Layout, I still oversee the training to this day. New hires for Toronto are seated next to me and get 1-on-1 time as they are introduced to the tools and workflow. Once they’re at a comfortable level, we put them into production. During this phase, they continue to sit next to me so I can oversee their work and troubleshoot any hiccups they may experience.

Shot Work – If there’s nothing from the above list on my plate for that day, I work on individual shots alongside my team.

What was your career path to get where you are now?

My career path after leaving Humber has been fairly single track. I was hired at Mr. X while still in my third year and have been here ever since. I was brought in as an "Entry Level Tracking Artist". Over the years, I was presented with more responsibility and higher-level tasks as my skillset, knowledge, and experience grew.

In the fall of 2017, I worked with my supervisors to restructure and establish an entirely updated training program for new hires in our department. This training has been widely successful. Over 10 artists have gone through it since and almost all are now at a senior level.

In the spring of 2018, I was given the opportunity to travel to India. We opened a branch in Bangalore and I was sent there to train the staff of the tracking and layout department in our proprietary toolsets and workflows. I held live demos, recorded hours of video training documentation, established personal connections and rapport with the individual artists, and continued communication with them afterwards, overseeing their work and progress.

In the fall of 2019, the position for department lead became available and I was presented with the promotion. I’ve been in that role since.

How did your time at Humber prepare you for what you’re doing now?

Humber did a fantastic job of preparation me for my career.

The education I received allowed me to build a portfolio that helped me acquire the position in the first place.

The outreach to former students and industry professionals prepared me by helping set up an in-depth network of resources and contacts. This helped me understand the importance of communication and references. It was a Humber grad I met through this networking that recommended me for the position at Mr. X, helping me secure the job.

Studio tours and guest speakers hosted by the professors gave me insider knowledge about the workings of the industry, and supported everything the instructors were telling us. Humber also helped prepare me with useful pointers on how to set up my demo reel, website, and resume to stand out more than other applicants.

Find out more about Fadi Sara on IMDB and read the articles where he and his team were featured: 

https://www.thefocus.com/news/ad-astra-fall-brad-pitt-mr-x-fall-from-space

https://www.thefocus.com/news/ad-astra-brad-pitt-fall-mr-x-visually-chaotic

What are you doing now and what was your career path to get here?

After gaining valuable experience in all facets of film work, I decided to specialize in Screenwriting and, a few years after graduating, found myself writing and directing my first feature film "Brewster McGee" which was shot on 16mm black and white film. Over the next several years, I continued my filmmaking journey here in Vancouver with my documentary short "Broken Palace" as well as my most recent feature film "A Legacy of Whining" (which I also acted in). I have just completed (along with my Producer/wife Maria) our new documentary "European Tour '73".

Tell us some of your favourite Humber memories.

The memories that I cherish most from my time at Humber are of the many great friendships that I made with my fellow Humber film students and the amazing (and sometimes nerve wracking) moments we spent getting our film projects across the finish line in time!

Also, upon arriving at Humber College, I immediately found the offices of the campus newspaper "The Humber Voice" and became the film critic for the paper for the next three years. This allowed me to received a press pass to cover the Toronto International Film Festival which was enormously exciting ("Hey! Is that Roger Ebert getting on the elevator...!).

How did Humber help you get where you are now?

I think the best thing about studying film at Humber College was how well it prepared me for real life in the film world. Just like in the film business, we had to learn how to exist and get along within a group of fellow crew members and be able to respect and listen to each other's creative ideas and to balance and be productive amongst all the different personalities and viewpoints involved. Also, the course's expectation of having us learn all the different functions and duties in the film world gave us a very well-rounded and valuable opportunity for some incredible hands-on learning.

Share a tip for upcoming filmmakers.

I think it's important for potential filmmakers to get a solid understanding of their craft - whether it's going to film school or learning online or especially going to as many movies as possible - that's key. When I went to Humber, I used to jump on a bus downtown almost everyday after class and see as many movies as I could (they used to have a collection of very cool repertory movie houses that featured amazing film titles from North America and around the world!).

Also, I think it shouldn't be overlooked just how important it is for filmmakers to get out and meet as many like-minded individuals as possible (yes, that dreaded word "networking"!). Making a film is a social experiment at all times and you will need as many people pulling in the same direction as you as possible. Get out of your comfort zone and start being part of your chosen community! Help other filmmakers on their sets, support other filmmakers and creatives - the love will make its way back to you!

Watch the trailers for Ross's films "A Legacy of Whining" and "European Tour '73".

Keisha graduated from Humber's Film & Media Production Program in 2018 and we caught up with her to find out more about the project.

Your work is prominently displayed at Dundas station in Toronto. Tell us more.

This is the end result of a year-long artist residency with VIBE Arts and RBC called "Desire Lines". VIBE is a non-profit organization delivering free arts education workshops to marginalized youth across the GTA, and as one of the emerging artists on the roster I was incredibly happy to be a part of this project. I produced a short film, the stills of which are being displayed alongside my headshot and poster on the TTC Pattison panels for one month in Dundas station.

Along with that, I am currently working on my next short film, which is being produced through another program at VIBE. I am an artist in the NExT program, which is a mentorship opportunity specifically for young, Black artists. I will be filming my project next month, which will then be exhibited at a gallery with an opening reception sometime in March.

What other projects have you worked on since leaving Humber?

I produced a short documentary/proof of concept for a future, longer film; I applied for and received a grant from ArtReach for a project I will be running this summer involving workshops and a gallery; and in general have been planning my next film projects.

I also work as a freelancer, so I have continued to do freelance editing and filming since graduation, as well as working as a contract facilitator at some non-profits in the city, as I am passionate about working with and mentoring youth through arts education opportunities.

How did your time at Humber prepare you for what you’re doing now?

I made some of my closest friends while at Humber, and I still work with my crew today. It feels good to be able to collaborate with each other outside of the school setting, and it's great when I'm able to pick who I want to work with.

Photo credit: Aniqa Rahman.

Find out more about Keisha at @keishajamesvideo and @thebrokegallery on Instagram. Her current project is on Instagram at @wtdtyfilm. You can also read more about the VIBE Arts projects here:
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/12/27/vibe-arts-brings-emerging-artists-work-to-ttc-subway-stations.html
https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9781496-vibe-arts-brings-emerging-artists-work-to-ttc-subway-stations/

Competing in a field of 72 teams from six college, Team “A-Block” -- comprised of Nicolas Diaz, Emily Little, Julia Laing, and Chelsea Speck – created an app to address academic integrity. Check out some images of the app here.

The Adobe Creative Jam is a design challenge that asks students to create a visual or motion design concept based on a theme revealed at the event. After three hours and no rules, the teams present their work to the jury in front of a rapt audience. The 2019 Jam drew over 300 students from Sheridan, George Brown, Seneca, OCADU, Algonquin College, and Humber.

Congratulations to all the students who competed, and especially to Team “A-Block”!

The project is part of the Global Affairs Canada division of the Federal Government and aims to highlight the support Consular Services offer to Canadian travellers.

The hackathon event took place in the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation and started with an introduction to the design challenge and a briefing call with the client where students were provided the information, materials and inspiration they needed to start their projects.

“When a client is involved, the experience is holistic and involves every aspect of working in the field,” says Bianca DiPietro, program coordinator of the Graphic Design program. “The dynamic between client and student is much more professional and holds a certain level of recognition.”

DiPietro and David Neumann, program coordinator of the Web Design and Interactive Media program say the opportunity for their students to work with real-life clients is great exposure—allowing students to communicate effectively, problem solve and work collaboratively with others.

The students gathered in small groups to design a concept while working with their faculty and advisors to complete their project proposals by the end of the day. Faculty will review the submissions and select up to eight concepts based on uniqueness, creativity and execution. The selected submissions will be shared with Global Affairs Canada to consider the concepts further.  

For one group, their concept is a three-dimensional, hollow hemisphere that resembles a globe and features data and information within it. User-friendly to all ages, the globe can be tilted or spun around to allow users to see inside the globe and learn about Consular Services. 

“Projects like this give validation to the program and show trust in us as working professionals by allowing us to have our work showcased and potentially have our work attached to the Government of Canada,” says Gizaham Jones, third-year Graphic Design student.

Using different skills and methods, a Web Design and Interactive Media group’s concept includes movable Plexiglass panels. With infographics and data printed or engraved onto the materials, the installation will allow natural light in airports like Toronto Pearson Airport to reflect onto it. The concept also features QR codes and Near-field communication (NFC) codes, which lead users to find more information on the government’s website using their smartphones.

“Being able to have clients give you an open-ended project to work with is a great way to get your creativity and development moving and apply what we’ve learned so far,” says Paul Cudmore, second-year Web Design and Interactive Media student.

The hackathon is part of Humber’s Data storyLAB, which is an innovative hub for data-driven storytelling. Based out of the North Campus, the storyLAB will produce year-round research and partnership opportunities for student learning and engagement.

“StoryLAB is an opportunity for students to pair with reporters, developers and coders to discuss the influence data can create in different journalistic settings. The lab demonstrates how data can transform and impact politics, social justice, and the day-to-day lives of Canadians,” says DiPietro.

Humber’s storyLAB and The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting recently created a storyLAB Data Journalism Grant to support independent data-driven journalism. 

For the inaugural grant, Humber and The Pulitzer Center are accepting proposals for stories related to Indigenous lands and property rights. The grant will provide up to $10,000 for a freelance journalist or team of journalists to explore a related story from a data-driven perspective.

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This article, by Alysia Burdi, was first published by Humber Today on September 20, 2019. Read the article in it's original context.

For this year's competition, DX invited students studying in all design disciplines to submit proposals that develop creative solutions focussed on the accessible navigation of public spaces. Anushka's winning project was called “Connexus”, and the concept was a set of wearable bracelets for young children or older adults with cognitive impairments. The bracelets helped ensure caregivers were able to monitor the safety and location of their ward and help provide directional support and a feeling of security for the wearer.

Anushka and her team came up with the initial concept during a class project earlier this term, where BDES students hosted an ideation session with Fontys students in March. Anushka then refined this concept as part of her class project, submitted it to the competition and won! She was awarded $1500, and her work will be on display at the Design Exchange.

Congratulations, Anushka, on this stellar achievement.

Michel's photo (displayed below) was taken on a recent trip back home to Havana, Cuba. Congratulations, Michel! We're looking forward to seeing more of your excellent work.

The winners include Dahin Rah, Advertising & Graphic Design, Dana Mevorach, Graphic Design, Jordan Jackson, Graphic Design, Austin Riswick, Film and Television Production, Geoff Baillie, Advertising Copywriting, and Ian Dunlop, Advertising Copywriting.

Applied Arts Magazine is Canada's premier magazine of visual communications, featuring the latest opinions, news and images from the creative advertising industry in Canada and abroad. Their annual Applied Arts Awards are the only competition in Canada that recognizes the talents of professionals across the visual communications sector.

The winners will have their work published in the Fall 2018 Student Awards annual, in the online Winners' Gallery and Awards Archive, as well as receive a complimentary copy of the Fall 2018 issue, an awards certificate, and more.

You can view Dahin's award-winning campaign for Rocky Mountain Bicycles below.

Congratulations to all the Student Award winners!

Humber is among several other media and educational organizations partnered on this project, such as Global News, The Toronto Star, Ryerson University, and more.

Of the eight winning entries, Humber college students in Art Foundation, Visual and Digital Arts, Interior Design, and Industrial Design proposed and constructed a winning entry that will be unveiled on Family Day, February 20th.

Explorers are challenged with what is and what can be through a visual distortion of reality in The illusory. Constructed of highly reflective linear panels, the circumambulatory experience pulls the explorer into the centre for a moment of introspection and to experience an ever-changing illusion of reality. From afar, the structure is incognito, reflecting the surrounding environment and fading into it. Entering the space, the explorer views misconstrued, mirroring illustrations of themselves and their surroundings.

The inspiration for the Illusory came from the relationship shared between humans and the environment. The site itself inspired the shape of the piece, where from afar the complete form curves and angles with the sloping beach while its reflectivity causes it to disappear into the sky. The installation is meant to provoke curiosity. After approaching the piece and entering into a circular space, participants view fragmented versions of themselves and the environment. The Illusory is an introspective experience, depicting humans themselves as the catalyst for change in the present environment. 

The Land of Nod is the coming of age story of the sixteen-year-old Nicholas, a son of a local serial killer. Tormented by his classmates and uncared for by his alcoholic mother, Nicholas is on a quest to find out if he is anything like his father. His only ally is Enna, a fifteen-year-old girl who is obsessed with finding the body of one of the victims, her sister. Unsure of himself and who he might end up to be if he lets anger reign, Nicholas must look past guilt and others’ perceptions in order to move on. The Land of Nod is a dark coming of age story that explores the loss of innocence, the truth of nature and nurture, and the victims of murder that are not talked about: their families.

Dozens of students from several distinct programs including Broadcasting Radio - Diploma, Broadcasting Radio - Graduate Certificate and Journalism - Print and Broadcast, were directly involved in reporting or producing content for the show.

The program originated in the control room at 96.9 Radio Humber, with a support team in the broadcast newsroom and studios, and reporters on location across Humber, throughout local ridings, throughout Toronto, across the Greater Toronto area, and beyond. We had a Radio News student reporting from Ottawa, and a Journalism student at the Justin Trudeau's headquarters. The energy in the broadcast centre on election night was fantastic!

The broadcast was a huge undertaking for any professional broadcast news operation; embraced and executed with enthusiasm by Humber students who chose to get involved and cooperate with students from other programs.

The award winning team included the entire classes of all programs involved in the final credit, as well as: 
Nick Westoll - Journalism Print & Broadcast: Producer, Co-host
Adam Haga - Broadcasting - Radio: Producer 2 (organization, and reporting live from Ottawa) 
Kenan Habibovich - Broadcasting - Radio: Producer 3 (technical production, live operating)

The award will be presented May 27th at the BEAC national conference in Halifax; streamed over beac.ca. 

They both worked tirelessly during the campaign promoting the competition and entry, which paid off! Breath of Life was a highlight in a stellar program of films programmed by the folks at Spafax for the Air Canada enRoute Film Festival.

The annual event attracts industry leaders from radio and television - and sees the return of many of our alumni who are currently active and very successful in the news media industry. The most exciting part of the day is the opportunity for current students to interact and network with news directors, reporters and award winners in the breakout session following the luncheon.

This year’s theme was “wise words." Malick Ba, a second-year advertising and marketing communications student placed second at the event and Cleo Clatney, a first-year public relations advanced diploma student at placed third. Donte Spence, also a first-year public relations advanced diploma student was part of the team representing Humber. This is the second year Humber participated in the public speaking contest.

“I’m so proud of Malick,” said Anna Santilli-Finn, ADMC program co-ordinator. “He’s added to the program’s reputation by competing and placing second in this competition. I think it speaks well of Malick’s strong skill set and the skills we teach in our program."

“Congratulations to Cleo on placing third,” said Lisa McLachlan, PR advanced diploma co-ordinator.“It’s encouraging to see our first-year students doing so well against postgrad public relations students across the GTA."

Mimi Tsui, professor at Seneca College was the faculty lead for the event. Mimi is a graduate of Humber’s PR post-grad program.