York University announced last week a $2.5-million gift received from the Mirkopoulos family of Cinespace Studios in support of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). The donation will go towards the creation of the York University AMPD Motion Media Studio, to be established at Cinespace Film Studios’ Kipling Avenue location.
“Thank you to the entire Mirkopoulos family, as well as Cinespace, for this incredible contribution towards our students and our future,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri to guests during the May 25 announcement. “Your support is leading the way for others to see the impact that is possible at York University.”
AMPD Computational Arts Professor Michael Longford (right) demonstrates some of the technology that will be part of the new learning facility
The AMPD Motion Media Studio at Cinespace will provide students with the opportunity to explore areas such as cinematography, 3D gaming, motion-performance capture, virtual reality, interactive image mapping and digital post-production. This space will serve as host to master classes with influential industry partners, like directors, producers and cinematographers, providing AMPD students with unique professional learning opportunities. Additionally, faculty members will use this space to build on fundamental research and to develop innovative and technology-enriched courses in film, digital media, theatre and dance.
The Mirkopoulous family
“This dynamic, state-of-the-art space will offer our AMPD students an unmatched, experiential learning opportunity to pursue the creation, convergence and application of next-generation, new entertainment media technologies, with a special focus on film production, mixed reality spaces and a fully equipped fabrication space,” said Shoukri.
The University’s partnership with the Mirkopoulos family and Cinespace began in 2001, when the company made generous gifts to support student awards, a commitment that continues to this day with the Cinespace Studios Film and Video Production Award and the Cinespace Studios Graduate Award in Film and Video Production. The late Nick Mirkopoulos was also responsible for establishing CineSiege, an annual, professionally juried student film showcase created with an understanding of how important it is that emerging artists have a platform for their work.
AMPD Dean Shawn Brixey
In addition, the Mirkopoulos Family and Cinespace were major contributors to the building of York’s Accolade Project, which created the most extensive postsecondary arts school facilities in Canada, and houses the Nick Mirkopoulos Screening Room.
AMPD Dean Shawn Brixey was also on-hand to share the importance of the family’s steadfast support for the University and for AMPD students.
“The Mirkopoulos family and Cinespace Film Studios are true kindred spirits to AMPD. They share our view that students are artists and creative forces in their own right, that state-of-the-art facilities support the creation of powerful and innovative technologies, that strong connections between industry and education are key to supporting our emerging cultural leaders, and that creativity is today’s most in-demand and sought after skill.”
Cinespace Vice-President Jim Mirkopoulos
The announcement event, which saw more than 80 guests, featured live demonstrations of many of the exciting technologies that this new facility is equipped to provide to AMPD students. This included a demonstration of the OpenStage2 markerless motion capture technology created by New York-based company Organic Motion, which eliminates the need for bodysuits and markers currently used for film animation. Guests were also treated to exclusive set tours of the CBS mystery show American Gothic and a showcase of award-winning AMPD student films as part of Cinesiege.
This gift comes at an opportune time in the University’s journey, particularly with last month’s launch of Impact: The Campaign for York University, a $500-million fundraising and alumni engagement campaign. This Campaign celebrates the University’s impact on the world – past, present and future – and acknowledges donors and alumni, including Bryden Alumni Award recipient and member of the Campaign Cabinet Steve Mirkopoulos, whose financial support has contributed to this remarkable success.
Above: From left, Larry Mirkopoulos, York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri, and Alexandros Ioannidis, Consul General of Greece
According to Brixey, the Mirkopoulos family’s impact at York University is clear. “Thanks to the generous support of the Mirkopoulos family, the Motion Media Studio at Cinespace will prepare our students to be front runners in tomorrow’s creative digital sphere and will electrify the imagination of a new generation of artists.”