Kelly Paoli wants to write for the big screen.
Her vision for York’s “this is my time” advertising campaign is simple and to the point. “2025: My screenplay wins an Academy Award,” says Paoli, who is an undergraduate student in York University’s world-renowned film program.
In addition to learning what it takes to write compelling scripts, Paoli is gaining in-depth conceptual and contextual knowledge of her field of study, plus the technical skills to understand how her words will resonate on the big screen.
“In the Faculty of Fine Arts, we foster the artistic and intellectual creativity, knowledge and skills that enable our graduates to contribute and thrive in the professional world. We encourage our students to dream big and aim high, and we provide them with a strong foundation to realize their ambitions,” says Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Barbara Sellers Young.
Students in the Faculty have access to superb production and presentation facilities that mirror and often exceed industry standards. They work with leading faculty who are practising artists and leading scholars, who are active in the creative industries and bring real-world experience into the classroom and studio. Internships, masterclasses, industry workshops and public events such as Cinesiege – the Department of Film’s annual, externally juried showcase held downtown at TIFF Bell Lightbox – give York students additional opportunities for professional development and networking.
“Today, our alumni are forging successful careers in all areas of the creative economy – locally, nationally and internationally – and they are great role models for our current students following in their footsteps,” says Sellers Young. “I look forward to seeing Kelly’s name in lights at the Oscars!”