TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE IS COMING

Toronto Film School appoints Andrew Barnsley as new President

Over the last four years, Barnsley has served as the school’s Executive Producer in Residence. Today, he is the new President.

TORONTO TUESDAY MAY 18, 2021

Toronto Film School is pleased to announce the appointment of Golden Globe, Emmy and Canadian Screen Award winner Andrew Barnsley as the school’s incoming President.

D

uring the past 12 months, Andrew Barnsley has received an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series as Executive Producer of Schitt’s

Creek. He is also an eight-time Canadian Screen Award Nominee/Winner for his work on Schitt’s Creek, Jann and Spun Out. Barnsley has served as the school’s Executive Producer in Residence for the past four years, collaborating closely with faculty, students and alumni.

As incoming President as well as a currently active and successful Canadian producer, Barnsley will undoubtedly bring invaluable industry insights and connections to Toronto Film School, bringing “the industry to the school and the school to industry.” “For our faculty, students and community, this news signals an exciting transformation,’ said Dr. Rick Davey, President of Yorkville University and Toronto Film School. “Andrew will strengthen important connections to industry, government and other educational institutions.”

“Andrew will strengthen important connections to industry, government and other educational institutions.”

Dr. Rick Davey

President of Yorkville University and Toronto Film School

One of Canada’s most celebrated producers, Barnsley plans to elevate the school’s purpose, helping students at Toronto Film School graduate with the knowledge, connections and resiliency to thrive in the Canadian film and television industry. Barnsley believes in the importance of supporting a broad range of voices, stories and perspectives, and that true change comes from fostering confidence in today’s students to be the change in the world. “Toronto Film School graduates will not only be ‘set-ready’ but ‘industry-ready’ explained Barnsley. “Confident that they have mastered their craft and gained important insights into an industry that is fast-paced, exciting and demanding.”

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A QUICK GLANCE

Toronto Film School

Ranked as a top film school by the QS World University Rankings, Toronto Film School is internationally recognized as a fast-paced, hands-on and highly collaborative learning environment.

RANKED IN THE

Top 10

Film Schools in the World by CEOWORLD Magazine

ONE OF CANADA'S

Top Ranked Film Schools

by QS World University Rankings

ON THE RISE

Canadian Film and Television Industry

As demonstrated by Schitt’s Creek historic Emmy sweep last year, the Canadian film and television industry has tremendous potential and can draw attention on an international scale.

$8.9 billion

In production volume

$12.8 billion

Contribution to the GDP

179,000

Full-time equivalent jobs

Andrew Barnsley has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series as Executive Producer of hit comedy Schitt’s Creek.

Barnsley will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Project 10 Productions, where he leads an award-winning team producing projects for Canadian networks and global streaming partners. “My dream is to see Toronto Film School students on the sets of every major production in Canada,” added Barnsley. “It’s not always an easy industry so I want to foster purpose, resiliency and confidence in our students.”

“I’m honoured to now lead Toronto Film School, mentor students, support a broad range of creative voices and shape curriculum alongside the school’s world class staff and faculty, said Barnsley. “I’m a big believer in post-secondary education, that cultural change begins in the classroom, and that meaningful and relevant instruction builds confidence in students to make their mark on the world.”

Barnsley taking on the role of President of Toronto Film School is expected to bring transformational change, elevating both the school and the Canadian film and television industry to new heights. His active presence in both organizations will not only help shape and guide the next generation of Canadian producers and storytellers, but also make a lasting impact in Canada’s film and television industry by bringing homegrown talent, diversity and representation across all levels.

“I’m honoured to now lead Toronto Film School, mentor students, support a broad range of creative voices and shape curriculum alongside the school’s world class staff and faculty.”

Andrew Barnsley

President, Toronto Film School
Executive Producer, Schitt's Creek

uring the past 12 months, Andrew Barnsley has received

an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series as Executive Producer of Schitt’s Creek. He is also an eight-time Canadian Screen Award Nominee/Winner for his work on Schitt’s Creek, Jann and Spun Out. Barnsley has served as the school’s Executive Producer in Residence for the past four years, collaborating closely with faculty, students and alumni.

As incoming President as well as a currently active and successful Canadian producer, Barnsley will undoubtedly bring invaluable industry insights and connections to Toronto Film School, bringing “the industry to the school and the school to industry.” “For our faculty, students and community, this news signals an exciting transformation,’ said Dr. Rick Davey, President of Yorkville University and Toronto Film School. “Andrew will strengthen important connections to industry, government and other educational institutions.”

“My dream is to see Toronto Film School students on the sets of every major production in Canada.”

One of Canada’s most celebrated producers, Barnsley plans to elevate the school’s purpose, helping students at Toronto Film School graduate with the knowledge, connections and resiliency to thrive in the Canadian film and television industry.


Barnsley believes in the importance of supporting a broad range of voices, stories and perspectives, and that true change comes from fostering confidence in today’s students to be the change in the world. “Toronto Film School graduates will not only be ‘set-ready’ but ‘industry-ready’ explained Barnsley. “Confident that they have mastered their craft and gained important insights into an industry that is fast-paced, exciting and demanding.”

#ANDREWBARNSLEY