By Jennifer Vandermye, DMA Coordinator, Argyle Secondary
The North Vancouver School District (NVSD) Digital Media Youth EXPO and Career Fair took place on Saturday, December 6, bringing together students, teachers, and community members to experience all things digital at the 13th annual trade show event. Highlights included 30 booth exhibitors ranging from post-secondary programs to animation studios, along with industry leaders and field experts. Students from the Digital Media Academy (DMA) and DMA Lite programs also showcased their creative work and projects.
This year's showcase featured the Aquaponics project, developed by a group of DMA students. The project explores the collaboration between aquaculture, the raising of fish, and hydroponics, the growing of plants without soil. Students examined how this integrated approach is becoming increasingly relevant and how it may play a role in the future as the global agricultural landscape continues to change.
The annual DMA Youth EXPO and Career Fair gives students a glimpse into post-secondary pathways and career possibilities within the digital media industry. For Jayden, a current DMA student, the opportunity to explore different options was inspiring. “My experience at the DMA EXPO was amazing. It was a great opportunity to see different options outside of high school for university and to meet people involved in careers I'm interested in."
Post-secondary institutions attending this year included Think Tank Training Centre, Vancouver Film School, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Capilano University's BOSA and IDEA Schools, BCIT School of Business, Simon Fraser University and the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, SAE Institute, LaSalle College, Lost Boys Studios, Langara College, and others.
Industry experts and studios were also well represented, including Industrial Light and Magic, Mainframe Studios, Disney, EA SPORTS, Sony Imageworks, and game design company Coal Car Studios. Coal Car's creators are Argyle Secondary graduates who were taught by Murray Bulger.
One of the guest speaking segments featured Jay Bulbrook, a DMA mentor and Lead Animator for EA SPORTS NHL games. Jay was joined by three DMA graduates who shared their professional experiences. These alumni currently work at Electronic Arts, including an environmental artist for FIFA, a newly hired audio artist, and an audio artist working on Apex Legends.
New this year, the Youth EXPO hosted a panel of five industry experts focused on the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Students and parents were invited to ask questions about AI, its role in education, and its impact on future careers. This segment was very well received, with both panelists and attendees identifying it as a vital learning opportunity.
The EXPO once again demonstrated the extraordinary talent and generosity within the digital media industry, whose professionals continue to support and mentor students in the Digital Media Academy. The success of this event reinforces its importance to the Academy, its students, and families across the North Vancouver School District.
About the Digital Media Academy (DMA) and DMA Lite programs
The DMA & DMA Lite programs are for students in Grades 9 through 12 who are focused on 2D and 3D animation, film, sound engineering, game design, VFX, graphic design, STEAM, and more. Students work independently and collaboratively on projects throughout the year and pitch projects to the DMA teachers, Mr. Murray Bulger and Mr. Chris Miller.
The DMA is unique and fortunate to have a retired 'Design Director' from Electronic Arts (EA) volunteer with the students regularly– a very skilled and accomplished mentor, Tony Da Roza.
To learn more about the Digital Media Academy and annual EXPO, please visit:
www.digitalmediayouthexpo.ca
www.dmacademy.ca
