An authority in Innovative Digital Media Training Centre development with over 25 years experience in the Education and Digital Media, Animation & Tech industry.

 

In 2018, nominated for Student Choice Award for outstanding commitment to teaching and student success Ontario Tech University - Canada.

 

In 2014, consulted and supervised in the implementation (Teaching and Learning) of the SIVA Digital Media and Creative Content Program at Fudan University, Shanghai China The program is a world-class three-year undergraduate program utilizing innovative technology and taught by an international-standard faculty, with the objective of nurturing the future leaders of the Chinese Creative Entertainment industry. The Centre is a highly innovative, hybrid production and training pipeline facility for Chinese Film, Animation, Digital Media, Television and Games production.

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In 2012, as the Academic Chair of Applied Media in Abu Dhabi (UAE), I developed new partnerships within the media industry, by establishing a unique mixed-mode 360° digital Collaboration Lab to enhance teaching and learning. The Digital Lab was funded by twofour54 - Media Zone Authority, Abu Dhabi. Due to this innovative accomplishment and through SEM initiatives, I was able to increase the Applied Media student enrollment target by more than 200% over a period of fewer than 24 months.

 

In 2008, as Professor of Applied Communications - Media, awarded “Apple Distinguished Educator” (ADE), while at the Higher Colleges of Technology Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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Between 2008 and 2013 - while in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE), acted as Executive Producer and Producer for several innovative “Arabic styled” Music Videos screened on MTV Arabia with live performances produced in Dubai - UAE.

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Between 2009 and 2013 at Sherezade (SMC) - was an Executive Consultant and Executive Producer. SMC was the management, operations, business development, and marketing arm of Sherezade Films (SF), which focused on business development, film financing, and production of A- list Hollywood and international films. SMC and SF have worked with international sales agents and distributors that have included Lionsgate, Vivendi, Miramax, Buenavista, and Arclight Entertainment. SMC-SF’s films have included talents such as Daniel Craig, Bradley Cooper, Orlando Bloom, Woody Harrelson, Rachel McAdams, Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawke, and Shia Le Boeuf. From 2008 to 2012, SF co-financed and co-produced nine feature films. It also fully financed and produced three features. The budgets of these films ranged from USD$5 million to USD$14 million.

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From 2007 to 2011, won several awards for photography; one of the images was selected to be published in a book titled The Best Photographs Ever Taken of the UAE (Motivate Publishing 2011).

 

Since 2005 - A contributing Pioneer member of ACM SIGGRAPH, the New York based Association for Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques.

 

In 1998, as a pioneering desktop MOCAP (PuppetWorks) team member we were jointly awarded a Canadian GEMINI for “Technical Achievement in Motion Capture development” by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT).

                                   

In 1997, received from Consortium of Community College Development - Michigan, USA “Faculty Recognition Award” for development and implementation of new innovative programs - to promote active learning in Digital Media Learning and Teaching at Seneca College of Arts and Technology, Toronto, Canada.

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In 1995, founded and acted as manager for the highly acclaimed Animation Arts Centre at Seneca College of Arts and Technology in Toronto, Canada (formerly Digital Media Centre). As part of the production team, eleven Animation graduates were credited with a Genie (Canada) and Academy Award (Oscar) USA for the Best Animated Short film “Ryan” (2004) - Chris Landreth. In 2019, three Seneca College graduates were among the talent behind Pixar's Toy Story 4, which won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. Also in 2019, a Seneca graduate was the VFX lead compositor on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film won the award for Best Animated Feature at the 91st Academy Awards

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From 1994 -1995, as Director of Training, founded and managed an innovative Digital Media Centre, F/X Corporation – Kessler Group (Toronto, Canada). Managed day-to-day operations. Top students went on to work in world-leading Film, Animation & VFX companies including, Tippett Studios, Digital Domain, Sony Pictures, ILM, Pixar & Disney.  

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1985 - 1989, as Senior Graphic Designer received (1st Place) Computer Graphics Award of Excellence at the Media Festival - GENEVA PARK CONFERENCE Toronto, Canada - Ontario Community Colleges Committee.

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