Students Go On the Set in Toronto

Students in the television and film arts (TFA), English, and communication programs had the opportunity to meet Buffalo State alumnus Kyle Bradstreet, a writer on the new television series Copper, during a day trip to Toronto on April 10.

Tom Fontana, another well-known alumnus, created the series that revolves around an Irish police officer and his neighborhood in 1860s New York City. Fontana serves as one of the show's executive producers set to broadcast on BBC America starting in August. During the trip, the students also got to meet actors and others affiliated with the show.

"This is another great professional experience for our students to learn what it’s like to be on a production set, make connections, and start their careers," said TFA director Jeffrey Hirschberg.

In the fall, Hirschberg took a group of TFA students to the Toronto Film Festival where they screened films, met Canadian producer Don Carmody, and attended a private tour of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, home of the film festival. 

"I'm trying to form a long-term relationship with the Bell Lightbox and go there at least once a year," Hirschberg said. "It's a great professional and academic place."

Hirschberg is also accompanying 24 students to the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, April 19–22, where they will attend world-premiere screenings, participate in events with film and TV executives, and spend several hours at Comedy Central.