Written By
Pinewood Group
08 May 2026
Pinewood Futures Festival at Pinewood Toronto Studios 2026 took place for the second time at our Studios in Downtown Toronto on Thursday 7 May. This event demonstrates the Studios’ continued commitment to supporting skills development and career pathways within Canada’s screen industries.
Pinewood Futures Festival at Pinewood Toronto Studios is the largest free careers event for film and television in Toronto and is designed to inspire and inform those interested in pursuing a future in our industry. Hosted on the studio lot, the event brings together industry professionals, employers, educators and emerging talent for a programme of talks, panels, demonstrations and interactive experiences all within our purpose-built soundstages. Groups from schools, colleges, universities and educational facilities studying film, media and creative arts attended, and special guests included City Councillor for Toronto-Danforth and Chair of the Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board, Paula Fletcher and Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow, who opened the event.
“Toronto is one of the best places in the world to make film and television, with more than 40,000 workers across the local industry, Pinewood Toronto Studios is a key destination for bringing incredible stories to life. Film and television create opportunities for carpenters, electricians, editors, makeup artists, technicians and so many others behind the scenes. Congratulations to Pinewood Studios and the hundreds of youth taking part in the Futures Festival to explore careers in this exciting industry. Toronto needs the next generation of creators, storytellers and skilled workers now more than ever.”
Olivia Chow
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Mayor of Toronto
Building on the success of the inaugural event last year, the 2026 Futures Festival shone a spotlight on the wide range of careers that support film and television production — from creative and technical roles to post-production, visual effects, stunts, construction, production management and business services.
Set across multiple sound stages, comprising The Norman Jewison Stage, and Stages 5 and 10, the event featured industry-led speaker panels, exhibitor stands, live demonstrations and hands-on activities. The day offered attendees an insight into the broad array of professions which underpin screen production, as well as the diverse routes into the industry.
The Futures Festival forms a key part of Pinewood Group’s broader outreach and education initiatives, reflecting an ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and workforce development. By welcoming young people, career-changers and educators onto the studio lot, the festival aims to demystify the industry and help build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the future of Canada’s screen sector.
“The Pinewood Futures Festival is about opening doors and showing just how many opportunities exist across film and television. We’re delighted to bring the festival back to Toronto for a second year, working alongside industry partners to inspire the next generation of screen talent.”
Sarah Farrell
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General Manager for Pinewood Toronto Studios
A huge thanks to all those who came to experience the day and to all the exhibitors and companies who came to talk, demonstrate and educate about their roles in the industry. The lot was buzzing with excitement, curiosity, and dreams of aspiring creatives and future storytellers.
