Leadership & Advisory Board

Pamela acquired CMU in 2007. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Education from McGill University and has 5 years of teaching experience. From 1992–1995, Pamela was Vice President, Development and Production, for Primedia Entertainment. In 1995, she formed her own production and distribution company, Actuality Films, acquired the distribution rights to the Primedia Catalogue, and began producing films, documentaries, and television series.

Pamela was a member of George Brown Theatre School’s Advisory Board for 8 years. She managed the fundraising cabinet for George Brown’s Young Centre for the Performing Arts, founded two community theatre groups for youth, and has played an active role in The Yonge Street Mission. Acquiring CMU and maintaining an active role in charitable organizations has furthered Pamela’s commitment to encouraging young people in the arts.

Richard is co-owner of CMU and President of Actuality Holdings Inc., a small investment company. He serves on the Board of Directors of several early stage companies including Greenius, UM Labs Inc., and B2B2CHaute Vitesse Inc. During his career Richard has been a founding partner of a number of successful start-ups including iPass, Borderware Technologies, and iRoam Mobile Solutions.

Marcia is a marketing, publicity, and communications consultant. She has worked for many organizations including the National Ballet of Canada, Harbourfront, and The National Arts Centre. Marcia also formed her own agency, Applause Communications Inc. She has served on many not-for-profit boards as a community activist.

Ana is the Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Film Centre and the founder of CFC Media Lab, the world-renowned institute for interactive storytelling. She is also an Adjunct Professor at OCAD. Ana has directed the development of over 130 digital media projects, mentored over 50 start-ups, and produced some of Canada’s ground-breaking works in interactive media. Her projects have included the critically acclaimed Late Fragment, the first interactive dramatic feature film to be featured at TIFF, and the Webby Honoree Body/Mind/Change starring David Cronenberg. Ana has received numerous awards from the digital media, film, and theatre industries in Canada and the US. She frequently speaks at digital media and film festivals about the creation and business of digital entertainment.

Dr. Skip Bassford is well known for his work in applied and professional ethics. While he was Dean of Atkinson College at York University, he launched their continuing education division, founded the York Nursing program, and helped bridge the gap between Ontario colleges and universities. Skip also served two terms as President of University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). During his tenure, Skip led UFV’s development from a university college to a full university. He also oversaw the creation of UFV’s first graduate programs and the world’s only centre for Indo-Canadian studies. While he was president, the university more than doubled in size.

Odessa is a Toronto-based style expert and a writer, editor, and stylist for various platforms, publications, and personal clients. She received an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Book & Magazine Publishing from Centennial College. Odessa is the Contributing Fashion Editor at The Globe and Mail and former Head of Content for Hiku Brands. In 2010, she co-founded the Canadian design-focused publication Plaid Magazine, overseeing all business operations and editorial direction. She also co-founded the seasonal shopping event Vintage Crawl Toronto in 2012. Odessa serves on the nomination committees for the British Fashion Awards and CAFA. She recently co-chaired galas for the Design Exchange and the Canadian Opera Company.

Stephen has had an extensive career in film and television. He worked as Head of Makeup Department for major television shows and movies including Queer as Folk, Slings and Arrows, Long Day’s Journey into Night, Haven, and Camp Rock. He was also the recipient of the 2016 and 2018 Canadian Screen Awards for Best Achievement in Television Makeup for the hit show Orphan Black. His work and artistic prowess has been spotlighted in magazines including Vanity Fair, InStyle, Glamour, and Make-Up Artist Magazine. Stephen has made valuable contributions to CMU as both an advisory board member and as an instructor for the Film & Television course.

Donald is one of North America’s leading makeup artists, with over 60 feature films and 25 television projects to his credit. He has received numerous awards including a 1992 Primetime Emmy award, a 1998 Special Achievement Gemini award, and a 2006 Gemini Award. Donald has also received 6 Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Award nominations and 2 awards (2014 and 2017). Donald received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his service to the film industry and related charities.

Donald’s long list of credits as Makeup Department Head or personal makeup artist include Blade Runner 2049, Nocturnal Animals, Spectre, Skyfall, Nightcrawler, Prisoners, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Fighter, Repo Men, Max Payne, The Departed, The Human Stain, 8 Mile, Three Kings, Mimic, Fly Away Home, and Harriet the Spy.

Donald is an active member of IATSE New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, and has served three terms on the Board of Directors for the Actors’ Fund of Canada (2008–2014). He was elected to The National Board of Directors for The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, representing the Art Department for two terms (2007–2011). He is a longstanding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is active in the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, where he volunteers on the membership committee and is a mentor in the LA Outreach Program.

Richard is the President of The Strategic Management Group Limited. He holds a BSc in Business Administration from S.E. Missouri State University and an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business. Richard has provided consulting services to small businesses focusing on tax, accounting, and financial advisory services for over 25 years. He also assists with the structuring and negotiation of commercial transactions, sourcing of financing, and strategic planning and implementation. He is an active member of MENSA Canada, the Metropolitan Toronto Board of Trade, and The Old Allanian Society.