At a recent Up Close and Personal session at Niagara College’s Acting program for Film and Digital Media, renowned director and producer Jaze Bordeaux shared career-defining advice. Bordeaux, celebrated for his work on the award-winning film EFC, emphasized the necessity for aspiring actors and filmmakers to view themselves as both artists and business professionals. “You are a business,” Bordeaux said, urging students to cultivate both their creative and professional capacities.
Stephanie Jones, the program professor, highlighted Bordeaux’s impactful message: “Jaze really wanted the students to know that they are a business… that they must approach the work, not only as an artist, but as a dedicated business professional.” This insight was supported by Bordeaux’s journey with EFC, where success came not only from artistic achievement but also from strategic management and professional resilience.
Bordeaux’s advice is particularly relevant in today’s media landscape, where artists must navigate a complex market. His talk underscored Niagara College’s commitment to providing students with real-world skills and perspective, ensuring they graduate prepared for the demands of the industry. Bordeaux’s counsel left students inspired, as they saw that a fulfilling career in film and media is grounded in both passion and professionalism.
Sources:
- Niagara College Acting program events and curriculum for film and digital media
- Background on EFC and Jaze Bordeaux’s industry achievements