Meet Alex Stacey: Valedictorian of the Writing for Film & Television Program

Alex Stacey is the 2015 Valedictorian of the Toronto Film School’s Writing for Film & Television Diploma program. In this Q&A Alex talks about Sharknado,Citizen Kane, finding D.B. Coopers lost treasure and what’s he is taking away from his time at Toronto Film School.

TFS: Where are you from?

AS: I was born in Barrie but raised in the friendly community of Cornwall, Ontario.

TFS: What brought you to Toronto Film School?

AS: An immense passion for film, and determination to work in a creative field led me to the Toronto Film School.

TFS: Why did you choose the Writing for Film & Television Diploma program?

AS: I chose this program because it seemed to be the most streamlined film program in Toronto. Also, they had a talented teaching staff of season industry professionals.

TFS: Why do you think you were chosen as the Valedictorian for your program?

AS: Same reason Muhammed Ali was the champ. Some things just come natural.

But, in all seriousness, I wouldn’t have been valedictorian if it weren’t for four incredible teachers; David Goorevitch, Matthew Miller, Max Reid and Adam Till. Every teacher I had at this school was excellent, but these four guys really helped shape my writing, and epitomized the type of qualities that I believe can make anyone a valedictorian; work ethic, a friendly disposition, and an extreme passion for their work.

TFS: If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?

AS: If I had to offer one piece of advice to an upcoming student I’d recommend that they take advantage of their teachers and peers. Script Writing, like all art, is about collaboration, so don’t get caught up trying to be perfect and solve everything by yourself. People will surprise you with their great ideas and willingness to help you out. Why just the other day I bounced a film pitch off a doorman and he gave me some great notes. People are here to help you out, and most importantly, they’ll do it for free.

Also, there’s the added bonus of networking.

TFS: What is one of the most important things you have learned/experienced at TFS?

AS: Film in great, but it’s not everything. It’s important to surround yourself with a good support group because the highs and lows come and go, but family is constant.

TFS: What keeps you motivated?

AS: Sharknado is a film. That’s not a slam on Sharknado, that’s just a fact. More importantly, it’s an inspiring example of how regardless of how farfetched an idea

seems, if you believe in something, you can get it made. And that’s important. All of us can make a film. It may not be Citizen Kane, but it doesn’t need to be.

Knowing that this industry, though difficult, is not impossible, keeps me going.

TFS: What are your plans after graduation?

AS: After graduation, I plan on doing some work for the unique genre film distributor, Raven Banner Entertainment, finish my Christmas feature film, and find D.B. Coopers lost treasure.