Christie Ignite

It starts with a flame

Our goal? To ignite passion in the next generation of talent and tech professionals in ProAV and cinema.

How we'll do it

We identify and support programs that offer knowledge, experience, expertise, and connections to nurture the skills of graduating students and new professionals (with up to four years of experience) in the industry and help enhance their (future) careers.

We’re always on the lookout for the special spark that comes from collaborating with Christie^® partners, seasoned leaders, and industry organizations that align with our philosophies and those of our employees globally.

Looking for a partnership for your project or program?

Whether it’s a project with a long history or a brand-new idea, if your goal is to support ProAV and cinema industry leaders of the future, we want to hear from you!

Tell us more about your project!

Let’s connect

Christie Ignite workshop in Lille

Every year, the Video Mapping Festival invites students to apply for a hands-on projection mapping workshop near Lille, France. At the workshop, students create content and test it using video mapping tools.

See how Christie is building the next generation of talent in ProAV and cinema

Christie supports young aspiring filmmakers in the first Open Gate Film Lab project

Open Gate Film Lab (OGFL) is a pilot project in Waterloo Region, Canada, that helps create employment pathways in the film industry for high school students.

The pilot launched in 2023 when 25 students gathered to create four short films in four days in a film studio built within a school library. Through various workshops, students learned how to take their initial ideas all the way to film creation and gained hands-on experience in eight different in-demand film occupations.

This initiative was a collaboration between the City of Kitchener Film and Music Office and Digital Sabbath Film Company and received seed funding from Zehr Group and Christie. The Visual Art Department at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute developed the curriculum with input from guidance counselors, Reel Canada, and other stakeholders. Since 2023, numerous schools have shown interest in signing up for the OGFL program.

High school students filming short video

College student directing young boy during the production of cinema trailer

Humber College graduate creates Christie cinema trailer for the big screen

In 2023, we held a contest to create Christie’s next cinema trailer. The contest invited Ontario, Canada, post-secondary students in film programs to submit a pitch for the trailer for a chance to win a monetary prize, a day on-set, and to have their concept shown on the big screen in theatres globally. We partnered with Digital Sabbath Film Company, a Kitchener, Ontario-based production company that shares our passion for supporting emerging filmmakers.

Mila Paulman, a fourth-year student majoring in film and media production at Toronto’s Humber College, won the contest and joined Digital Sabbath on-set for the one-day shoot and quickly jumped into the role of Assistant Director.

Learn more and watch the trailer

Kitchener's THEMUSEUM partners with college students for content creation for an interactive, immersive experience

THEMUSEUM opened a permanent immersive gallery called EYEPOOL in 2023. The interactive experience has delighted guests so much that the venue partnered with Conestoga College and students of its School of Creative Industries Graphic Design program to develop new branding and digital content for the gallery. Christie funded the project between THEMUSEUM and the college to help students explore their creativity and apply it to real-world immersive displays.

Student learning about projection mapping with hands-on training

Students at the hands-on Video Mapping Festival’s workshop learn how to create and display content

While Christie projectors and Christie Pandoras Box^® media servers have illuminated the festival for years, it was in 2023 that Christie Ignite started sponsoring a portion of the student workshop. Now, students learn how to use Christie Pandoras Box^® Software to design, manage show control, and display their content. Christie’s Thomas Mrozek, product manager, was on hand for the training to share his expertise.

National Film and Television School "Most Promising Student Awards"

Christie has supported the National Film and Television School (NFTS) "Most Promising Student Award" since 2005. Cody Updegrave, the 2023 award recipient, was praised for his hard work, commitment, and leadership qualities. Previous award winners have gone on to make stellar introductions to their careers, gracing the global stage at international film festivals and winning further awards for their work.

Young man with glasses and facial hair standing in front a background with logos

Christie resources for industry professionals

Learn about the ProAV and cinema industries through our Christie University courses, Christie AVenue eZine and our Spotlight blog articles! With tips, product training, and insights from experienced professionals, you’ll gain a world of expertise through our courses and articles.