Key Takeaways
- Five VFS alumni contributed their skills to Black Mirror Season 7, showcasing the global impact of VFS graduates across disciplines including directing, cinematography, design, and performance.
- The direct on-set collaboration between VFS alumni on the show’s Vancouver-filmed episode, ‘Common People,’ reflects VFS’s emphasis on cross-program teamwork and industry-readiness.
- VFS’s industry-leading training equips grads for real-world success – proven by their roles on one of the most iconic sci-fi anthology series.
It’s been nearly 15 years since Charlie Brooker released the freshman season of Black Mirror into the world – delivering a truly mind-bending, modern take on The Twilight Zone. Equal parts hope, terror, and tech, the series has given us some truly unforgettable cinematic moments across its 33 episodes (‘Nosedive’ remains my top pick). With season 7 available in its entirety on Netflix, the series continues in full throttle, offering 6 new episodes of tear-jerkers, jaw-droppers, and even the revival of a fan-favourite.
For professionals in the entertainment industry, there are undoubtedly some bucket-list projects that most can only dream of working on. However, for 5 Vancouver Film School alumni, this dream became a reality (we assume no quantum pendants were involved) when they joined the franchise’s most-recent season to help bring the show to life behind the scenes.
THE VFS ALUMNI BEHIND SEASON 7 OF BLACK MIRROR
The 5 Vancouver Film School alumni credited on the latest season are graduates of VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Film Production, Acting for Film & Television and Digital Design programs:
- Asia Youngman – 2nd Unit Director (‘Common People’)
- Alfonso Chin – 2nd Unit Director of Photography (‘Common People’)
- Wendy McAllister – Storyboard Artist (‘Common People’)
- Moheb Jindran – ‘Surgeon’ (‘Common People’)
- Jai Field – Graphic Designer (‘Common People’)
BEHIND THE SCENES OF BLACK MIRROR SEASON 7 (NO SPOILERS!)
After a nearly two-year hiatus, Black Mirror is so back! While season 7 delivers the dystopia, satire, and biting (and very meta) social commentary we’ve come to expect, we also got an unprecedented moment – the return of fan favourite, and 4-time Emmy-winner, ‘USS Callister’. For the first time, the series revisited a previously explored story world and characters, with a big payoff. Additionally, we also saw Will Poulter reprise his role as Colin Ritman in episode 4 (‘Plaything’); Colin originally appeared in the one-off, choose-your-own-adventure film Bandersnatch which exists in the Black Mirror universe.
Finally, season 7 featured some big names, including Rashida Jones (who previously co-wrote the ‘Nosedive’ episode!), Paul Giamatti, Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Tracee Ellis Ross, Awkwafina, Cristin Milioti, and more, prompting a comment from Brooker that his latest season was “embarrassingly stacked”.
THE VANCOUVER CONNECTION TO BLACK MIRROR’S LATEST SEASON
If episode one, ‘Common People’ looked familiar, that’s because if was filmed right here in Vancouver! Specific locations included the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School in Vancouver, the Swiss Canadian Mountain Range Association in Coquitlam (i.e., Juniper Lodge), the Clova Theatre in Cloverdale, and Surrey City Hall. Additionally, Bridge Studios in Burnaby served as a central production base for the episode. This is just one of many examples of Netflix series filmed in British Columbia.
5 VFS alumni worked behind the scenes on the latest season of Netflix’s Emmy-winning series Black Mirror.AN ON-SET VFS REUNION
‘Collaboration’ is a cornerstone of VFS’s training model. Students collaborate with other programs, have opportunities to work with the industry while in school (past students have worked on-set with Ryan Reynold’s Maximum Effort, the Vancouver Canucks, and Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025), and even cross paths with one another as they navigate their careers.
We were delighted to find out that Asia and Alfonso had the opportunity to connect while working together on the episode ‘Common People’. Asia commented: “Working as the second unit director on ‘Common People’ was a dream come true. What made the opportunity even more special was teaming up with my friend and trusted collaborator Alfonso Chin, who I’ve worked with previously. Together, we had an incredible experience crafting the visual world of the Rivermind Lux commercial and contributing to this critically acclaimed anthology series.”
We love to see our alumni working together!
READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN FILM OR TV?
If you’re thinking that working on a top-rated show like Black Mirror is only possible in an alternate reality – think again! Vancouver Film School’s industry leading programs can train you in 1 short year with the skills and portfolio you need to launch your industry career. Apply today to speak to our Admissions team, learn how Vancouver Film School graduates break into Netflix productions, and start your creative journey.
FAQ
1. Which episodes of the latest season of Black Mirror were filmed in Vancouver?
Episode 1, ‘Common People’, was shot in and around Vancouver, including locations like Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Surrey City Hall, and the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge.
2. What VFS programs did the alumni featured on Black Mirror Season 7 graduate from, and what roles did they have on the show?
The featured VFS graduates on Black Mirror are from VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Film Production, Acting for Film & Television, and Digital Design programs. Their roles on Black Mirror Season 7 included 2nd Unit Director, 2nd Unit Director of Photography, Storyboard Artist, Actor, and Graphic Designer.
3. Which notable names appear in Black Mirror Season 7?
This season features performances by Issa Rae, Paul Giamatti, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rashida Jones, Peter Capaldi, Awkwafina, and returning Black Mirror stars like Cristin Milioti and Will Poulter.
4. Can I work on projects like Black Mirror after studying at VFS?
Absolutely. A top film and animation school in Canada, VFS boasts an industry-focused training that equips students with the skills and portfolio to enter the entertainment industry quickly. Many alumni go on to work on major productions worldwide.