Photo by Jean-Francois-Cormier
Yves Bélanger at Concordia's 2021 Wild Talks Lecture event that featured Award-winning filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, who passed away shortly thereafter.
When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?
Yves Bélanger: I enrolled in 1980 from Quebec City, not speaking much English. My first feeling was like I was in a dreamland because we had cameras, editing tables, sound-mixing equipment and experienced professors and graduate students at our disposal.
I remember Rodney Gibbons, BFA 79, George Mihalka, BA 73, and Christian Duguay, attendee, 80, among others. We were exposed to great films in our classes. It was an inspiring time, and I still use some of the movies I saw back then as inspiration even now. I realized I wanted to be a cinematographer in my second year and by the time I graduated, I had already shot several short films as a director of photography. The training I received at Concordia and the camaraderie with fellow students was invaluable.
What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?
YB: Coming out of Concordia in the early ’80s, there wasn’t much of a cinema industry in Quebec. My generation had to wait until the end of the decade, and many of us got our start in music videos and commercials. We had to hustle to make names for ourselves, but that hard work paid off.
Another important factor for me was building relationships. For example, I got to work with Clint Eastwood because his camera operator, Steve Campanelli, BFA 83, was a classmate at Concordia. In fact, I can proudly say that many of my colleagues from Concordia are still part of my professional network today.
What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?
YB: First, if you want to become a director or a cinematographer, shoot anything and everything you can, even if it means working for free.
Second, be a nice person. You never know who will become important in the future. The person bringing you coffee one day could become an executive tomorrow. It’s a small industry, and being known as someone who is pleasant to work with will open many doors.
Lastly, stay humble and be patient. The first few years can be tough, but persistence pays off in this line of work.
How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?
YB: I was amazed and didn’t expect it at all. I feel very lucky. There are so many talented people from Concordia who have had great careers. Being named one of the Great Concordians is an honour, and it makes me reflect on the journey I’ve had. It’s also a reminder of the importance of the community we have built at Concordia, which continues to inspire me.