CMF and National Screen Institute to train Canadian BIPOC producers

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and the National Screen Institute joined forces to offer an intensive training and entrepreneurship opportunity to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) producers. Through this partnership, qualified producers in Canada will have access to the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE) intensive training EAVE On Demand Access Program.

“This is a unique opportunity for outstanding Indigenous, Black and People of Colour producers to take their companies and content to the next level,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “The CMF’s Equity and Inclusion Strategy is designed to remove barriers in the industry and support talented creators to bring their stories to screens around the world. This initiative will help do exactly that.”

Developed according to their methodology and tailor-made for delivery in Canada, the program focuses on building stable and strong production companies owned by BIPOC creators, along with the development of their intellectual property for national and international financing and distribution. The program builds skills in enhanced revenue streams, distribution, export, and coproduction with an aim to facilitate professional cross-border relationships.

“Powerful partnerships can create change and the EAVE on Demand Access Program is a perfect example of national and international industry partners joining together to meet and fulfil a need for BIPOC producers in every region of Canada,” said National Screen Institute CEO, Joy Loewen. “We are grateful for the CMF’s leadership support of this program which will empower BIPOC producers in Canada to become distinct storytelling voices in the global marketplace.”

Through world-class training and coaching, the EAVE On Demand Access Program will provide producers with tools and resources to move their projects, companies, and careers forward. Valued at close to C$30,000 per participant, the program is open to producers currently in development on a project with a writer and producers without a project who are developing their companies and/or careers. Upon completing the program, the 33 selected producers will be equipped for success in the highly competitive international market.

Interested producers are invited to apply for the EAVE On Demand Access Program by November 22 at 5 p.m., ET on the National Screen Institute’s website.