Applications are now being accepted for the Access BIPOC Producers program, presented by EAVE and the National Screen Institute in partnership with Canada Media Fund (CMF).

Access BIPOC Producers provides training and mentorship to producers in Canada who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) as they develop themselves, their companies and a feature film, documentary or series to compete in the global market.

This is a part-time, 10-month intensive program for up to 20 BIPOC, mid-career producers in Canada with or without a project in development. The program is open to producers from both English and French speaking communities.

Learn more and apply for the Access BIPOC Producers program by October 1.

Potential applicants can register now for the Q+A webinar taking place on September 4 at 1 p.m. CT to find out more about the program.

“The Access BIPOC Producers program is an outstanding example of working together to create opportunities for racialized creators and companies to build skills and tell stories that resonate in Canada and globally,” said Mathieu Chantelois, EVP of Marketing and Public Affairs at the CMF. “As part of the CMF’s commitment to growth and inclusion, we are proud to once again partner with the National Screen Institute and EAVE to invest in this impactful program, ensuring the best Indigenous and Canadian stories reach audiences across all platforms.”

Access BIPOC Producers empowers participants to develop global relationships, facilitate the growth of their companies and advance the financing, export and co-production of their intellectual property.

Access BIPOC Producers graduate Farhad Pakdel reflected on his time in the program calling it, “Inspiring and empowering. We started this journey about nine months ago and looking back, I’m amazed at how much my project has evolved and at the same time how much I’ve grown as a producer and a person.”

Over a series of workshops, delivered in English, participants build national and international connections while completing assignments on project strategy, finance, company / career planning and script development.

“The importance of a program like Access BIPOC Producers cannot be emphasized enough,” said National Screen Institute executive director Christine Kleckner. “Creating opportunities and platforms for BIPOC producers from coast to coast to coast to expand their skills and grow their networks and production companies is key to helping our national film industry flourish. Our partnership with EAVE and CMF continues to thrive under our shared goal of moving towards cultural equity in storytelling.”

The curriculum is developed using EAVE’s methodology, tailor-made for delivery in Canada. Recent EAVE graduates have seen a 182% increase in co-production projects after participation.

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Access BIPOC Producers is presented by EAVE and the National Screen Institute, in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF); Patron Telefilm Canada; Host Partner Manitoba Film & Music; Strategic Sponsor Bell Media; Industry Partner Bell Fund; Industry Supporter On Screen Manitoba. National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. More sponsors to be confirmed.

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About EAVE, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs

EAVE is Europe’s leading training, development and networking organization for producers. In addition to their flagship program, the renowned European Producers Workshop, they are involved in a variety of programs in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Founded in 1988, EAVE’s objectives are to provide professional training opportunities and to bring producers from different regions of the world together with the aim of facilitating co-production relationships. EAVE’s unique international network comprises over 2,700 producers and key decision-makers.

About Canada Media Fund

Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors.

About National Screen Institute

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film and television, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those in regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Further enquiries

• Program enquiries: Oyin Bolaji-Idowu, oyin[dot]bolaji-idowu[at]nsi-canada[dot]ca
• Media enquiries: Abiola Agbayewa, abiola[dot]agbayewa[at]nsi-canada[dot]ca