The Black Screen Office (BSO) and Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) announced Tuesday the launch of a new accelerator program focused on increasing representation and supporting the career growth of Black producers in Canada.
Made possible with financial support from Entertainment Partners, the BSO-CMPA Black Producer Accelerator Program will see six producers participate in 20-week paid mentorship placements, where they will be paired with established producers at CMPA member companies.
Through the program, participants will have the opportunity to receive on-the-job training across various aspects of production, including research, development, on-set production, business affairs, marketing and promotion. Applications are open until May 3, 2024.
“Black candidates who have a demonstrated interest in working in production, and a goal of building a career as a media producer in Canada, are invited to apply,” reads a CMPA press release. “Applicants must co-apply with an experienced CMPA producer with whom the candidate would work alongside throughout the duration of the accelerator program.”
For candidates who are unable to source a potential mentor company, the CMPA says it will endeavour to connect them with an eligible producer.
“The Black Producer Accelerator Program, a collaborative effort between the CMPA and the Black Screen Office, is important to us,” Joan Jenkinson, executive director of the BSO, said in the release. “It’s a tangible manifestation of our dedication to mentorship and opening doors within the Canadian Screen industry. Our goal is to cultivate meaningful relationships between Black producers and seasoned CMPA producers, providing immersive, on-the-job mentorship. We are not just hoping for, but actively working towards, successful placements within mentor companies or elsewhere in the industry. This initiative is about laying down the groundwork for enduring connections and ensuring that emerging Black talent is seen, heard, and given the chance to thrive.”
“We are excited to announce our partnership with the BSO in launching a much-needed program aimed at empowering Black producers in Canada and providing them with the required career acceleration support,” said Reynolds Mastin, CMPA president and CEO. “We are confident that the first cohort of participants will achieve great accomplishments in the coming years, and we look forward to witnessing their success.”
Cheryl Nex, president of Entertainment Partners in Canada, said: “Diverse perspectives are essential for driving innovation and creativity in the entertainment industry, so Entertainment Partners is thrilled to support the Black Producer Accelerator Program and help promote opportunities for diversity within the producer community in Canada. By supporting programs like the Black Producer Accelerator Program EP is investing in a more vibrant and inclusive future for Canadian entertainment.”
