VANCOUVER — The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) announced today Raila Gutman (above) has been appointed as director of member development for the CMPA’s BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC), starting this week.
In her new role, Gutman will oversee CMPA-BC’s industry partnerships, mentorship programs, and its equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, says a press release. She will also oversee training and professional development activities for members, including international and export initiatives.
Prior to working for the CMPA, Gutman was the inaugural program director for the Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP), a non-profit organization co-founded in August 2018 by CMPA-BC, Netflix and Creative BC that provides support and career advancement opportunities for BC-based film and television writers.
“Over the past three years serving on the board of the PSP, I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Raila to build this much-needed organization from the ground up,” said Liz Shorten, the CMPA’s chief operating officer, in the press release.
“In that short time, the PSP has made meaningful strides in building and nurturing BC’s screenwriter community. These accomplishments are in large part to Raila’s unmatched skills and dedication,” Shorten added.
Gutman also previously served as marketing director at Corus Entertainment.
Based out of the CMPA’s Vancouver office, Gutman will report to Tracey Friesen, managing vice-president of CMPA-BC.
Gutman is taking over the position previously held by industry veteran Linda Hay who developed key sector partnerships and led producer delegations to markets such as Kidscreen, Realscreen West and Content LA during her time at the CMPA.
“Linda is such a well-regarded professional in this production community and her contributions to our membership are so appreciated,” Friesen said. “I look forward to seeing how Raila, who has a proven track record as an energetic champion of the sector, will be able to build upon that foundation to serve BC producers.”
Photo supplied by the Canadian Media Producers Association.
