The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) announced Wednesday the launch of its 2025/2026 CMPA mentorship program, which is marking its 30th anniversary this year.
Offering several application streams, CMPA’s mentorship program pairs emerging producers with established producers at CMPA member companies for on-the-job training across all aspects of media production — from financing and distribution to development and post-production, and more.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the mentorship program over the past three decades has been the positive cycle it’s created,” Liz Shorten, the CMPA’s chief operating officer, said in a press release. “Many past mentees have established vibrant careers and companies and are now mentoring new participants today, which really demonstrates the success of the program.”
Applications are now open for the following mentorship program offerings:
- Bob Crowe Mentorship Program for Emerging Indigenous Producers
- CMPA British Columbia Production Mentorship Program
- CMPA Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers
- CMPA Production Mentorship Program
- Export Development Mentorship Program (funded by Telefilm Canada)
- PictureNL Producer Mentorship Program
The program is open to CMPA member companies, co-applying with mentee candidates. Program activities can take place during any stage of production, on-set or in-office, including research, development, business affairs, marketing and promotion, the CMPA said. Mentees must complete their 20-week mentorship placement by March 15, 2026.
The deadline for all applications is June 13, 2025, and program participants will be confirmed this summer, the CMPA said.
