MONTREAL — Telefilm Canada released its new 2020-2023 corporate plan last week and followed it up today with a new equity and representation action plan.
Rooted in an inclusive approach involving the film funder’s executive leadership team, managers and employees, the 2020-2023 Corporate Plan includes four strategic priorities:
- Attract additional funding and investment
- Evolve Telefilm Canada’s funding allocation approach
- Optimize its operational capability
- Enhance the values of the “Canada” and “Telefilm” brands
“The end of the process for this corporate plan was marked by the onset of a global crisis triggered by the outbreak of Covid-19. In this context, the corporate plan will serve as a roadmap for this period and allow Telefilm to adjust and make changes as the situation evolves,” reads the industry advisory.
Telefilm’s Equity and Representation Action Plan builds upon a framework guided by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), as well as Telefilm’s ongoing consultations with external stakeholders, collective commitments from staff, and in response to public dialogue calling for increased inclusivity.
“Telefilm is firmly committed to demonstrable action. We will create greater access to our funding portfolios for current and future clients who have historically been disadvantaged by our processes, and work culture. We know that there is much work to be done,” reads the news release.
As part of the action plan, Telefilm is creating an internal Equity and Representation Action Committee, to be led by Telefilm’s E.J. Alon and Kathleen Beaugé. The action committee will work with external stakeholders, such as the diversity and inclusion working group, and continue discussions with its communities.
Also included in the plan is the creation of four new positions dedicated to Telefilm’s equity and representation initiatives. These four new positions for Black, Indigenous and people of colour employees will include: two on the project financing team, one in business affairs, and one in a senior management role reporting to the executive leadership team.
In addition, Telefilm is creating a new stream in its Development program which will be dedicated to filmmakers from racialized and visible minority communities.
Telefilm says it will also prioritize data collection to better identify needs and allow it to better provide more directed funding, and customized initiatives, tailored to support clients who may not have received any financing from Telefilm Canada, or clients who may not have received adequate support to date, says the release.
