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Angelika Walaszczyk

“Thank you Women in Film & Television–Toronto for honouring me with the opportunity to mentor at the CBC, which has allowed me to gain invaluable insight from the remarkable people at the network, and to build important business relationships. One week at the CBC allowed me to meet with over 35 diverse professionals. I feel privileged to be able to pick up the phone or send an email to these people asking for guidance or advice on my projects.

As a producer, I now understand the various departments within the CBC and the crucial role they each play in the success of a show. This mentorship has shown me how to communicate effectively with a broadcaster as a result of this awareness. The insight gained will be integrated into every one of my projects from this point forward. It will allow me to look at things from different points of view, which brings me more confidence.

Along with the professional development experience, I was also exposed to a huge inspirational energy at the CBC. It is really an amazing time to be there and everyone’s excitement for their contribution through their job is contagious. It was such a positive feeling for my soul and my passion for this industry. An amazing opportunity, thank you again.”

Women in Film & Television – Toronto, in partnership with CBC Television, is pleased to announce Angelika Walaszczyk as the winner of the 2009 CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship. The mentorship will be presented at the 2009 Crystal Awards on Monday, November 30, 2009 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“Our public broadcaster has always been a great place to learn,” says Sadia Zaman, Executive Director of WIFT-T. “Angelika will have the opportunity to develop her skills further with some of the best in the business. We are grateful to the CBC for providing this professional development opportunity.”

“We’d like to offer congratulations and welcome Angelika to our mentorship program,” says Kirstine Stewart, General Manager of CBC Television. “As we’ve seen over the past couple of years now, the industry has faced unprecedented financial challenges. The imperative of creating the best programming for every dollar invested has never been greater. This is and will continue to be our priority at CBC and we’re happy to share whatever insights we can to help young producers maximize their chances of success in a difficult field.”

“I’m appreciative that such a program exists for women and extremely grateful to WIFT-T and the CBC for this incredible opportunity,” says Angelika. “My hope is to further develop my skills and knowledge of the creative and business aspects of television production, through exposure to the inner workings of this prominent Canadian broadcaster. I know this experience will be instrumental to building the foundation of my television producing career.”

For the past year, Angelika Walaszczyk has worked on television projects at Toronto’s Capri Films Inc. alongside President/CEO Gabriella Martinelli and Capri Television President Trevor Walton. Her previous experience includes working on Showtime’s The L Word, coordinating the reality TV series Celebrity RSVP, and working in the production office on the TV movie, Miss Texas, as well as in post-production on the USA cable network series, Touching Evil. Angelika has also worked closely with producers, directors, actors, editors and publicists on numerous films, including SUCK, Love Happens, War, Dr. Dolittle 3, Catwoman, and Fantastic Four.

In addition to the CBC Mentorship, Angelika is currently developing a vegan cooking show, co-producing a feature length documentary on young Tibetan refugees, and working on international distribution for Architekt, the short film she co-produced. Angelika graduated with honours with a certificate in Entertainment Administration from the University of British Columbia.

The CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship gives an emerging, Canadian female drama producer/director the opportunity to receive creative and business support from CBC Television. The recipient participates in a comprehensive week-long workshop, giving her the opportunity to establish business and mentoring relationships with CBC drama staff. The winner will learn about production and broadcast components of short film and dramatic television production.

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