The Astral Media Mentorship is a national competitive program that gives one Canadian female or male producer who is a visible minority, Aboriginal, or an individual with a disability, the invaluable opportunity to prepare for the 2010 Banff World Television Festival. The participant receives a festival bursary and an intensive five day pre-festival mentorship with WIFT-T, other industry experts, and an Astral Media executive.

The 2010 Astral Media Mentorship takes place May 25 – June 18. Applications are due April 19, 2010 by 5 PM EST. 

Benefits

• Five day intensive pre-festival coaching with top industry executives to develop a market-driven project and pitch in Toronto
• Complimentary festival registration
• Round trip airfare
• On-site mentoring at the festival
• Guidance for post-festival follow-up
• Accommodations in Toronto for up to five days (excludes local residents) and accommodations in Banff for up to four days

Eligibility

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant
• A woman or man who is a visible minority, Aboriginal, or is disabled (Visible minority is defined as:  Black/African/Caribbean, South Asian, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Middle Eastern/West Asian and Latin American)
• WIFT-T member in good standing (may join at time of application)
• Independent producer
• Must have up to two credits (drama or children’s programming)
• Minimum of three years professional experience in the television industry
• Attending Banff World Television Festival for the first time as a producer
• Able to participate in mentorship sessions in Banff and Toronto
• Must complete final report within two weeks of mentorship completion

Testimonial

“This truly was an amazing experience, from the pre Banff bootcamp, to the mentoring and guidance—both pre and post festival—to the opportunity to pitch and meet with some of the most accomplished broadcast professionals working in the business today. The WIFT-T Astral Media Mentorship is truly remarkable and is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional programs available for emerging professionals. With the level of access, training, support, and mentorship that it provides, I’ve walked away from this experience empowered with new insight into the industry and how it operates, pitching and marketing techniques, and contacts with some of the most exceptionally remarkable people that I’ve had the great fortune to meet.”

“Thank you WIFT-T for your continued support and assistance, and to the amazingly talented and dedicated staff members that have been nothing short of phenomenal with what you are able to produce and make accessible for film and broadcast professionals at every level. Not to mention the members of the industry that have nothing but the utmost respect for the organization and that, without hesitation, offered their help, knowledge, and support. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Truly a remarkable program.”

Bobie Taffe, 2009 Astral Media Mentorship Recipient

Application Process

Please read carefully the Astral Media Mentorship Guidelines and complete the Astral Media Mentorship Application Form, and all requirements therein.

Fully completed application packages must be submitted to WIFT-T by April 19, 2010 by 5 PM EST. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of WIFT-T staff and industry representatives. The winner will be announced in early May.

Application Fee | A $50 administration fee, paid by credit card or cheque, will be required to process your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Presenting Partner