Shivanya Mulekar, 2010

As an immigrant television producer, my aim [for the CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship] was to understand the broadcasting business of CBC and streamline the information into my current work knowledge. I was keen to see how different the broadcaster in Canada worked as compared to India. CBC and WIFT gave me a wonderful opportunity to observe and get inside the making of programs at Canada’s broadcaster. 

The team at CBC was warm and willing to share their experience. Each one of the team members was well prepared to answer my eager questions. The mentorship program was very well thought out and the team ensured that I was given in-depth knowledge about each department. They used unique techniques to keep me informed and made the whole mentorship program very interesting and fun. The part that I enjoyed the most was being at the playback of a drama series where I had the opportunity to observe an executive in charge of the show at work.

I take back a lot of special memories and interesting information after my week at CBC. There was a great amount of learning which happened in a fun way. The [mentorship] made me a more informed person and gave me great confidence to find a niche for myself in this industry. I trust CBC and WIFT continue this partnership and keep encouraging new talent who want to acquire a strong foothold in the broadcasting industry. 

Angelika Walaszczyk, 2009

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.

Jessica Jennings, 2008

[The CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship] was a tremendous learning experience. It was a whirlwind of information and a lot to absorb in one week, yet the scheduling and cohesiveness really worked. The program serves as a good example of how the industry works and is a great preparation tool. The “speed date” style provides one-on-one time to ask questions and create a succinct picture of the business of broadcasting.

This exposure to the movers and shakers of CBC is the first step to developing business relationships. Many of the executives offered up their business cards and suggested I contact them if ever I have questions going forward. I will be meeting potentially with three producers: from The Newsworld, Steven and Chris and The Nature of Things.

I learned how a production executive is involved throughout the entire development process [of MOWs and series]—what they oversee, how they exercise creative jurisdiction, how their role is instrumental to a production’s direction and how they weigh-in on approving the production budget, script, episode cuts, music, etc. I learned more about what’s involved internally once a project is completed or nearing completion, and what a broadcaster’s responsibility is to the producer and production, and vice-versa. Overall, my exposure to the broadcast process of arts and entertainment was simply great.

CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship   

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