The WIFT-T Executive Management Program (EMP) is a national initiative that provides an opportunity for executives and senior management of independent production companies to develop business strategy and management skills.

Through an intensive four-day workshop, participants learn how to incorporate standard business models and position themselves as competitive leaders in the production marketplace. In addition, each participant is assigned a three-month post-program mentorship with a seasoned production executive or industry leader to guide implementation of strategic planning. Click here for the 2012 EMP curriculum.

When and Where

Date | March 21 – 24, 2012. Click here for curriculum schedule.
Time | 9:30AM – 5:30PM 
Location | Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre, 45 The Esplanade, M5E 1W2

Learning formats include:

• Formal instruction
• Case-study presentations
• One-on-one consultations

Objectives

The goal of the EMP is to facilitate participants’ understanding of:

• Where they are in the development of their company
• How their productions fit within an overall corporate growth strategy
• What their distinct market position is within the economy

Canada’s high-potential screen-based entrepreneurs will receive consultation, analysis and mentorship regarding the following corporate issues:

• Traditional benchmarks of a healthy business and strategies for achieving those benchmarks in the context of a Canadian screen-based production company. Business plans are reviewed for feasibility for corporate financing.
• Sustainable business models for production companies, including diversification of properties, alternate revenue models, and integrating production workflows for interactive extensions.
• Financial management, including financial planning, financial controls and corporate accounting.
• Legal management, including special considerations for IP based businesses.
• Human resources and management issues for entrepreneurs (when do you need a CFO? managing growth in uncertain times).
• Marketing tools for building your company’s media brand and product line in the multi-channel universe.

Eligibility

• Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Landed Immigrant
• Principal or Senior Management of an independent production company
• At least three broadcast credits (individual or corporate)
• Must submit a corporate profile completed within the last three years (*optional: may also submit business plan)

Fees and Registration

Application Fee | $25 (+ HST = $28.25) required to process your application
Program Fee | $650 (+ HST = $734.50) The program is valued at $3,500!

Guidelines & Applications

For full program details, please refer to the 2012 EMP Guidelines. Application packages—including the completed Application Form—must be submitted to wift@wift.com no later than Monday January 16, 2012, 5PM EST.

Up to 20 individual participants—representing senior management from the independent production sector—will be selected via a national competitive process adjudicated by an industry selection committee. Successful applicants will be notified by early February.

For inquiries, contact Renée Robinson, WIFT-T Programming & Business Affairs Manager, at rrobinson@wift.com.

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