Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is delighted to announce that Maria Alejandra Benavides is the recipient of the 2024 Formosa Group Sound Mentorship, which runs inclusively from October 21 – November 8, 2024.
This partnership allows the recipient to expand their knowledge of the sound editing and sound mix production cycle. As a part of this mentorship, Maria will also receive a $1000 honorarium as well as on-stage recognition at the WIFT+ Toronto Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on November 21.
Maria Alejandra Benavides is a sound professional whose passion for cinema and sound led to her work as a sound designer, gaining extensive experience in sound design, recording, mixing, and editing. She recently completed her studies in Broadcasting Television at Seneca Polytechnic. She is dedicated to creating immersive audio experiences that elevate storytelling. She is driven by her love for films and TV, and her dedication to developing her skills in audio post-production. She strives to bring a unique and professional touch to every project she works on.
During the mentorship, Maria will learn first-hand from in-house sound assistants, editors, and mixers. Over the three weeks she will observe the full sound process, from the point of transition from picture editing into sound editing all the way to the final mix layback and transfers. This opportunity lets Maria shadow sound design and effect creation; re-recording mixing; and live ADR recording sessions, as well as gain practical training with essential sound software and hardware. The goal of this mentorship is to arm the recipient with a wide breadth of basic skill training that will prepare them for an entry level work position within the editorial sound field.
“Formosa Group Toronto is excited to welcome Maria Alejandra Benavides to our 2024 WIFT mentorship program. Maria’s extensive education, training and experience in Colombia prior to immigrating to Canada, as well as her additional education and training this past year in Canada acclimating to our local screen industry, make her an ideal candidate for Formosa’s WIFT mentorship program. We hope to expose Maria to a wide range of tasks while she’s with us. We think she has a promising career ahead of her in post-sound and we are looking forward to supporting her in making the next steps in her professional journey.”
– David McCallum, Supervising Sound Editor, Formosa Group Toronto
“We’re thrilled to see the continued interest in our mentorships. Each year, we are pleased to review an increasing number of applications, speaking to the overwhelming need for women in more tactile and technical departments that have historically been male dominated. WIFT+ Toronto is committed to seeing this change of gender parity in film and television through to the end. We are thrilled for Maria, and know that she will make the absolute most of every moment spent with the Formosa Sound Group.”
– Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, WIFT+ Toronto
Formosa Group, Streamland Media’s sound division, is a full-service post-production sound company composed of award-winning talent. Formosa Group offers content creators services, including sound supervision and design, sound and music editorial and re-recording mixing, as well as integration and music production for features, broadcast, music, interactive and commercials. It is home to some of the most creative and well-respected sound artists in the entertainment industry today, with multiple locations throughout greater Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Toronto, and the U.K.
