ABOUT
This free program designed for Indigenous content creators (with 2 - 5 years experience), will bring concentrated learning opportunities to a small group of creators for an in-depth, personal experience. Through networking, industry insight, training and mentorship, this program will help establish and elevate the career of Indigenous creators.
Given the screen-based industry strikes, this is a unique time for creators. We are taking this time to highlight Indigenous storytellers with an opportunity to hone skills such as:
- script, story, and pitch development
- mentoring and networking
- community support
- guest speakers
- peer-to-peer mentorship...and so much more.
By engaging key partners and industry leaders, including experienced creators, writers, broadcasters, funders and more, we will bring the best education and career opportunities to the Indigenous stories that deserve to be seen and heard.
This program will be offered nationally so all sessions will be via Zoom.
Thanks to the Writers Guild of Canada for their support of this program.
DATES
Opening for Registration: Wednesday August 2, 2023
Registrations Close: Wednesday September 6, 2023
Course participation is FREE (thanks to generous donations from Hollywood Suite and the Foundation for WIFT Toronto).
Dates for 2023 Program:
Tuesday September 19, 2023
Thursday September 21, 2023
Tuesday September 26, 2023
Thursday September 28, 2023
- All days are 9:30am - 4:30pm EDT
- This program will run virtually via Zoom
- All participants must be able to attend all days
FEES
Application Fee: $ 0
Workshop Fee - WIFT Toronto Members: $ 0
ELIGIBILITY
This career accelerator is designed specifically for Indigenous content creators with 2 - 5 years of experience.
Registrants should have a project in development to be considered for the program. Details of the items required for the application are available here.
This program is open at ALL genders who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. You do not need to be a WIFT Toronto Member.
Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
Applications and course participation is FREE (thanks to generous donations from Hollywood Suite and the Foundation for WIFT Toronto).
SESSIONS & INSTRUCTORS
Day 1
- Participant and project introduction
- Mentor introduction
- Peer-to-peer mentorship and feedback
- Script development and writing workshop
Leaders: Carla Robinson and Meredith Vuchnich
Day 2
- Writing workshop (cont'd)
- Guest Interview Aaron Unrau, Manager of Industrial Relations, WGC
Leaders: Meredith Vuchnich
Day 3
- Roundtable discussions (3 x1 hour with special guests)
- Roundtable discussions (2 x 1 hour with special guests)
- Mentors and Participants forum
Participants: Sarah Quan (CBC), JJ Neepin, Lisa Rose Snow, Lynn Carter (Corus), Matt Smiley, Rebecca Gibson (Eagle Vision), Elan Mastai, and more TBC.
Day 4
- Pitch Workshop
- Mentorship & Allyship discussion
- Wrap!
Leaders: Marina Cordoni, Carla Robinson, TBA
Program Mentor - Carla Robinson
Carla Robinson (Haisla / Heiltsuk) is a producer / writer currently developing several film and TV projects through her new company Wassum Productions Inc. A former CBC broadcast journalist, she also draws on her experience as an entrepreneur and as a mother of three grown children.
Carla was an executive producer on the 2020 multiple award-winning feature film Monkey Beach and a creative consultant on the The Trickster TV series. In 2018 Carla wrote and co-produced her first short film The Guide which screened at the American Indian Film Festival, LA Skins Film Festival, the Hamilton Film Festival, and won Best Drama in Top Shorts, on online film festival. In 2018 Carla graduated from Sheridan College’s Film and Television program. She’s also earned a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours degree in Communications from Carleton University.
Script Development and Writing Workshop - Meredith Vuchnich
Meredith Vuchnich is a WGC and CSA award-winning screenwriter-producer of feature films and TV. Vuchnich co-wrote and Executive Produced the feature film BEANS, with director Tracey Deer, which won worldwide acclaim and Best Motion Picture at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards. Vuchnich has written and produced for many TV shows, including most recently MOONSHINE (CBC/Netflix), as well as REMEDY, REGENESIS, GODIVA’S and TRAIN 48 among others. She was recognized on the 2020 Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch List. After earning her master’s degree from Northwestern University, she honed her craft as a Theatre director-writer-actor before attending the Canadian Film Centre’s Prime Time TV Program. She recently wrote and directed a short film, UNTANGLING (2023).
Pitching with Marina Cordoni
Marina Cordoni is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of success in the Entertainment Industry. Skilled in Business Planning & Development, Script and Story Development, Project Financing, Project Management, On Set Production, Distribution, Promotion and Industry Event & Conference Planning, Marina has hands-on practical experience in creating and implementing strategic models that help companies to build profile and revenue. Her superior communication skills help her to navigate challenging waters to find new solutions for old problems. She provides these services both in house and as an Industry Consultant for hire. Marina has a Diploma in Film Production and Certification as a Communications Trainer and Facillitator.