ABOUT
Our Media Business Essentials (MBE) program is a career-enhancing learning experience for emerging media professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of the business of film, television, and interactive media production.
Modules focus on financing and business affairs, production management, production accounting and tax credits, and marketing and distribution. Courses are taught by industry professionals who are currently active and working in the sector.
This program is recommended for recent graduates and/or emerging professionals looking for applied learning.
While open to all career stages, this program would be most beneficial to those in our "Early Career" and "Emerging" cohorts. It is also recommended for professionals looking to upgrade or sharpen existing skills, or change industry streams. The MBE program is open to all genders, and to WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members.
2026 DATES
Module One: Production Management
2026 DATES
Module Two: Production Accounting & Tax Credits
2026 DATES
Module Three: Business Affairs
2026 DATES
Module Four: Marketing & Distribution
2026 FEES
Full Program Cost (12 sessions total)*:
WIFT+ Toronto Members: $1,575 + HST
Non-members: $2,100 + HST
Per Module Cost (3 sessions per module):
WIFT+ Toronto Members: $475 + HST
Non-Members: $650 + HST
*Note: a payment plan is available for the full program registration.
Contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, to request registration through a payment plan at ljanuska@wift.com.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Two (2) scholarships will be made available for this program (full program only).
Scholarships - open to WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members - are made available through the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto for the purposes of providing financial assistance as well as opportunities for advancement to members of underrepresented groups.
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must identify as a woman, female, trans, genderqueer, 2 spirit or nonbinary media professional. Preference will be given to members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and the LGBTAIQ+ communities, as well as individuals living with a disability and those that identify as a member of an equity seeking group.
Please self-identify in your Letter of Intent. Applicants should clearly indicate in their Letter of Intent how this scholarship will aid in their professional development and why they should be considered for the scholarship (explaining financial hardship, etc).
ELIGIBILITY
This program is recommended for recent graduates and/or emerging professionals looking for applied learning. While open to all career stages, this program would be most beneficial to those in our "Early Career" and "Emerging" cohorts. It is also recommended for professionals looking to upgrade or sharpen existing skills, or change industry streams.
The MBE program is open to all, regardless of gender expression, and to WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members.
2026 SESSIONS & INSTRUCTORS
Module 1: Production Management
Production Management enables participants to manage the creation and implementation of screen-based projects. This module examines critical methods for moving from script to screen and offers strategies that maximize resources and time frames. Management methods, time lines, and project life cycles are examined with a focus on the relationship between the producer, production manager, and first assistant director.
Instructor: TBA
Module 2: Production Accounting & Tax Credits
The Production Accounting & Tax Credits module will explore the role of the Production Accountant and the staff of a typical film production accounting department. There will be a review of the methods and procedures that are used within the department and the results that must be obtained through the use of the forms, policies, and programming tools. The participants will be introduced to business structures, budgets, cash flows, controlling costs through cost reports, the workflow of the accounting department, applying for and estimating the refundable tax credits, eligibility requirements and application processing for funding agencies such as the Canada Media Fund.
Instructor: TBA
Module 3: Business Affairs & Financing
The Business Affairs & Financing module covers the funding and financing available for media projects, and the business affairs related to production from development to delivery. Learn the common contractual obligations, government regulations, how provincial tax credits work, and delivery steps to broadcasters and distributors.
Instructor: TBA
Module 4: Marketing & Distribution
This session is designed to empower new and emerging content creators with practical knowledge and insight to help them make proper business decisions regarding the marketing, sales, and distribution of their media content through traditional and digital platforms as they relate to feature films, television and branded online content. Using case studies and in-class examples, the module will cover various forms of marketing materials to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their relevance to the target audience. The course will also present practical and timely information regarding the business of distribution and sales. The module will include a review of a typical producer/distributor agreement, projections, sales reporting, and expenses. The course will review current market trends for branded digital and traditional content with an emphasis on future growth opportunities.
Instructor: TBA