Media Business Essentials Program

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.

Participants who complete all four modules will receive a Certificate of Completion from Centennial Story Arts Centre – School of Communications, Media, Arts & Design.

This program is available in person as well as via Zoom.

DATES

Module One: Production Management

November 25
December 2
December 9

 

DATES

Module Two: Production Accounting & Tax Credits

January 20
January 27
February 3

DATES

Module Three: Business Affairs

February 10
February 24
March 2

DATES

Module Four: Marketing & Distribution

March 9
March 16
March 23

FEES

Full Program Cost (12 sessions total):
$1,450 + HST (WIFT Toronto Members)
$1,900 + HST (Non-members)

NOTE: a payment plan is available for the full program registration.

Contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, to request registration through a payment plan.

Per Module Cost (3 sessions per module):
$425 + HST (WIFT Toronto Members)
$550 + HST (Non-Members)

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.

This program is available in person as well as via Zoom.

2023/2024 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: Tara Jan (Supervising Producer, Producer, Instructor)

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: Sasha Boersma (Co-Founder/Producer, Sticky Brain Studios & Board of Directors, Disability Screen Office)

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