Toronto, ON — July 14, 2026 — Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is pleased to announce the eight recipients selected for its inaugural Women in VFX & Post-Production Mentorship Program, supported by Amazon MGM Studios’ Ascend Program, with additional support from Rocket Science VFX, Take 5 Productions, and MR. X.
Following a competitive application process reviewed by members of the Women in VFX & Post-Production Advisory Committee, the following candidates have been selected to participate in the program:
- Erin Blewett
- Jearny Ductan
- DC Dzoja
- Kat Fedorova
- Jae Higgins
- Jaclyn McBride
- Lauren Scratch
- Polina Trofimova
The Women in VFX & Post-Production Mentorship Program is WIFT+ Toronto’s most comprehensive professional development initiative to date. Designed to address barriers to advancement and increase representation in highly specialized areas of the screen industry, the program offers specialized education, mentorship, and paid industry experience.
Participants will take part in a week-long, in-class intensive from July 15–21, 2026, featuring workshops, lectures, and panels with leading studio executives and industry professionals. Following the intensive, participants will complete paid work placement of up to three months, gaining hands-on experience across the VFX and post-production sectors under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The program was developed with the support of the Women in VFX & Post-Production Advisory Committee composed of industry leaders who provided strategic guidance to shape the program and support the recipient selection process.
The advisory committee includes:
- Stacey Dodge, Freelance VFX Supervisor/Producer
- Becca Donohoe, Head of Production, North America, Pixomondo
- Nick Iannelli, Executive Vice President, Take 5 Productions
- Julie Lawrence, Freelance Post Producer
- Christa Tazzeo, VP, Global Partnerships / Executive VFX Producer, Rocket Science VFX
- Fianna Wong, Technical Marketing Lead, SideFX
Special thanks to Program Liaison Natalie Atkinson for her support throughout the development of this program.
“We’re incredibly impressed by the caliber of applications we received, and the range of talent represented in this inaugural cohort. We look forward to supporting their professional growth and, through this program, helping create more opportunities for women advancing their careers in visual effects and post-production. This initiative would not be possible without the support of Amazon MGM Studios’ Ascend Program, Rocket Science VFX, Take 5 Productions, MR. X, and our Advisory Committee and we’re grateful for their support.”
— Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT+ Toronto
The Women in VFX & Post-Production Mentorship Program reflects WIFT+ Toronto’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity and creating sustainable career pathways within the screen-based media industry.
Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the education, engagement, and empowerment of all individuals at every stage of their careers in the screen-based media industry. It is WIFT+ Toronto’s mission to build and advance the careers of its members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
ABOUT AMAZON MGM STUDIOS' ASCEND PROGRAM
Ascend is Amazon MGM Studios’ global crew training program which supports workforce development across the Film/TV industry, cultivating the next generation of production talent. The program offers targeted learning and step-up opportunities and supports trainee and work experience job opportunities on Studio productions, combining skills development with practical experience.
For more information, please contact:
Sora Chung
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
WIFT+ Toronto
647-895-3351
