Questions about Access BIPOC Producers? Watch our information session featuring faculty and alumni discussing the program and how to apply.
The session was hosted by program manager, Julie Hackett and the Canada Media Fund’s vice-president of inclusion and growth, Tamara Dawit; featuring 2022 program alumni, Paola Arriagada Nuñez and Patricia Scarlett, as well as National Screen Institute faculty Ursula Lawson and Oyinkansola Bolaji-Idowu.
Access BIPOC Producers, formerly EAVE On Demand Access Program, provides training and mentorship to producers in Canada who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) as they develop themselves, their companies and a feature film or series to compete in the global market. Apply now, deadline is March 17.
Thank you to the attendees who submitted questions during our webinar. Please see the answers below:
How much time should I dedicate to this program?
There is a significant time commitment required – program sessions plus 2.5 hours a week outside of class to get through your reading and assignments.
What is the program schedule?
See a detailed breakdown of the program schedule on our program page. July dates are confirmed – we hope to confirm more dates in the next few weeks.
How long are the weekly sessions?
Workshops 1 and 3 will be in-person for six, full-day sessions. Workshop 2 will be online for 10 days.
Are unscripted documentary projects eligible? Or short form web series?
Yes – both are eligible.
What is the selection process like for this program?
A selection committee will look at each case individually. Motivational statements are a very important part of the application as it helps us understand the applicant’s “why.”
How detailed should my budget be when applying?
You should have a good idea of the finance structure for the project when applying.
If I have more than one project, how can I choose which one to apply with?
You have to look at the stage of the project and how far into the development you are. Make sure it’s a project that you can invest time in over the year and is ready to go into development.
Can you define mid-career producers? What would you consider to be too experienced or not experienced enough?
If you haven’t had any legal or business knowledge, this might not be the right program for you.
You can’t be too experienced for this program, as there is always room to grow and brush up on your skills.
What do the producer workshops look like – did you workshop budgets, marketing plans, etc.?
Workshops contain legal and business affairs sessions, group work sessions and feedback, as well as one-on-one sessions with experts and plenaries.
If a producer doesn’t have a feature film credit, but has several features in development and is looking to grow their business, is this program for them?
If all elements involved in producing the content were done by the producer, they could apply.
Are other producer-incubator programs taken into consideration in the application process?
We are looking for personal experience – if you’ve taken a course that covers topics like finance, budgets or business affairs, but haven’t actually applied those skills to a project, it will be difficult to process the instruction in this program.
What is the difference between applying with and without a project?
If you’re applying with project, it’s best to have a writer attached.
If you don’t have a project, you are paired with someone who does, and you will attend sessions together.
Do you have to be a registered production company?
Not immediately; however, you will need to register one.
Is this program suitable for a producer that is also working towards directing the same submitted project?
For this program, you will need to focus on one aspect of the project.
If a producer has international film credits, but no Canadian film credits, are they qualified?
We are focused on building producers in Canada and their companies. Please include details in your motivational letter about your plans to work in the Canadian industry.
Does this program help producers develop their marketing skills to expand audience reach, in both theatrical release or an international co-production?
Yes.
Who can I reach out to if I have further questions?
Founding supporters 2022: EAVE On Demand Access Program was presented by the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) with support from Presenting Partner Canada Media Fund (CMF); Program Patron Telefilm Canada; Program Partner Indigenous Screen Office (ISO); Host Partner Alberta Film Commission; Strategic Sponsors Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Ontario Creates; Provincial Sponsors Creative BC, Creative Saskatchewan, Manitoba Film & Music; Industry Supporter Bell Fund. National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.
