Six emerging producers have been posted to companies including Minds Eye Entertainment and Conquering Lion Pictures through the Telefilm Producer Trainee Program.

The placements announced on Tuesday are: Tihemme Gagnon, who will be working with Bogart Productions in Edmonton; Maya Annik Despres-Bedward at Conquering Lion in Toronto; Bachir Boumediene at Montreal’s EyeSteelFilm; Romina Imani training with Joe Media Group in Calgary; Becki Hui with Minds Eye in Regina; and Hyden Wazelle at Screen Siren Pictures in Vancouver.

The program, which the CFTPA runs with Telefilm Canada, gives above-the-line work experience to members of visible minorities and people of aboriginal background. The trainees are given mentoring and on-the-job training, with an eye toward further employment opportunities.

‘Helping forge relationships between established companies and developing producers is key to building a sustainable industry,’ said Susanne Vaas, VP of business affairs at CFTPA, in a statement.