The Reelworld Screen Institute has launched a new program to support the training of Black producers, casting directors, agents and managers in Canada.

The Reelworld Black Entrepreneurship Program also offers mentorship and networking opportunities to Black Canadians in need of support to launch their businesses in the screen sector.

The program, which Reelworld says is the first of its kind in Canada, will initially allow 16 applicants to take part in a series of workshops in March on how to structure a company as a producer, casting director, agent or manager, as well as a three-month paid internship. The workshops will focus on areas such as strategic planning, finance, human resources, marketing and sales. Applications are open until Feb. 4.

Reelworld has raised approximately $1.4 million for the launch of the program, which is supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Toronto-based production company Shaftesbury and actors union ACTRA are among the organizations providing additional support, either through funding, marketing, mentorship or apprenticeships.

“For the past two decades it has been our dream to find the funding to create a program like this,” said Tonya Williams (pictured), Reelworld founder and executive director, in a statement. “So much racially diverse Canadian talent is hindered by the lack of supportive infrastructure necessary to guide their careers to success. The value of having a good agent and manager who looks like you and knows the challenges you will have to face is immeasurable, and to have casting directors who can view talent through a different lens will be a game changer in our industry.”

Reelworld previously received support from the federal government’s Feminist Response and Recovery Fund toward the creation of a guideline addressing the depiction of racialized women in the media.