Women in Film & Television Vancouver (WIFTV) has launched a program for emerging television producers from underrepresented communities in British Columbia.

The WIFTV Emerging TV Producers Program is a six-month initiative offering up to 10 women and gender-diverse creators the necessary tools, training and connections to break into the TV industry.

The program is funded by the Canada Media Fund and broken out into two phases, the first of which is a series of foundation workshops to be held in Vancouver from June 11 to 14. Participants will learn how to assess opportunities, handle funding applications, pitch, finance, create budgets and make industry connections.

Phase two, which runs June 15 to Dec. 15, will match participants with a mentor to assist them with packaging their projects for development funding and/or industry markets. Arielle Boisvert, partner at Vancouver’s Brightlight Pictures, has been announced as a jury member and mentor. More names will be announced soon.

The program is also open to B.C.-based writers who want to gain producing skills, and who have a completed pilot script (30 or 60 minutes). They must identify as female or gender diverse (including trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and agender), be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status and be age 18 or older. The program’s mandate is to have a diverse cohort that includes women and gender diverse participants from communities including Indigenous, Black, people of colour, LGBTQ2S+, and persons living with disabilities.

The program is free, with funds for travel, accommodations and meals provided to out-of-town participants. Assistance will also be provided for childcare and other accessibility barriers based on needs. Sign language and mobility accommodations will be provided.

An information webinar will take place on Feb. 26. Applications will be open from March 8 to April 4, with selected participants announced on May 2.

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