The Black Screen Office (BSO) has launched a Research and Action Centre (RAC) to help tackle anti-Black racism and promote equity in Canada’s screen industry.

The RAC is intended to be a resource to support “individuals working on set, behind corporate desks, or at policy tables” in their efforts to make an impact in content creation, and industry culture, according to a news release.

The initiative operates on a fee-for-service model for professionals and organizations looking for customized action plans. It also provides free materials that offer a “foundational understanding” of issues affecting Black and marginalized communities. Customized services include specialized programs for mentors and support for producers to develop community engagement plans.

Free resources include the Being Seen toolkit, which provides information on engaging with and promoting the creation of authentic and inclusive content.

The centre builds on the BSO’s research over the last few years, published through a series of reports, including Being Seen: Directives for Creating Authentic and Inclusive Content; Being Heard: Black Canadians Working in the Screen Industries; and Being Counted: Canadian Race-Based Audience Survey.

The tools and programs are designed using BSO’s research, and include presentations, workshops, and specialized training. The RAC also features a career accelerator framework, aimed at mid-career Black professionals and employers seeking to support Black talent. The resources and training programs offered by the RAC will continue to evolve to sync with the changing needs of the industry, said the release.

“By focusing on actionable research findings and offering a wide range of educational and professional development options, we expect the Research and Action Centre to become an invaluable resource underpinning the fight against anti-Black racism in the screen industries,” said Joan Jenkinson, executive director of the BSO, in a statement.

Pictured: BSO board members; photo courtesy of Black Screen Office