The CRTC has approved the Black Screen Fund as a new Certified Independent Production Fund (CIPF) to support Black creators, according to the Black Screen Office (BSO).

The BSO announced the certification on Nov. 10, noting that the new CIPF will complement existing funds “by providing training to Black creators as they receive funding in the pre-development, development and production stages,” in a news release.

It is expected to “carve out a new niche in the funding space” by focusing on giving Black creatives the tools and skills needed to succeed, rather than helping to finance specific projects.

The Black Screen Fund will operate independently from the BSO, and is expected to be launched in 2024. As a CIPF, it will be eligible to receive revenue from BDUs and tangible benefits packages from media acquisitions. The BSO will also seek additional funding through corporate sponsorship and “CRTC-regulated revenue streams.”

“We are being very intentional with our goal to break down systemic barriers,” said BSO executive director Joan Jenksinson (pictured) in a statement. “It is not enough to give money to underrepresented creators and just hope they succeed. With the Black Screen Fund, we will provide financial support, as well as exposure for Black creators to the tools, experiences and career-building support that will set them up for ongoing success.”

Image courtesy of the Black Screen Office