BSO, CMPA Launch Accelerator for Black Producers

As seen on Playback.

The Black Screen Office (BSO) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) have launched a new Black Producer Accelerator Program that aims to increase representation and support the career growth of Black producers in Canada.

The program will see six producers participate in 20-week paid mentorship placements, where they will be paired with established producers at CMPA member companies. Entertainment Partners is on board to help financially support the program.

Participants will have the opportunity to receive on-the-job training across various aspects of production, including research, development, on-set production, business affairs, marketing and promotion.

BSO will organize one group session discussion every month and conduct monthly check-ins with mentors and mentees.

Each mentee will receive a minimum of $16,000 for their placement, based on a 20-week, 40-hour per week work schedule.

Mentor companies owned and operated by Black producers will receive a contribution of $12,000 towards the producer participant’s wages and must contribute a minimum of $4,000. All other mentor companies will receive a contribution of $8,000 towards the producer participant’s wages and must contribute a minimum of $8,000.

Applicants must co-apply with an experienced CMPA producer. If a candidate is unable to source a mentor, the CMPA will connect them with an eligible producer. The application deadline is May 3.

The program was announced as part of the inaugural BSO Symposium, taking place Tuesday (April 2) in Toronto.

“The Black Producer Accelerator Program, a collaborative effort between the CMPA and the Black Screen Office, is important to us. It’s a tangible manifestation of our dedication to mentorship and opening doors within the Canadian screen industry,” said BSO executive director Joan Jenkinson in a statement. “Our goal is to cultivate meaningful relationships between Black producers and seasoned CMPA producers, providing immersive, on-the-job mentorship. This initiative is about laying down the groundwork for enduring connections and ensuring that emerging Black talent is seen, heard, and given the chance to thrive.”