Elevate has successfully wrapped phase 1 of its first edition. In partnership with Paramount+ in Canada, BIPOC TV & Film and the National Screen Institute, the business development incubator aims to enhance the success and growth of BIPOC-owned production companies.
From March to July 2024, participants completed four learning modules led by Steve Levitan at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. The curriculum covered topics such as people management, entertainment law, business strategy, pitching and negotiating, financing, marketing and business strategy. This comprehensive learning experience enriched participants’ knowledge and skills, essential for their careers as producers.
Each module featured expert guest speakers from companies such as Paramount+, Canada Media Fund, Telefilm, Ontario Creates, RBC, along with many talented BIPOC creators from acclaimed independent production companies. Participants had the opportunity to network, ask questions, engage in discussions, provide feedback and contribute to the format of each module.
With phase 1 now complete, participants will advance to the second and final phase of the Elevate program, scheduled to run from September 2024 to February 2025.
Congratulations to the Elevate program participants Anaëlle Béglet (Autres Histoires, Montreal, QC); Marie Clements (MCM2, Galiano Island, BC); Alison Duke (OYA Media Group, Toronto, ON); and Shant Joshi (Fae Pictures, Toronto, ON).
Special thanks to the additional Elevate Learning Module students who contributed to the success of the modules.
Elevate is facilitated by National Screen Institute program managers Danielle Audette and Jessica Gibson.
