For Indigenous digital film producers who want to advance their career to the next level and gain thorough understanding of the business affairs aspects of film making.
The FILM Business Affairs (FILMBA) training program is designed to develop the management skills of mid-career Indigenous producers who own their own film production company. Its focus is on demystifying the business side of film production and will cover a range of essential areas: from funding models, contract negotiation and financial management to production proposals, intellectual property law and distribution.
Representing a bridge between the classroom and the film industry, the program is designed to broaden opportunities for Indigenous-led film production companies to make an impact on the digital, creative and cultural sectors of Western Canada.
Program Overview
The program offers twenty sponsored seats and will be delivered entirely online. It consists of eleven two-day workshops that take place over two terms.
Workshops will take place on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). There will also be mentorship sessions between workshops (up to four hours per participant).
On successful completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Describe core production workflows relating to human resources, production resources, unions and guilds, and accounting
- Prepare industry standard production budgets for million plus budgets
- Determine the legal risks and responsibilities of various business structures and the industry necessity for incorporation as a preferred structure
- Develop and negotiate the necessary industry agreements to develop, produce and distribute projects
- Distinguish the varied approaches involved in developing, producing and distributing projects for film, television and new media
- Apply market analysis to identify the appropriate markets and distribution channels for your own projects
- Develop a five-year plan for your professional development and career goals
Details at a Glance
- Open to emerging and mid-career Indigenous film producers.
- Tuition is free for all participants accepted into the program.
- Delivered entirely online.
- Duration: Eleven two-day workshops that take place on weekends over two terms.
- Led by film industry professionals.
The program specifically seeks Indigenous producers who have demonstrated management experience in producing. To apply, you must:
- Have Indigenous ancestry.
- Have a minimum two years' film training from a recognized film studies program or equivalent.
- Have been out of film school for at least two years.
- Have produced at least two short films in which you managed a budget of at least $10,000.
- Have qualified for development funds from a recognized source like federal or provincial Arts Council, TELUS Storyhive, APTN, CBC shorts, ISO Development Funds, Telefilm Talent Development funds or verifiable private funds.
- Come to the program with a project you wish to develop.
- Sign a commitment contract with the FILMBA program, which requires that you commit to attend all workshops and mentorship sessions as well as complete all exercises.
- Sign a media release form so that we may film/record/photograph you during the workshops and use the footage for promotional purposes (e.g., testimonials).
- Competent with basic software, including Office, Excel, PowerPoint and online video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Blue Jeans, etc.
- Have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection, equipped with camera and microphone.
Apply
Applications are currently closed. If you are interested in the next iteration of the program, please send an email to FILMBA@capilanou.ca.
Instructors & Advisors
The instructors and advisors for the program are all industry professionals with proven expertise and years of experience working in essential areas of film, from producing, fundraising and negotiation to marketing, distribution and more.
Meet the instructors and advisors.
FILMBA Alumni
Meet the alumni of our inaugural FILMBA program.
Several of our 2021 FILMBA participants who completed the program had the opportunity to attend the 2022 Cannes Festival in France, thanks in part to sponsorship from Warner Media and Creative BC. The trips were also supported by Telefilm, the Indigenous Screen Office, and Screen Siren Pictures.
Several FILMBA participants were also provided with support to attend the 2022 Banff World Media Festival in Banff, Alberta.
More Information
If you have any inquiries please contact FILMBA@capilanou.ca.
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Fees & Sponsorship
We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support:
