the build

strengthening your foundation

To succeed in our industry you need three things: a strong foundation, a willingness to learn, and a reliable, supportive tribe.

For a long and sustainable career as a filmmaker or media professional, you’ll need the skills, knowledge, and, most importantly, connections to stay ahead of the curve. Our intensives and mentorships provide you with the tools, knowledge and skills to stand out.

WIFT-T supports you as you build a sound and lasting career.

empower yourself

level up

Learn more about the various ways our targeted programming can accelerate and strengthen your career goals.

CONNECT

Expand your network, meet collaborators or potential new hires, and find or be a mentor.

Learn

Build your toolbox of skills and experiences by applying for an intensive program or mentorship.

advance

Get exposure—let us rave about your accomplishments. Submit your work to our annual Showcase.

Fuel the change

Pay it forward. Donate to the Foundation for WIFT-T. Volunteer your time or provide mentorship.

network network network

connect

Developing and sustaining strong relationships are key to attaining longevity in the entertainment industry. As 2016 Crystal Award honoree, Deborah Osborne, says, "We build our careers through our peers."

At WIFT-T, we recognize the importance of collaboration and network-building. Your WIFT-T community is a gold mine of experience, talent, and opportunities. Connect online through our database and social media platforms, come out to our various networking events, and participate in our one-on-one mentorship program.

“Filmmaking is a highly collaborative and creative business that relies on making key connections. As women we need more opportunities to create those relationships—WIFT-T helps us to do that.”

~Donor Amy Jo Johnson, actor & filmmaker, The Space Between, Flashpoint

build your network

“Female filmmakers should network with each other... They open up resources and expertise, and allow them to build a network early in their career.”

~ Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute

New Member Breakfast

Recently joined WIFT-T and ready to make the most of your membership? Come to our New Member Breakfast, an orientation and networking session for new WIFT-T members.

“There is huge value in being on a set and watching other directors work. It is particularly significant for women because we don't get the chances men do.”

~Mentor Gail Harvey, director, Lost Girl

WIFT Connect

"We build our careers through our peers." – Deborah Osborne, 2016 WIFT-T Crystal Award Winner for Mentorship. Get matched 1-1 with a WIFT-T member through this exclusive mentoring program.

"Get out there and meet people. It's amazing how many seasoned people in the industry will agree to meet up and chat with an aspiring filmmaker."

~ Chad Archibald, Founder, Black Fawn Films

WIFT-T Network

Mix and mingle with other WIFT-T members. Meet new people and build your network, all while interacting with inspiring industry experts.

"WIFT-T’s Reception@TIFF is the only party of its kind recognizing women working in the screen-based industry."

~Unity360, Entertainment industry news

WIFT-T Reception@TIFF

The hottest ticket of the year! Celebrate women’s success in media during the Toronto International Film Festival. One free ticket for each member!

expand your toolbox

LEARN

The media industry today is far from what it was five years ago. Look at how much has changed in the past year! To succeed you must keep up with and stay ahead of the trends, and never stop learning. Our programs give you the skills and knowledge needed to build your confidence and prepare you for your next five years.

“It’s all building your toolbox. Just keep working your way up the ladder and learn, learn, learn.”

~Daegan Fryklind, showrunner, producer & writer, Bitten, Being Erica

it's your time

"A unique opportunity that would be hard to replicate ... I was able to meet with people from all areas of the company and gained new insight into how the CBC operates."

~Madison Falle, 2017 Recipient

CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship

Are you an emerging Canadian female content producer who is passionate about production and development, with a focus on scripted broadcast content? This is the perfect opportunity for you!

"If you are looking to be challenged and learn how to become an even more effective leader in the media industry this is the program for you!"

~Maggie John, 2017 Participant

Corus Media Management Accelerator

This 56-hour intensive program is designed to provide screen-based media professionals with the skills needed to excel as managers and entrepreneurs.

"A transformative opportunity to work with business and directing mentors who are at the top-of-their game..."

~Kirsten Carthew, 2017 Recipient

DGC Ontario Director Mentorship

Are you an emerging female Canadian director? Do you have a feature film project in development, but need connections and market-training? Apply for the DGC Ontario Director Mentorship!

"MBE provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge towards the business aspects of media and a platform to network with fellow creators."

~Alicia De Four, 2017 Participant

Media Business Essentials

Jump-start your career in media and get the business skills you need to join Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar film, TV and interactive digital media industry.

OMDC IDM Fund Futures Program

Designed to assist and fast-track applicants applying to OMDC’s Interactive Digital Media Fund programs. Let us help you submit a winning application!

Scripted Digital Series Incubator

The Scripted Digital Series Incubator is a new four-day intensive program focused on script development, casting, audience development/discoverability, pitching, and financing.

“Female filmmakers should network with each other... They open up resources and expertise, and allow them to build a network early in their career.”

~Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute

WIFT-T Industry Sessions

Get inspired, make connections, and learn new skills in a single evening. An after-work speaker and networking series for screen-based media professionals providing useful and insightful career development strategies and tools.

celebrating you

advance

You've done the work. Now it's time to party.

At WIFT-T we enjoy celebrating our members and providing platforms for them to shine. Share your achievements with us. Made a short film? Submit it to our annual Showcase. Won an award or received a promotion? Tell us all about it. You deserve to be celebrated.

“You already are the complex, conflicted, fiercely driven protagonist of the life story (including career) you’re engaged in. Claim your agency. Provoke your own inciting incidents. Raise your own stakes.”

~Stephanie Morgenstern, writer and producer, X Company, Flashpoint

raise a glass

"The Crystal Awards creates a wonderful opportunity to recognize women and their accomplishments, as well as inspire others."

~Lucie Lalumière, Founder & Principal, Lalumière Media

Crystal Awards Gala

At WIFT-T, we take pride in not only providing opportunities for women to rise in their careers, we also celebrate their accomplishments and moments of triumph.

"This is an amazing event! Please come and say hello and watch some great talent!"

~Alex LaLonde, COO Digital Howard

WIFT-T Showcase

Our annual WIFT-T Showcase highlights the creativity, talent, and diversity of our community. Submit your short film, TV or web series, or music video. Each spring, we invite your fellow members and our supporters to join us in celebrating you!

take action

fuel the change

We applaud the industry for the significant strides that have been made to recognize the need for gender parity, diversity, and inclusion. While we acknowledge the cracks in the ceiling, we know there is a lot more that can be done to ensure that women and other marginalized groups have equitable access to opportunities in this industry. To completely remove the barriers to advancement, we need all hands on deck. Will you join us in leading the charge?

“Sometimes you hear the lobsters-in-a-pot metaphor—if the lobsters cooperated, they could get each other out. We’re cooperating. We refuse to just lie there and boil.”

~Diablo Cody, screenwriter & producer, Jennifer's Body, Juno, The United States of Tara

Fuel the change