EMERGING

programming, tailor-made for you

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 Toronto supports you as you build a sound and lasting career.

See our Programming Central page for a list of all our programs.

empower yourself

Level Up

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

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

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

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

Pay it forward. Donate to the Foundation for WIFT Toronto. 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 Toronto, we recognize the importance of collaboration and network-building. Your WIFT Toronto 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.

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 Orientation

Recently joined WIFT Toronto and ready to make the most of your membership? Come to our New Member Welcome Orientation.

“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 Toronto Crystal Award Winner for Mentorship. Get matched 1-1 with a WIFT Toronto member through this exclusive mentoring program.

"WIFT Toronto’s Reception@TIFF is the only party of its kind recognizing women working in the screen-based industry."

— Unity360, Entertainment industry news

WIFT Toronto Fundraising 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!

"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 Toronto Network

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

“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 Toronto helps us to do that.”

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

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 your time

I was able to make important connections for moving my projects forward and build relationships for future collaborations.

— Jordana Aarons, producer (2016 recipient)

Banff World Media Festival Scholarship

An exciting career-accelerating opportunity for a mid-career professional looking to make key connections at a leading international marketplace.

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

This course truly gave me the edge when speaking to production accountants.

— Frances Ewaniuk

Intermediate Production Accounting & Tax Credits

This 3-day workshop provides you with in-depth and practical information on production financing and accounting.

"One of the most useful workshops I have taken in the industry!"

~AnnaMaria DeMara

Introduction to Entertainment Law

A 3-day workshop designed to demystify legal issues in media content production. Learn your rights, protect your IP, negotiate the best deal for YOU!

"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 billion-dollar screen-based media industry (film, TV and interactive/digital).

Ontario Creates IDM Fund Futures Program

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

"A great way to get practical and "hands on" learning, and prepare a strong pitch for investors and other stakeholders!"

~Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, WIFT Toronto

Pitch Workshop

Get practical tips and insights on pitching from the Decision Maker’s POV.

Scripted Digital Series Incubator

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

"An exciting career-launching opportunity for an emerging professional."

~Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, WIFT Toronto

Technicolor VFX Mentorship

The inaugural mentorship will took place from October 15 – November 1, 2019 (inclusive) at Technicolor's Toronto HQ. Dates for 2021 TBA.

“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 Toronto Industry Speaker Series

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.

“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

celebrating you

Advance

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

At WIFT Toronto 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

Bell Media Studios presents the 2020 WIFT Toronto Crystal Awards in Association with Entertainment One and Company 3

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

— Alex LaLonde, Former Chair, Foundation for WIFT Toronto

WIFT Toronto Showcase

Our annual WIFT Toronto Showcase highlights the creativity, talent, and diversity of our community. The 12th annual WIFT Toronto Showcase will take place virtually on May 4, 2021.

take action

Get Involved

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