INAUGURAL PARTICIPANTS: ANDREW BURROWS-TROTMAN, MOTION & IAN IQBAL RASHID
June 12, 2022 – CBC, BIPOC TV & Film and the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) today announced at the Banff World Media Festival the creation of a new accelerator program, the CBC-BIPOC TV & FILM SHOWRUNNER CATALYST, which will support the career advancement of senior writers who identify as Indigenous, Black or People of Colour through hands-on and personally tailored on-set experience. The Catalyst offers a high-level professional coaching opportunity, designed through an anti-racist and equity-focused lens, and provides participants with additional tools and support systems necessary to reach a showrunner level in the Canadian film and television industry. CBC, BIPOC TV & Film and the CFC have made an initial commitment of three years to the program, with the opportunity to renew.
“It is imperative that while we are opening doors at entry-level for BIPOC creatives, we are simultaneously creating pathways for mid-level and senior BIPOC writers to have the opportunities to bring their careers to the next level,” said Kadon Douglas, Executive Director, BIPOC TV & Film. “The Canadian industry needs to see BIPOC writers as showrunners – leaders who can helm the vision of a show, from both the creative and business standpoint.”
“Within our industry, there are limited opportunities for equity-deserving senior writers to take on a leadership role, and we are honoured to work with Kadon and the dedicated team at BIPOC TV & Film in partnership with the CFC to help bridge that gap with the Showrunner Catalyst,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “By launching this tailored and practical program, we help to ensure that the future of Canadian storytelling reflects the changing face of our country. We offer our sincere congratulations to this year’s talented participants, who have already made great strides in their careers.”
“We’re thrilled to work with BIPOC TV & Film and CBC on this new initiative to help catalyze change in the Canadian film and television industry by including and growing Black, Indigenous and racialized creators in leadership positions,” added maxine bailey, Executive Director, CFC. “This shift is required to truly reflect today’s Canada, and the CFC is excited to be part of this change.”
Media Contact:
Tanya Koivusalo, CBC PR
tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca
