Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) revealed the start date for their third Emerging Television Producers Program (ETVP). This program aims to boost the progress of producers from marginalized groups. Starting on July 9th, 2024, the four-month ETVP offers training and mentorship for a maximum of ten women or gender-diverse creators. The primary objective is to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and network to establish themselves in the television sector.

“We are so excited to be bringing this important program back. We have begun to see changes in the Canadian Television industry, but there is still a long way to go in our work towards systemic change.”

Anaïsa Visser, Executive Director of GEMS

The ETVP is designed in two phases. Phase One is a five-day intensive workshop, to be held in-person in Vancouver, September 16th-20th, 2024. Topics covered will include assessing opportunities, navigating funding applications, pitching, financing, creating budgets, and making industry connections. Program veteran Deborah Osborne is slated to come back as Lead Instructor. Deborah’s wide range of experience in executive, creative, administrative and crew positions has supported many live productions and a variety of award-winning programming for major networks and distributors in North America and Europe. She is supported by Program Director Omorose Osagie, an award-winning filmmaker who has held a variety of roles in arts organizations including VIFF and the NFB. Her films have been screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival and other festivals across North America.

During Phase Two, which runs from September 26th through December 20th, 2024, participants will be matched with an industry mentor to assist them with packaging their projects for market. Our intent is to partner each project and participant with a mentor whose work and lived experience can truly resonate with the participants’ own vision and goals for their project. Past mentors include Cailey Cavallin (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent) and Nicole Mendes (Anne with an E) from LARK Productions, Camille Beaudoin (Delmer & Marta) from MOSAIC Entertainment, Lori Lozinski (Little Bird) from Violator Films, Kate Green (KPG Productions) and many more. Past participants include Jenny Lee-Gilmore (Overtime), Jovanna Burke (Parallel), Krista Rand (Re: Uniting), Giselle Miller (Yolanda the Goddess) and more.

The program is free and open to BC-based emerging producers who show potential in leadership , and who have a unique series concept to submit that is viable for the Canadian market. They must identify as female or gender diverse (including trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and agender), be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status, and be aged 18+. Our selection process aims to significantly reduce barriers for applicants in the hopes of encouraging applications from a variety of underrepresented communities.

Funds for travel, accommodations, and meals will be provided to out-of-town participants. Assistance will be provided for childcare and accessibility needs. Sign language interpretation and other accessibility accommodations will be provided as-needed. An information webinar will take place at 5:00 PM PT on Friday, July 5th, 2024. Program applications will open July 9th, 2024 and will close on August 8th, 2024.