A recently-launched program in British Columbia aims to take much of the guesswork out of getting into film production whether it be behind the camera or in front of it.
There is perhaps no better industry that embodies the expression “it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know” than that of film and television. However, an initiative headed up by WarnerMedia has set out to change that. Called Access to Action Canada, the program is to help those who “haven’t traditionally had pathways” into the entertainment industry. Already active in the United States, the program has placed over 400 participants on WarnerMedia productions, including Insecure, Lucifer, Watchmen, and In the Heights.
Deanna Cadette, WarnerMedia Access Canada Executive Director, explained in a recent interview with Vancouver Is Awesome who exactly can benefit from the program and the reason for its creation.
"The industry has been historically, in terms of trades, very much male-focused,” Cadette said. “When we look at the population of Canada it’s largely white and those roles reflected that population."
Cadette went on to say the program benefits anyone interested, regardless of previous experience. The way it works is you don't apply to WarnerMedia directly, first, you connect with community organizations WarnerMedia has partnered with and pick up the basics of film production from there.
Those organizations include:
- Creative BC
- Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society
- Collective Bunch Society
- Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF)
Those organizations then encourage members to apply for WarnerMedia's Access to Action program. If successful, you'll interview with WarnerMedia to see what production you would be the best fit for based on what you want to do with your new career in film and TV. This essentially takes out the networking and legwork normally involved in finding a film production gig.
"There is incredible talent in this country across all experience levels and an abundance of roles across the industry, particularly as it emerges from the pandemic,” Cadette said. “This is a truly transformative moment for our industry and an opportunity for pivotal change."
To find out more you can visit Access to Action’s website.
