IPF Pre-Application Training Program (Canada)

Northern-based producers will receive training and support designed to prepare them to apply to the IPF Short Form Series Development Program.

The IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Northern Producers will provide training through online workshops and customized mentorship to improve applications and success rates for northern-based producers applying for development funding for their TV series. The program will run as a precursor to the IPF Short Form Series Development program and is exclusive to the northern territories, aiming to grow the media industries in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. It is held in association with the Independent Production Fund (IPF), Nunavut Film Development Corporation, Northwest Territories Film Commission and Yukon Media Development.

This ‘pre-development’ training program will equip territory based producers with the skills and knowledge to even the playing field with southern-based producers and contribute to the long-term success of the northern screen-based industries.

Over four months, the selected producers will participate in workshops led by experts in the field who will demonstrate the industry standards and how to create competitive applications. These sessions will be offered online via Zoom.

The ideal candidates are territory based producers with an interest in applying to the IPF Short Form Series Development Program who wish to create an application that positions their project with the best chance for successfully receiving development financing.

The program will provide Northern-based producers with:

• The knowledge and practical skills to create an industry-standard television development funding application
• An increased understanding of all materials in the checklist of required documents that accompany an application
• A working knowledge of how story editors and development executives can better improve their chances for a successful application
• Access to story editors and development executives and assistance in potentially securing their participation in the producer’s creative team

Benefits

• An increased chance for you to successfully receive development funding for your TV series
• An opportunity to connect and network with experts in development
• The potential to attach either a story editor or a development executive to your project
• In-depth feedback on how to strengthen applications to have a competitive edge, both in theoretical and practical workshops
• Receive examples of industry-standard documents and materials, including pitch decks, development budgets, vision documents, and more
• Ongoing alumni support and engagement with the WFF alumni network
• Increased visibility and social media amplification in WFF, IPF, Nunavut Film Development Corporation, Northwest Territories Film Commission, and Yukon Media Development communication channels
• Build a peer cohort of Northern producers at a similar stage in their careers

Who can apply?                           

• Northern producers who intend to apply for the IPF Short Form Series Development program
• Applicants must be 18 years or over, be a full-time resident of the Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut, and be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status
• Feedback on applications is only given to the accepted participants
• Applicants must be able to commit to attending workshop sessions
• The Independent Production Fund, Nunavut Film Development Corporation, Northwest Territories Film Commission, Yukon Media Development and Whistler Film Festival Society value fair and just treatment of all community members through the creation of opportunities and the removal of barriers to address historical and current disadvantages for underrepresented and marginalized groups. Women over 45 years old, racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply. Self-identification is a necessary and important step to ensure a robust and inclusive environment.

For more information, visit Whistler Film Festival.