Empowering Emerging Filmmakers: A Mentorship - Driven Approach To Overcoming Industry Barriers

As I write this, there’s currently a writer’s strike happening that has halted the majority of the big-budget productions. I’m using this time to turn my production company into a mentorship-type of program.

My plan is to hire seasoned industry professionals I have worked for (both union and non union) and hire emerging filmmakers/students "Mentees" on honorarium payment, who are seeking opportunities to continue their growth in their perspective fields as mentees. There’s an artistic community out here I want to support, especially the film students from Conestoga’s Broadcasting - Television and Independent Productions.

For those who are figuring out their field of interest, I'm working at creating a "Shadow" service where you will get the opportunity to shadow the various departments throughout filming.

Side Note: Some films sets can feel a bit military-like; people need to communicate effectively to ensure the filmmaking process runs as smoothly as possible.

It’s no secret that the film industry can come across as a bit “cliquey” because it’s not a “what-you-know” industry but a “who-you-know” industry, which can make it a little difficult for emerging filmmakers to get their foot in the door.

I’ve been asked “Why not make it a ‘career day’ type of event where you bring industry professionals to meet aspiring/emerging talent?”, my response “because this is a learn-on-the-job type of industry, and would prefer them to be mentored by seasoned professionals while doing the job”.

I wish I could’ve shadowed an AD on the job…not to see if I liked it, (I knew I wanted to be an Assistant Director, along with producing and writing), but to learn how they go about the job and learn some of their tricks and skills. You know that term “see one, do one, teach one”?

Building A Bridge To Success: A Mentorship Program For Emerging Filmmakers in the KW Region.

My plan with my independent production company, www.martinhouseproductions.com, is to create a mentorship program with union and non-union professionals and connect them “Mentees” emerging filmmakers who already know their field of interest. For those who are still figuring out their field of interest I will create a “Shadow” service enabling you to rotate between the departments through out filming.

I plan to produce 2 short films a year with the scripts I have written, and at some point produce other people’s short form scripts.

I've been an industry professional for 11 years in Film & TV, an ACTRA and DGC member who excels with networking and making connections. Living in the KW region for 7 years (originally from Toronto), I have had many conversations with emerging filmmakers looking to get their start in the industry but have little to no connections to get their foot in the door.

I have formed many connections with industry professionals. Those individuals took an interest in my success, and continue to be my mentors. But, I can only provide the bridge, it’s up to you how you want to cross it.

There are 11 industry professionals (union and non-union) who have taken an interest in mentoring, I’m currently awaiting approval for some to add their names to this list:

AD’s Agostino Leone(3rd AD) Ahkil Kithani(3rd/Set PA) Eric McKenzie(2nd/Set PA) Samantha Hachey(3rd/Set PA) Tara Federko(3rd/Set PA) Sound Alisa Erlikh Costumes Adrianna Meister Lighting/Grip Tony Smith

AD’s (waiting approval) Props/Set Dec Natalie Robinson Camera Raymond Toquero H/M Steph Clark

We plan to bring on a maximum of 10 mentees per production in hopes that all of them pursue long-term careers in the film industry and learn to develop connections of their own. And one “Shadower” per production, for now.

Mentors will be a part of the scouting process - themselves also looking for fresh, prospective talents for their productions.