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”?