Equity, diversity and inclusion resources

The CMPA is committed to elevating underrepresented voices in Canada’s media production industry.

 

While recognizing that we must do better, both as an organization and as an industry, we also want to empower our members with information to help them guide their own efforts towards positive change. The list of resources below is by no means intended to be a complete list. It is intended to be used by members in their own efforts to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion within their companies. Should you wish to suggest and contribute resources to this list, or have requests for additional resources, please contact us at the coordinates below.

Center for Scholars & Storytellers – AIR report

Just because a film numerically has a cast that includes more members from a variety of backgrounds, it may not actually reflect true diversity in its storytelling. To determine if there is true diversity in storytelling — what we call Authentically Inclusive Representation (AIR) — it is necessary to examine both: (a) if there are individuals from diverse backgrounds (in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and their intersections) on the screen and behind the scenes; (b) if such diversity is present, whether the characters and story on-screen reflect genuine aspects of the culture being portrayed (i.e., instead of relying on and reinscribing stereotypes or tropes). The result of our research was finding that a movie that lacks AIR can indeed cost a distributor big-time at the box office.

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Research and reports

Assessments and toolkits

Out On Set database

Out On Set is a database for North American LGBTQ+ film & television crew and creative talent. It is a joint initiative created and developed by OUTtv and Inside Out to connect production companies, agencies and networks to queer and trans talent within the screen industry. Out on Set intends to increase LGBTQ+ hires in all elements of production, from the writers’ room to post-production, eliminate barriers to access and employment opportunities for LGBTQ+ crew and creatives, and connect queer storytellers with the teams they need to bring their projects to life.

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Databases

Black is Now/The Black Academy

Recognizing a scarcity of platforms in Canada that celebrate Black talent in the arts, entertainment, and sports, Canadian actors and brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James founded The Black Academy. The organization is dedicated to breaking down barriers of discrimination and combating systemic racism in Canada. By honouring, celebrating, and showcasing established and emerging Black talent, The Black Academy will elevate and inspire Black talent in both the Anglophone and Francophone communities across the country for generations to come. A permanent, year-round, and national operation, The Black Academy is a division of the not-for-profit B.L.A.C.K Canada. The division was launched in 2020 and is based in Toronto.

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Advocacy

RespectAbility.org

RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization that works collaboratively with employers, elected officials, policy makers, educators, self-advocates, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, philanthropists and the entertainment and news media to fight stigmas and advance opportunities. Led by diverse people with disabilities and allies, RespectAbility knows that people with disabilities and their families have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else.

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Advocacy

International

Women in View – 2021 Report

WIVOS 2021 includes an analysis of two funding cycles: film projects financed by Telefilm Canada between 2017-2019 and scripted English language television series funded by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) between 2017-2019. In this Report, the definition of women includes cisgender and transgender women, and there are also data points where non-binary people have self-identified.

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Research and reports

Vancouver Asian Film Festival – Elimin8hate

To provide an anonymous and safe reporting environment for Canadians of Asian ancestry experiencing anti-Asian attacks. To consolidate public resources in an accessible format to victims. To utilize reported data for actionable change.

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Advocacy

Assessments and toolkits

Contacts

Marcia Douglas
Senior Director, Business Affairs
marcia.douglas@cmpa.ca
416-304-0286 /1-800-267-8208 x 250

Linda Hay
Director, Industry & Member Development
linda.hay@cmpa.ca
604-694-2717 / 1-866-390-7639 x 125

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