Export Development
Mentorship Program
Contact
Application process
We only accept applications via our online application portal. Should you require assistance with your application, please contact us.
Please note that applicants will be required to upload the following documents during the process.
Mentees:
- Resumé
- Letter of intent
- Two (2) letters of reference (downlad template)
Mentors:
- Letter of intent
- Placement work plan (to be completed online)
Spots available:
3
Deadline:
TBA for 2024-2025
This mentorship program will provide screen-based independent production companies with competitive advantage by working with an emerging or mid-level producer on international development activities for a 20-week period.
The placement will focus on training emerging and mid-level producers in exporting internationally and developing their expertise in co-production. The training must focus on working on international co-productions, attending virtual festivals and markets, market research, developing the company’s export strategy and/or attracting foreign partners or investment.
Under the personal guidance of seasoned industry professionals, participants will further their knowledge, enhance their skill sets, develop their business and creative abilities and increase their potential for career advancement in the independent production sector. Participants will also gain a solid understanding of a variety of practices and strategies that can help Canadian companies compete internationally.
The CMPA is an inclusive organization that is committed to achieving greater diversity and representation from equity-seeking and sovereignty-seeking groups, including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, persons from the broad spectrum of sexes, gender expressions and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from equity-seeking and sovereignty-seeking groups, or persons with intersectional identities.
This program is supported by Telefilm Canada’s Promotions Program.
Mentee eligibility
- Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or person on whom refugee status has been conferred
- Must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
- Cannot be an employee or family member of the mentor company
- Must be co-applying with a mentor company. The CMPA will, on a case-by-case basis, endeavour to pair candidates prior to applying with limited or no access to suitable mentor companies, with its qualifying members. This does not guarantee that an application will be successful given the limited number of spots available. You may also create a mentee profile that will be accessible to mentor companies seeking a candidate. Find out more here.
Mentor company eligibility
- Must be a member of the CMPA
- Must contribute a minimum of $8,000 toward the mentee stipend
- Must be co-applying with a mentee candidate. The CMPA will, on a case-by-case basis, endeavour to pair mentor companies with suitable candidates. This does not guarantee that an application will be successful given the limited number of spots available. You may also post a mentorship opportunity that will be accessible to mentees seeking a mentor. Find out more here.
- Cannot be an employer or family member of the participant with whom they are submitting a joint application
Duration of placement:
20 weeks @ 40 hrs/week. Must be completed by March 15, 2025.
Payment of funds
Each mentee receives a minimum of $16,000 for their placement. The program contributes $8,000, while the mentor company must contribute a minimum of $8,000. Upon selection each mentor company must sign a contract with the CMPA and the mentee, outlining the requirements of the program, including reporting procedures and how funds will be dispersed. Each financial award is to be solely applied to the mentee’s stipend. The CMPA contribution will be disbursed in three instalments. Each instalment will be given to the mentor upon submission of an invoice for the amount and the required supporting documentation (invoices, mid-term and final reports, final questionnaires and proof of payment for the mentee’s stipend).
International business development support
Each mentee is eligible to receive up to $2,000 to offset additional expenses that help enhance their understanding of international market trends, including registration to virtual or in-person international events, subscription to international publications, purchasing market reports, access international consultants or export training opportunities.
Selection process
A selection panel will select the placements. Decisions will be based on the criteria set out for both the mentor and the mentee. The panel will be responsible for evaluating applications on their overall merit and the selection panel’s decisions on the awarded placements will be final. All applications will be assessed against the program’s goal to to create meaningful placements that will ultimately help support emerging and mid-level producers’ efforts in developing their knowledge of and experience in international business development. As such, the selection panel may consider a number of factors in order to make their decisions on applications. These factors may include, but are not limited to, the:
- Viability of the mentor-mentee relationship (e.g., shared goals and objectives; post-placement employment opportunities with the mentor company; financial contribution to the mentee’s stipend; demonstrated commitment to sharing expertise, and ability and experience in training)
- Clear internship objectives and skills development goals
- Strength of the proposed training schedule (e.g., mentee’s job description; diversity of training; mentor supervision) vs. proposed mentee’s related education, professional goals, and work or volunteer experience
- Demonstrated commitment to the film, television and interactive production industry
Historically, CMPA mentorship programs have been oversubscribed; as such some worthy applications may not be successful.