Debra joined the CMPA in July 2016, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in administration, customer service, logistics and the not-for-profit sector.

A member of the CMPA’s Operations and Finance team, Debra’s primary function is to provide day-to-day operational support to the Ottawa office, such as helping with tech systems, directing inquiries and overseeing facility requirements.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Debra was an operations administrator with FedEx Ground, and before that worked in various administrative capacities in organizations that work with Deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing individuals, as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Debra studied communication and public relations at Mercer University.

When it comes to Canadian TV, Debra is keen on Heartland, as well as unscripted shows like Love It or List It. She enjoys watching animated series such as The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! and PAW Patrol with her grandkids.

Nicole oversees day-to-day accounting activity at the CMPA.

Leading the Finance team, Nicole is responsible for the general accounting functions at the organization, including preparing financial reports and financial analysis, payroll, and the coordination of the month-end and year-end functions. She also assists the Vice-President of Finance and Facilities to streamline the financial processes and improve internal controls.

Nicole has over seven-year experience in providing professional services across a broad range of finance areas including full cycle accounting, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting and tax for a variety of companies and industries, including Dental Corporation of Canada in Toronto and Landmark Home Solutions in St. Catharines. Prior to joining the CMPA, Nicole held senior accountant position working with the fishing company Newfound Resources in St. John’s.

Nicole earned a master of accountancy degree from Brock University, and she attained her CPA-CGA designation in 2012.

One of Nicole’s favourite Canadian TV series is Anne with an E. She also loves watching documentaries; one of her Canadian favourites is Last Train Home.

Sarolta manages the CMPA’s mentorship programs, leads the organization’s international initiatives and lands support in corporate affairs.

Working closely with members and up-and-coming producers, Sarolta is responsible for researching funding opportunities and developing mentorship programs that assist both independent production companies and emerging talent. She also leads the organization’s international development and outreach, ensuring that members have access to information and resources to strengthen their international business development strategies. Having worked with the CMPA since the early 2000s, she has worn many hats, from designer to webmaster and beyond.

Sarolta graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in communications.

She has a few Canadian favourites, but if pressed to pick, her top three would be Hatching, Matching and Dispatching because it’s so well written and hilarious and has a great cast; Durham County because it’s delightfully dark and beautifully crafted; and The Kids in the Hall because, well, it’s The Kids in the Hall.

Tracy is a member of the CMPA’s finance team, and works closely with other members of the finance team to integrate the CRM database with our accounting processes.

On a daily basis, Tracy works to identify and track production data related to our CMPA member and non-member productions. Tracy maintains and manages the CRM database and assists the finance team with remittance information, reporting and coordinating the CRM month-end and year-end functions.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Tracy worked for the Canadian Paediatric Society’s surveillance program as a program assistant.

Tracy has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Saskatchewan.

Tracy has always had a passion for independent and Canadian content, and special favourites include: the TV series Orphan Black and the film Giant Little Ones. 

Working in collaboration with the association’s membership, Emily is responsible for managing the CMPA’s government relations activities with the federal and provincial governments.

Emily monitors key political areas and provides well-supported guidance to senior CMPA staff and the board on policy positioning and strategy as part of the overall government relations framework for the association.

Emily previously spent eight years with a local full-service public affairs firm serving as their Senior Public Affairs Specialist. Emily has an extensive background in government and public relations working for a variety of not-for-profit trade associations in the creation and execution of their advocacy and communications plans. Previous to that, she worked for one of Canada’s leading broadcasting corporations where she was part of a large scale national development program. Emily’s work has led to recognition from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) for her work on leading advocacy campaigns for some of Canada’s largest organizations. A campaign Emily managed was recognized in Washington, D.C. among North America’s top press release results and she was a finalist in the 2019 and 2017 Faces in Ottawa Awards for ‘Top Government Relations Specialist’ for her work with the CMPA. Emily was also recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and is an active member of the Parliamentary Internship Programme Advisory Board.

She has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English and Theatre from the University of Ottawa.

One of Emily’s most favourite pieces of Canadian content was the 1990s CBC drama, Street Legal. She also loves to spend an evening on the couch with her family watching old episodes of Schitt’s Creek.

Lisa is responsible for all functions related to member service, and is one of the primary organizers of the CMPA’s annual Prime Time conference.

As the point person for both new and renewing members, Lisa enjoys the opportunity to deal individually with every company that joins the CMPA. She handles the day-to-day operations of the membership department, and also manages the membership database. Lisa handles all logistics related to the CMPA’s annual Prime Time conference, a national networking event for some 600 of Canada’s most prominent business leaders from the feature film, television, interactive media, broadcasting and telecommunications industries.

Prior to joining the CMPA in 1998, Lisa held positions in finance/accounting, human resources, office management, event planning and client relations. Before she joined the CMPA’s membership department, Lisa was the association’s Director of Finance.

Lisa holds a diploma in executive business administration from Algonquin College.

Lisa’s guilty pleasure is reality TV—Top Chef Canada, Chopped Canada, You Gotta Eat Here! and so on. Her single favourite Canadian TV reality show would have to be The Amazing Race Canada. She loves the competition and the camaraderie, as well as the dramatic and beautiful scenery across Canada. She wouldn’t mind being a competitor on the show either.

Prema assists in the day-to-day operations of CMPA’s finance department. A steadfast member of the finance team, she supports the staff and board members by dealing with all matters relating to accounting.

Her duties include all aspects of accounts payable and receivables. This comprises dealing with vendor queries, payments, analysis of receipts and customer accounts. Her other contributions include reconciliation of expense reports, processing financial reports and assisting extensively with year-end audits. Her skills are not limited to finance, and she helps with day-to-day administrative duties as required.

Prior to the CMPA, Prema worked in the accounting departments of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and Medical Arts Dispensary of Ottawa. She also worked as a teacher in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Prema holds a diploma in accounting from Algonquin College and a BSc in chemistry from Bharathidasan University in India.

Prema is a fan of documentaries, especially nature docs. Her favourite Canadian documentary is How to Be a Wild Elephant.

Stephanie is responsible for assisting the heads of the Ottawa Departments with policy development, research, advocacy and corporate functions. This includes liaising and coordinating relevant work for the Finance, Communications, and Membership departments.

In the Coordinator role, Stephanie promotes enhanced communication between CMPA departments. Stephanie also supports special projects. Such initiatives include preserving CMPA corporate memory, researching topics and issues, and assisting with drafting reports.

Stephanie was introduced to the Canadian screen-industry as a summer research assistant at BlueMoon Productions Inc. Here, Stephanie analyzed the Wrigley family archives in preparation for a documentary series. After that action-packed experience, Stephanie held multiple Research and Teaching Assistant positions in media and communication at both Western University and Carleton University. Stephanie also has professional experience in social media marketing.

Stephanie completed her Honors Specialization BA (with distinction) in Media, Information, and Technoculture and her MA in Media Studies at Western University. Stephanie’s CIHR funded MA research focused on visual culture, social media, and health communication. Stephanie is currently a PhD Candidate in Communication at Carleton University and intends to study the budding field of digital diplomacy with a focus on Canadian film.

Stephanie is particularly enthusiastic about the Canadian reality television genre. A few of her favourite shows include: Love it or List it Vancouver, Property Brothers, and The Real Housewives of Toronto.

Rob is responsible for the financial stewardship of the CMPA.

Rob oversees the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including the design and implementation of appropriate internal controls, budgeting, forecasting and reporting to key stakeholders.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Rob was chief financial officer at Shepherds of Good Hope. Before this, he was chief financial officer for Seprotech Systems Inc.; he also spent 16 years with Asea Brown Boveri Inc. (ABB) in Ottawa and Vancouver in progressively responsible positions.

Rob is a graduate of Algonquin College’s three-year business administration program, and he attained his CPA-CGA designation in 1987.

Rob’s favourite Canadian TV show is Dragons’ Den, as it gives budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to introduce new products or services to the market. When it’s time to kick back, Schitt’s Creek also provides great entertainment.

Tsenu is responsible in assisting the Communications, Marketing and Membership team with the execution of internal and external communication activities.

His primary duties include media monitoring, and preparing and distributing the Daily News Flash for CMPA members.

Tsenu is a Public Affairs and Policy Management graduate from Carleton University with a specialization in strategic public opinion and policy analysis. In his academics, he’s had the opportunity to work with clients such as IBM, Sprott School of Business, and the Canadian Public Relations Society in Ottawa.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Tsenu worked at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) developing internal and external strategic communications to employers and Canadian travellers.

Additionally, he has worked at the U.S. Consulate in Ottawa as a Public Affairs Intern, drafting proposals, reports, remarks, and talking points on various bilateral topics and key policy deliverables such as the United States- Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Tsenu is a huge fan of CanCon heavyweights Mr. D and Orphan Black.

Andrew leads strategic communications and member outreach for the CMPA. This means he gets to tell the world about the phenomenal content created by Canada’s indie producers, and the impressive contribution the sector makes to the country’s economic growth and cultural identity.

A member of the CMPA’s senior leadership team, Andrew oversees media relations, marketing, member communications, advertising, sponsorship, professional development, and the organization’s social media and digital channels. He produces the CMPA’s annual Prime Time in Ottawa conference, the CMPA Indiescreen Awards – which recognize excellence among Canada’s feature film producers – and is also editor-in-chief of CMPA’s Indiescreen magazine.

Previously, Andrew was an associate vice-president with the global communications firm FleishmanHillard, and prior to that was the manager of media relations at the Canadian Bankers Association. He has also worked as a member of Scotiabank’s global public affairs team, and, while based in Taiwan, wrote for one of the country’s largest English-language magazines.

Andrew received an honours BA in psychology from Western University, and has a post-graduate certificate in public relations from Humber College.

Andrew’s favourite Canadian movie is Sleeping Giant—because it’s a great movie, of course, but also because he feels he could have been an extra in the film, were it shot 20 years earlier.

Koliah Bourne supports the day to day operations of the Toronto Office as well as provides admin support to the Senior Leadership Team.

She is responsible for making sure the office runs smoothly and makes sure staff have everything they need to perform their duties.

Her involvement in the Creative industry began with her time at the CMPA in 2015 when she was providing admin support to the Ottawa team. She has worked in operations for a marketing firm, bookkeeping for an arts organization and has also worked in production accounting. She has studied Accounting at the University of Ottawa and Social Service Work at Seneca College.

Her favourite Canadian programs include The Porter, Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs and Diggstown. Having three children, she also enjoys Odd Squad and Paw Patrol.

Lisa is responsible for providing strategic advice to CMPA members with respect to industry matters, business affairs, and production financing.

As a member of the CMPA’s senior leadership team, Lisa develops and executes strategies and advocacy related to sources of production financing, provides advice to members regarding industry and business affairs, builds relationships with industry stakeholders, and engages in government relations efforts relating to industry and business affairs matters.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Lisa was Senior Vice President, Business Affairs & Production Financing with Boat Rocker Media, and before that she was Director, Production Finance and Operations with DHX Media (now Wildbrain). She has also been an Executive Producer in commercial film production, a producer and production manager for documentary feature films and television, and a business affairs and finance professional in documentary, scripted drama, factual, and animated productions. She has been an instructor in Production Accounting and Tax Credits for Women in Film and Television – Toronto since 2020. She is also co-chair of Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute’s School Council.

Lisa has a BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University.

Lisa’s favourite Canadian television program is Letterkenny – because her credit in the first two seasons is the thing that she is most famous for! Her favourite Canadian film is Jésus de Montréal, because it’s a beautiful film that reminds her of her university days.

Samia advises producers on the CMPA’s industry labour agreements, and represents the CMPA in all labour disputes arising under those agreements.

As the Director, National Industrial Relations and Associate Counsel, Samia is counsel for the CMPA in grievances and labour arbitrations. Samia advises and represents the CMPA in collective bargaining, labour relations, and all other labour and employment law matters.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Samia was a Senior Associate at a leading employment and labour law firm, where she advised employers on many areas of employment and labour law with a particular emphasis on employment agreements, policy development and implementation, occupational health and safety, and human rights and accommodation matters.

Samia is currently the Vice-Chair of the Employment & Labour Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association. She is also regularly invited to speak at conferences and events on key employment and labour law considerations for employers.

Samia obtained her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School where she was the recipient of the NA Taylor Scholarship and the Charles Edward Woodward award for academic excellence. Samia completed her undergraduate studies at Queen’s University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology.

Samia currently enjoys watching Diggstown, and has binge watched every episode of Being Erica.

Jakub coordinates the CMPA’s outreach initiatives, which include professional development, member outreach and networking events.

Jakub acts as a point of contact for member inquiries and administers the CMPA’s sponsorship efforts. Additionally, Jakub works closely with the Vice-President, Outreach & Strategic Initiatives, supporting activities related to Prime Time, diversity, innovation and more.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Jakub worked at the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) as the coordinator for marketplace and outreach initiatives. In this role, he helped deliver on all marketplace and outreach programs, initiatives, events and activities. Before his time at the CFC, he was a publicity intern at eOne, volunteered his time as a talent wrangler for benefits and awards shows, and interned in acquisitions at Ouat Media.

Jakub has an honours BA from York University—a double major in communication studies and fine arts cultural studies, with a concentration in film and television.

Among his favourite Canadian films are The F Word, Mommy, and C.R.A.Z.Y. They all share the ability pull on his heartstrings.

Arika is a member of the CMPA’s communications team that deals with a broad range of activities including strategic communications, media relations, branding, event production, and oversight of the CMPA’s digital properties.

Some of her responsibilities include preparing the Daily News Flash for members, generating digital analytics reports, tracking media relations activities, and providing communications and marketing support for all internal CMPA departments. She also assists with the production and distribution of CMPA’s Indiescreen magazine.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Arika co-founded Cinema Six, a publication dedicated to promoting the growth of a film community in Toronto.  She also developed and managed the execution of a new film festival called City of Shorts, in collaboration with the Hart House Film Board. Her film festival experience also extends to working at TIFF and assisting with programming at the Regent Park Film Festival.

Arika holds an honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto.

Arika’s favourite Canadian films include Mommy, Violent, Les êtres chers, and Enemy.

Chris is responsible for overseeing employee relations and leading HR strategy, programs and initiatives at the CMPA.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Chris was the Director of Human Resources at TO Live where she provided full service HR support to all levels of management and staff at TO Live’s three performing arts venues. Chris started her professional career with ACTRA where she worked for over 20 years holding several labour relations positions including senior roles with the ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society.

A graduate of York University in Creative Film, Chris has a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Humber College, and holds the CHRL designation. Chris also is a certified Workplace Fairness Analyst, and has specialized trained in mediation for the workplace.

Chris is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate of workplace fairness and the fostering of employee well-being in all areas of people and culture such as respect, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.

Reynolds Mastin works on behalf of our members to ensure the continued success of Canada’s independent production sector and a vibrant future for Canadian content. Reynolds leads the execution of the CMPA’s strategic priorities and oversees the organization’s operations in its Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver offices.  Central to his role is the development of relationships with key stakeholders who are vital to the Canadian production industry. These include all levels of government, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), broadcasters, over-the-top services, distributors, exhibitors, industry unions and guilds, the Hollywood studios, and other production associations from both Canada and around the world.

Prior to becoming President and CEO, Reynolds served as the CMPA’s Chief Negotiator and Chief Legal Officer. As Chief Negotiator, Reynolds represented CMPA members and the Hollywood studios in the bargaining of collective and independent production agreements with the unions and guilds representing talent and technicians in the film, television and digital production industries outside of British Columbia. He also led Terms of Trade negotiations with the large private broadcast groups, independent broadcasters and the CBC. As Chief Legal Officer, Reynolds provided strategic advice on a range of matters, including business affairs, industrial relations, copyright, Terms of Trade, Canada Media fund policies and guidelines, CRTC regulatory proceedings and corporate governance.

In his professional capacity, Reynolds is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Retransmission Collective and of the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. Reynolds also volunteers as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, one of Canada’s largest grantmakers, which awards approximately 1,500 grants each year to community-based not-for-profits and charitable organizations in the arts, recreation, environment and human and social services sectors.

Prior to joining the CMPA in 2008, Reynolds served as Legal Counsel for the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), where his files included tariff proceedings before the Copyright Board of Canada, copyright reform, and corporate governance. He began his career in 2005 as an articling student at the CRTC, a position which gave him broad exposure to both broadcasting and telecommunications matters.

Reynolds completed his Common Law (LLB) and Civil Law (LLL) Degrees at McGill University, with an exchange semester spent at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He has an Honours BA in International Relations from the University of Toronto, and his Baccalauréat en éducation from the University of Ottawa.

Sean is the lead negotiator for the CMPA in labour negotiations with the industry’s unions and guilds. Sean also provides strategic and operational support to producers regarding the CMPA’s labour agreements. Sean helps producers understand the terms and conditions of the CMPA labour agreements and assists producers in managing and resolving disputes arising under these agreements.

As a member of the National Industrial Relations team and counsel to the CMPA, Sean represents the CMPA, and supports its members, in legal disputes including grievances and arbitrations. Sean also provides legal support to the CMPA in ​labour and employment matters and the advancement of labour and employment related legislative priorities.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Sean was an Associate in the labour & employment group at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, where he advised and represented employers on a broad range of labour, employment and human rights matters. Before that, Sean articled and worked as an Associate at Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP, a labour & employment law firm.

Sean received his Juris Doctor from Queen’s University and his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto (Trinity College).

Sean currently enjoys watching Kim’s Convenience, for the simple reason that it is very funny. Sean’s favourite all-time CanCon is Slings & Arrows.

Christine is the front-line resource for day-to-day inquiries relating to the CMPA’s labour agreements. As a member of the National Industrial Relations team, Christine provides support and guidance to producers on the application and interpretation of the CMPA labour agreements and assists in resolving disputes that arise from these agreements.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Christine worked for nearly two decades for a major industry guild, where she served as Manager of Agreement Administration and Director of Strategy & Outreach. Her experience included overseeing the enforcement of industry negotiated agreements and facilitating member outreach and education.

Christine is a graduate of Carleton University with a bachelor’s degree in English and film studies.

Growing up, Christine watched plenty of Canadian comedy. Her favorites are SCTV and The Kids in the Hall. Her most memorable Canadian movie is Cold Comfort because it’s even creepier than Misery, but made with a lower budget.

Clare brings guidance and business affairs management after years of industry experience in production, programming, legal and business affairs.

With a background in production, moving from production assistant to associate producer, combined with years in broadcasting in programming, licensing, and contract management, Clare’s knowledge of the industry helps producers of all levels with business affairs inquiries.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Clare was a contract manager at Corus Entertainment.  Clare’s responsibilities included reviewing, drafting, and executing legal agreements including broadcast licences, rights agreements, and production agreements.  They also worked in programming for YTV, Treehouse, and Discovery Kids.  Before moving to broadcasting, Clare worked for Canadian independent production companies such as Breakthrough Entertainment and Sullivan Entertainment, and worked on service productions across Canada.  They have produced short films, a docu-series, and the internationally distributed documentary “A Drag King Extravaganza”.

During her last year at Corus Entertainment, Clare served as National Chair of OUT at Corus.

Clare is a graduate of Confederation College’s film and television broadcasting, and has certificates in children’s writing from George Brown and lighting and directing from The Vancouver Film School.

When feeling serious Clare likes to watch a dramatic feature like Night Raiders, but for something funny turns to a series like Son of a Critch. Clare has also appeared in episodes of Queer as Folk, Drag Heals, and Kids in the Hall.

Representing the interests of independent producers working in Canada’s vibrant media industry, Alain oversees all day-to-day legal, industry, legislative, regulatory and public policy files at the CMPA.

A member of the CMPA’s executive leadership team, Alain provides strategic and legal advice to the President and CEO and CMPA leadership on all policy matters relating to the independent production industry including business affairs, copyright, Terms of Trade, and more. Alain leads and manages the Policy and Government Relations departments, and advocates on behalf of the CMPA and its members before federal and provincial governments on policies that affect the industry.

Alain is fluently bilingual, and has built extensive knowledge and experience in the media industry while working at the country’s largest media companies. Prior to joining the CMPA, Alain held the position of Assistant General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs at Bell, where he worked on a variety of files related to the Canadian broadcasting system. He also previously held positions as Vice President, Business & Regulatory Affairs and Vice President, OMNI, Specialty TV & Development at Rogers Media.

Having volunteered as a coach and club administrator, Alain is now Vice-President of the board of the Toronto Soccer Association.  He is also a board member at Accessible Media Inc., a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

Alain holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McGill University. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, called to the bar in 1996.

Tracey represents and supports BC-based independent producers, plus oversees CMPA-BC branch operations.

In her role she leads efforts to engage with government agencies and industry stakeholders across the province. In addition to her BC-focused responsibilities, Tracey also provides strategic input to the national organization and its members on a number of key files.

Tracey has over 25 years’ experience in Canada’s cultural sector. She spent more than a decade at the National Film Board, where she earned producer or executive credits on dozens of film, animation and interactive projects. Other employers have included Rainmaker Digital Pictures, Finale, Mindset Foundation, DOC, Roundhouse Radio, and most recently the David Suzuki Foundation. Tracey is also an author and founder of Story Money Impact, the not-for-profit that produces Good Pitch Vancouver, and other initiatives to advance education around media impact. In 2013 she was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by Women in Film & TV Vancouver.

Tracey’s education includes a radio and television degree from Ryerson, and both an MA and MBA from Simon Fraser University. She clearly loves learning, but appreciates even more any opportunity to mentor, moderate, adjudicate or convene groups. She has been a regular co-facilitator at Hollyhock Leadership Institute’s annual Media That Matters conference, and currently sits on the board of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.

A Canadian big-screen highlight that still stands out in Tracey’s memory is the 2017 DOXA screening of Marie Clements’ The Road Forward. What a powerful night!

Raila is the Director of Member Development at the CMPA-BC where she supports BC independent producers. Working closely with members, Raila oversees professional development opportunities and international development. She also manages the event sponsorship portfolio and works with community partners on various committees to support industry-wide initiatives

Raila was the inaugural Program Director for the Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP), a non-profit organization co-founded by CMPA-BC, Netflix and Creative BC in 2018. The PSP provides support and career-advancement opportunities to BC-based film and television writers. Under Raila’s leadership, the PSP made meaningful strides in building and nurturing BC’s screenwriter community. Before the PSP, Raila served as Marketing Director at Corus Entertainment.

Jason oversees industrial relations for the BC Producers Branch of the CMPA, representing independent producers in collective labour matters and serving as a member resource for collective agreement interpretation and production practices.

As the lead negotiator in collective bargaining on behalf of the BC Branch Council, Jason is responsible for the negotiation and management of the CMPA’s labour agreements with BC’s guilds and unions, which represent writers, directors, performers and technicians. He assists members in the preparation of grievances and arbitrations, and represents the independent production sector in matters of employment standards, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Jason was vice-president of business and legal affairs with SEVEN24 Films, managing business and financial matters for the Canadian series Heartland, Young Drunk Punk and Wynonna Earp. During this time, he was co-chair of the CMPA’s national IR committee and was a producer representative in collective bargaining with ACTRA, the DGC and the WGC. Previously, Jason worked as an independent corporate, commercial and feature-film producer.

Jason received an honours BA and MA in social anthropology from the University of Calgary, and attended the National Screen Institute’s Drama Prize Program Producers Lab.

Jason’s favourite Canadian TV series is The Kids in the Hall because it was irreverent and subversive, and remains funny 25 years later.

Ryan oversees the general office management of the BC Producers Branch and is the corporate secretary to the Branch Council.

Ryan acts as a point of contact for BC members and assists with the coordination of BC sponsorship commitments and networking events. In addition, Ryan is responsible for the administration of the BC accounts.

Prior to the CMPA, Ryan worked at BC Hydro as a business analyst with the SAP PPM Application Support team, analyzing education materials for consolidation and redevelopment. Before BC Hydro, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a client account associate, acting as a liaison between clients and senior management and assisting with the facilitation of the audit process.

Ryan’s favourite Canadian movies include One Week, Room and C.R.A.Z.Y. Each film has the ability to evoke an emotional response with its story.

Tereza provides support and guidance to BC producers regarding the application and interpretation of the CMPA’s labour agreements, and is the primary contact for BC Industrial Relations inquiries.

As a member of the BC Industrial Relations team, Tereza supports in the preparation and management of collective labour negotiations and is responsible for the administration of the labour agreements that govern producers’ working relationships with the industry’s unions and guilds and their members in British Columbia.

Prior to joining the CMPA, Tereza had an extensive 20-year career with ACTRA Toronto, representing the organization in multiple capacities.  Tereza’s work included the administration of collective agreements on behalf of performers across all aspects of the screen-based production industry, as well as representing organization in outreach initiatives to promote and maximize the union’s impact within the entertainment industry.

When it comes to Canadian production, Tereza will happily binge watch any iteration of Degrassi and appreciates that they are not afraid to tackle the current challenges young people face in a relatable and inclusive manner.

Julia Rayanne (She/Her) is a writer and producer based in Vancouver, BC. Her studies in Motion Picture Arts focused on screenwriting and directing with an emphasis on leadership. During her time in Vancouver, Julia has produced, and production managed different types of films and projects.

Julia loves to connect with people in all different types of fields, such as music, broadcasting, fashion, animation and advertising. She cites authors, comedians, motivational speakers and cinematographers as her influences. Amongst her producing life, Julia likes to brush up on and study various topics that tie into her love of filmmaking.

For that ever-important work-life balance outside the film industry, Julia enjoys writing comedy, hitting the gym, and going on long walks to meet dogs.

Liz Shorten has been working to build capacity in the film, television and digital media sectors for the past 25 years. In her role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the CMPA, Liz leads staff and oversees organizational operations across the association’s offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, and works to implement the CMPA’s corporate strategic plan.  Liz previously held senior positions at the Ontario Film Development Corporation (Ontario Creates), British Columbia Film (Creative BC), and CBC Television.

Active in many organizations, Liz is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of REEL CANADA and Secretary/Treasurer of the Pacific Screenwriting Program. Liz was a founding Board member of the Crazy8’s Film Society, Co-founder of Women in View and Founding Chair of Story Money Impact.  She was recently named one of BC’s top 500 Business Leaders by Business in Vancouver, “Woman of the Year” by Women in Film and Television Vancouver and “Industry Champion” by the Whistler Film Festival in recognition of her leadership role in the film and television industry.