TORONTO, December 3, 2024 — The Canadian Media Producers Association today announced the 30 mentees selected for participation in its 2024/2025 CMPA mentorship programs. Programs include a newly launched initiative for Newfoundland and Labrador producers with PictureNL, and the previously announced BSO-CMPA mentorship program, supported by Entertainment Partners.

Representing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives, and creative disciplines, selected mentees are paired with established producers at CMPA member companies, and will participate in 20-week placements. Mentees receive on-the-job training in all aspects of producing, from financing and distribution to development and post-production, and are part of a supportive mentorship community, focused on sharing knowledge and relationship building.

“For almost 30 years, the CMPA’s mentorship programs have served as a career launchpad, bridging the gap between established and emerging producers, and supporting aspiring talent as they navigate the exciting and ever-evolving media production sector,” said Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA. “This year’s bright emerging producers have showcased exceptional talent and dedication, and we look forward to watching these future industry leaders thrive in this program and beyond.”

Below is the full list of participants in the CMPA’s 2024/2025 mentorship programs:

Bob Crowe Mentorship Program for Emerging Indigenous Producers

• Barry Bilinsky with Rezolution Pictures Inc.

BSO-CMPA Black Producer Accelerator (Previously announced)

• Tyler Evans with Conquering Lion Pictures
• Devon Ellis-Durity with Dada Ibis Media   
• Rena Pilgrim with Karma Film
• Daniel Husbands with Mahaica Point Media Inc.
• Chidinma Nwoye with Neshama Entertainment
• Silvana Rose Miller with OYA Media Group
• Soko Negash with Scarborough Pictures   
• Fitch Jean with Wandering Worx   

CMPA Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers

• Alejandro Colmenero with Crawford Filmworks Inc
• Kerriann Cardinal with MCM(2)Productions
• Layla Bautista with Prowler Pictures Inc.
• Joseph Sclaspi with Rusty Halo
• Michelle Godoy Priske with Screen Siren Pictures

CMPA Production Mentorship Program

• Jigar Thakkar with Accent Aigu Entertainment
• Kenneth Mohabir with Blue Ant Media
• Danilo Reyes with Cream Productions
• Max Holzberg with Productions Extérieur Jour
• Stephanie Duckett with Fenix Film & Television
• Induk Lee with Shut Up & Colour Pictures

CMPA British Columbia Production Mentorship Program

• Jemma Titheridge with Grand Scheme Productions
• Spencer Zimmerman with Oddfellows Pictures
• Marissa Wheler with Omnifilm Entertainment
• Yael Carnet with Reign Films
• Sydney Askeland with Timeless Pictures Inc.

Export Development Mentorship Program (funded by Telefilm Canada)

• Talia Lewis with Hawkeye Pictures
• Marlee Druker with LoCo Motion Pictures Inc.
• Leah Schulli with Visitor Media

PictureNL Producer Mentorship Program

• Shane Mills with Panoramic Pictures Inc.
• Yasmine Majchrzak with Sara Fost Pictures Inc.

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ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. For more than 75 years, the CMPA has worked to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca

ABOUT THE CMPA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
For close to 30 years, the CMPA’s National Mentorship Program has invested in the next generation of independent producers—and a strong future for Canada’s industry—by placing aspiring producers in roles at Canada’s leading production companies. Stipends are partially subsidized by the CMPA, industry and government partners. In a commitment to eliminating systemic barriers in Canada’s media industry and elevating new voices and perspectives, since 2020, three-quarters of all CMPA mentorship participants have been selected from Indigenous and equity-deserving groups. cmpa.ca/mentorship

For more information:

Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa.ca