TORONTO, May 7, 2025 – The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) today announced the launch of its 2025/2026 CMPA mentorship program.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the program, which pairs emerging producers with established producers at CMPA member companies for on-the-job training across all aspects of producing. From financing and distribution to development and post-production, and more, mentees learn the skills needed to launch careers in the media production sector.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the mentorship program over the past three decades has been the positive cycle it’s created,” said Liz Shorten, Chief Operating Officer, CMPA. “Many past mentees have established vibrant careers and companies and are now mentoring new participants today, which really demonstrates the success of the program.”

Below is the list of the CMPA’s 2025/2026 mentorship program offering, now open for participation to CMPA member companies:

• Bob Crowe Mentorship Program for Emerging Indigenous Producers
• CMPA British Columbia Production Mentorship Program
• CMPA Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers
• CMPA Production Mentorship Program
• Export Development Mentorship Program (funded by Telefilm Canada)
• Picture NL Producer Mentorship Program

Program activities can take place during any stage of production, on-set or in-office, including research, development, business affairs, marketing and promotion. The program is open to CMPA member companies, co-applying with mentee candidates. Mentees must complete their 20-week mentorship placement by March 15, 2026. Applications are open now until June 13, 2025, and program participants will be confirmed this summer.

Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements for each offering here: cmpa.ca/mentorship.

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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 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