Wide Lens
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Wide Lens is the Canadian Media Producers Association’s equity, diversity and inclusion training platform developed for members.
Wide Lens aims to help producers recognize and eliminate systemic barriers for individuals from Indigenous and equity-deserving communities, and to create new opportunities for engagement, partnership, and collaboration.
The program also aims to help producers understand the root causes of unconscious bias and systemic racism, develop policies and frameworks to address these issues, and implement best practices in community engagement and authenticity in storytelling.
Individual training sessions offered through the Wide Lens program are developed in partnership with subject-matter experts and community leaders, with deep expertise and understanding of the issues covered.
Throughout the year, the CMPA Wide Lens program will offer CMPA members the opportunity to sign up for training sessions and access supporting resources.
Current programming:
Unpacking the P.A.C.T.: Working with Indigenous Peoples in the Screen Sector course
Members are invited to register for the CMPA’s upcoming Wide Lens module, focused on helping producers create safer, more equitable spaces for Indigenous partners and team members, offered in partnership with The Shine Network Institute (TSNI) and the National Screen Institute (NSI).
On Monday, December 16, 2024 at 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. PT , producers will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive webinar with TSNI founder and award-winning producer, actor and director, Jennifer Podemski. During the session, Jennifer will discuss how producers can create safe, welcoming environments for Indigenous individuals, and answer questions from participants.
To get the most out of this session, the CMPA strongly encourages producers to complete the P.A.C.T. e-learning course in advance, as the webinar discussion with Jennifer will focus on the materials covered in the course. This course can be completed within 45 minutes, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
To register for this session and to view the introduction by Jennifer Podemski, click here to login.
Prior to participating in the Wide Lens webinar on December 13, individuals are encouraged to complete the NSI’s P.A.C.T. e-learning course. The self-paced online program was developed to raise cultural awareness for non-Indigenous industry colleagues and stakeholders working in the Canadian screen sector.
Supporting resources
The P.A.C.T. course builds on the principles outlined in Indigenous Screen Office’s On-Screen Protocols and Pathways document. Reviewing this document and the introduction and resources page, will assist members in their completion of the P.A.C.T. course.
Jennifer Podemski is a director, writer, producer, and actor. Hailing from Toronto but calling Barrie, Ontario, her home, Jennifer’s artistic journey has been shaped by her rich Anishinaabe (First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) heritage.
A registered member of Muscowpetung Saulteux Nation in Saskatchewan, Jennifer has dedicated her career to amplifying authentic Indigenous stories and perspectives through her work as a storyteller.
Jennifer’s acting career took flight with a standout performance as Sadie in Bruce McDonald’s iconic film, Dance Me Outside. This breakthrough role garnered critical acclaim and solidified her position as a prominent figure in Canada’s film and television canon.
Committed to addressing the underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in the entertainment industry, Jennifer pivoted to producing in 1999. She co-founded Big Soul Productions, a ground-breaking Indigenous-owned and operated full-service film and television production and post-production company. The company went on to produce an array of compelling content, including documentary television series, scripted short films, and the highly praised, all-Indigenous dramatic television series, Moccasin Flats, which aired on Showcase Television and APTN.
In 2005, Jennifer branched out independently, establishing Redcloud Studios Inc., where she continues to create, produce, write, and direct remarkable content. Notable works under her belt include five seasons of the captivating paranormal television series, The Other Side, and the award-winning feature film, Empire of Dirt, dramatic series, Rabbit Fall and Unsettled, award winning documentary series, Future History, and most recently, the award-winning, critically acclaimed limited series, Little Bird for Crave and APTN.
Alongside her career as a director and producer, Jennifer has maintained a presence on screen as an actor most notably on shows like Degrassi TNG, Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz, Blackstone, Hard Rock Medical, Cardinal, the new Crave comedy series Don’t Even, and the debut feature film from directors Eva Thomas and Ryan Cooper. Among her proudest achievements is her leading role in Empire of Dirt, which earned her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and recognition for Best Screenplay, breaking barriers for Indigenous women in the industry.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jennifer’s passion for empowering Indigenous voices led her to establish The Shine Network Institute in 2020, a Canadian not for profit dedicated to advancing the careers of Indigenous women within the screen, media, and creative arts sectors.
Jennifer continues to build capacity and strive for equity and inclusion of Indigenous people within Canada’s screen sector.