Wide Lens
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Wide Lens, a new equity, diversity and inclusion training program developed for CMPA members. The program is tailor-made to help producers recognize and eliminate systemic barriers for individuals from equity-seeking and Indigenous communities, and to create new opportunities for engagement, partnership and collaboration.
Wide Lens 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:
BSO/CMPA “Pitch & Meet” virtual networking event
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 1:00 PM–2:30 PM ET / 10:00 AM–11:30 AM PT, the Black Screen Office (BSO) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) hosted the 2nd edition of our networking event between producers and writers from the Rogers-BSO Script Development Program, to help writers forge new connections and help producers find their next project. This event took place virtually over Zoom.
To kick off this event, participating writers shared details about themselves and their projects. Three rounds of pre-scheduled 15-minute meetings followed. Finally, an open networking round allowed producers and writers who have not met formally during the event to connect.
Past programming:
EDI for producers as employers and people managers
Offered: October 26, 2023 and November 29, 2023
CMPA members were invited to participate in the webinar, EDI for producers as employers and people managers, hosted by Natasha Tony (Elevate Inclusion Strategies) and Richard Fowler.
The virtual session outlined how producers can create an inclusive workplace and foster a culture of belonging in both the production office and on set. The interactive session spoke heavily about real-world case studies, and provided significant opportunity for participation.
During the 90-minute training session the facilitators covered:
- How federal and provincial human rights legislation apply to the production sector
- Best practices in developing workplace equity, diversity and inclusion policies
- Inclusive recruiting and hiring
- Addressing bullying, harassment, discrimination and when to engage outside legal counsel
Drafting effective community engagement plans
Offered: January 17, 2024 and March 14, 2024
CMPA members were invited to attend the webinar, Drafting effective community engagement plans, presented in partnership with the Black Screen Office (BSO).
Increasingly funders and broadcasters are requiring producers to submit a written plan that clearly outlines how a project will authentically represent the communities and subject matter to be presented in the story.
Authenticity can refer to stories focused on equity-deserving communities, but may also be required for stories on specialized subject matter such as nuclear science or professional hockey, for example.
The session, facilitated by Kelly Lynne Ashton and producer, director, writer, Sasha Leigh Henry, discussed the BSO’s recently published “Considerations for Writing Engagement Plans” guidebooks, and used case studies and audience participation, to highlight strategies and develop best practices for drafting successful community engagement plans.
This 90 minute session covered:
- An overview of the different documents required by different funders and broadcasters (e.g. Community Engagement Plans, Narrative Positioning Statements, Diversity Plans)
- What funders and broadcasters are looking for at Development and Production stages
- How to use the guides for your project