Program overview
The CMPA STAR Producer Program is a comprehensive professional development platform designed to help members advance their careers and grow their businesses. STAR is an acronym for Skills, Training, Access, and Resources, which the program will offer through an extensive range of development opportunities for producers at all stages of their careers.
The program is open to all CMPA members and participation requires no commitment other than being a member of the CMPA. Individuals will have the opportunity to sign up for programming and events on an individual, case-by-case basis, throughout the year. The STAR Producer Program is made up of six modules that reflect the lifecycle of a production project: Pre-Development (past module), Development (current module), Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and IP Commercialization.
Each of the modules will run for approximately two months and will feature programming, training opportunities, and supporting materials through the following pillars:
Presentations
Keynotes, webinars, or panel discussions featuring industry leaders, sharing knowledge and speaking about their career experience
Networking
Opportunities to meet and interact with fellow producers and other key stakeholders in the industry who can help you execute your next project, and expand your career opportunities
Module 2 will focus on planning and executing co-production projects and will include an introductory webinar on co-production and co-development, a chance to network with global producers with an eye to future collaborations, as well as a robust collection of supporting resources.
Presentation | Co-production 101: An introduction on the basics of co-production and co-development featuring Telefilm and CMF
April 28, 2021 – 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET / 9:00 am to 10:00 am PT
On Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT, the CMPA hosted a webinar to kickoff module two of the STAR Producer Program. The discussion was targeted at producers who were interested in learning more about the “how’s and whys” of co-production and co-development projects.
The discussion featured Susan King from Telefilm Canada and Nathalie Clermont from the CMF and was moderated by the CMPA’s Sarolta Csete.
Networking | Screen Ireland speed networking event
The CMPA and Screen Ireland will bring together Canadian and Irish producers for a digital networking reception in June. With the intent of facilitating new transatlantic connections, this can be the springboard for your next international co-production project.
Who is this event for? This event is targeted at experienced producers who are actively looking for co-production partners for live action feature and series projects currently in development.
CMPA members can expect up to 4, 10-minute meetings with Irish producers. A list of participating producers from Screen Ireland will be shared in advance of the reception. The reception will take place during a networking reception on June 2, 2021 at 12:00 pm ET/9:00 am PT.
Resources | Development: Planning and executing co-productions
CMPA staff have carefully pulled together an extensive range of materials, focused on co-productions and international incentive programs. Use the filter by category button to search through resources from Module 2 below. For resources from past modules, click here.
- Resource
- Article
- Directory
- Podcast
- Toolkit
- Report
- Program / event
C21 calendar of industry events and markets for 2021
A calendar of upcoming and previous industry events and markets happening around the world.
CMF's international incentive programs
The CMF is part of Canada’s strong funding ecosystem that fosters audiovisual content creation and encourages international coproduction. Together, Canada’s coproduction treaties and the CMF’s financing provide opportunities for Canadian producers and their international counterparts to share resources and talent to tap into new markets. As consumers have growing access to content from all corners of the world, producers can benefit greatly from working together on the international front.
CMPA's international co-production directory
The International Co-production Directory is designed to facilitate the building of partnerships between Canadian and international producers. The searchable database provides a platform where producers in Canada and abroad can create a detailed company profile and upload information on the projects for which they are seeking co-production partners. The goal of this directory is to help enable independent production companies connect with international partners in a targeted manner. It allows producers to showcase their companies and projects and it will facilitate interaction between companies.
Coaching program
The CMPA, through its STAR Producer professional development program, is launching a new mentorship initiative aimed at connecting experienced and emerging producers from across Canada. The goal of this initiative is to create a platform where seasoned producers are able to share knowledge and best practices based on their years of experience working in the production industry.
Registration for the STAR Producer Coaching is now closed. Stay tuned for future announcements.
Past modules
The STAR Producer Program consists of a series of modules, offered throughout the year, which reflect the lifecycle of a production project. To access content from past modules, please click below.
Past Modules →
FAQ / contact us
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below. Should you have other any questions about the STAR Producer Program, or if you have suggestions for future programming, events or content, please contact Andrew Addison (Vice-President, Communications, Marketing & Membership).
No you do not. Individuals will have the opportunity to sign up for programming and events on an individual, case-by-case basis, throughout the year.
Although some programming will be open to non-members, many of the components of the STAR Producer Program will be available to members only.
Interested in joining the CMPA? Click here.
The mentorship pillar of the STAR Producer Program is an opportunity for experienced producers to give back to the production community, sharing their experience and expertise with emerging producers, who are early in their careers.
To encourage participation, the time commitment required from coaches is minimal. Volunteers will only need to make themselves available for between 30-60 to participate in short 15-minute phone conversations or zoom meetings with emerging producers. Emerging producers will be asked to provide a short agenda to their mentor in advance, and come prepared with 3-5 questions they would like to ask during the call.
For more information, or to volunteer as a mentor please contact Sarolta Csete (Director, Development & Corporate Affairs).
No, The CMPA National Mentorship Program is a separate program, which coordinates job placement opportunities at leading production companies for aspiring producers. More information about this program can be found here.