We are Creating Access and Inclusion.
The Reelworld Screen Institute provides year-round initiatives, programs, and events to foster professional development for our Canadian racially diverse talent, to deepen their artistic practice, and to strengthen this creative community and network.
We create more opportunities by focusing on the research, advocacy, policy, and infrastructure changes needed within our industry and government.
Reelworld Institute is working to increase the number of Canadian decision-makers who are Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, or People of Colour. When we have real representation at high levels, we will be able to create a more level playing field.
Programs
Access Reelworld Wage Subsidy Program
Made possible through the Changing Narratives Fund administered by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Building a more inclusive and sustainable screen industry.
The Access Reelworld Wage Subsidy Program supports the hiring of four (4) mid-career professionals who identify as Black, Indigenous or as Persons of Colour. The program provides wage subsidies to mid-level and senior professionals, covering a six-month, full-time position. These placements are designed to offer meaningful industry experience, mentorship, and skill development.
Reelworld E20 Program
Now in its 25th year, the five-month Reelworld Emerging 20 (E20) Program is designed to help emerging screenwriters develop a finished, polished script. The program features two streams—Series and Film—with ten writers selected for each. Participants receive one-on-one story editing and advanced training in storytelling, character, structure, and pitch development to strengthen both their craft and their projects.
Throughout the program, writers meet with working screenwriters, development executives, and other industry professionals. Reelworld also curates targeted industry meetings to help participants secure letters of interest and support their project's potential path into development. The program concludes with a professional ACTRA table read and E20 Face2Face—an industry mixer that connects writers with producers, broadcasters, and key decision-makers.
Reelworld Producer Program
The Reelworld Producer Program is a four-month initiative aimed at individuals interested in starting their own production companies. The program covers essential topics such as building a small business, optioning scripts and novels, and service production. Participants will learn how to apply for grants and private investments, create production budgets, package projects, and attract talent.
This program is an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed to become a producer with whom writers can collaborate. It also provides a chance to network with experienced producers, which is essential for advancing your company and projects.
Reelworld Directors Immersion Program
The Reelworld Directors Immersion Program in partnership with NBCUniversal is an opportunity for emerging directors to take part in a 4-month training initiative. 4-6 selected participants will take part in virtual and in-person training sessions from August to November 2024. The purpose of the program is to help the participants gain directing credits for their resumes, to build relationships with industry professionals, and to learn how to navigate a successful career in the Canadian screen industries. 2024 applications are closed. The program will run from August to November 2024.
Reelworld Market Ready
Market Ready provides Reelworld delegates with training, prep and access to key markets such as TIFF, Prime Time, Cannes Film Festival, Banff World Media Festival, Content Canada and Content London. These markets open doors to forge deals, build new relationships that lead to development, and help attendees gain visibility in an industry where who you know matters.
Past Programs
Reelworld x NABET Mentorship Program
Reelworld Screen Institute is partnering with NABET 700-M UNIFOR for the second year to connect NABET members with emerging Black, Indigenous, South Asian, Asian, and People of Colour technicians who are looking to build their network and gain one-on-one guidance from an experienced industry professional. This 3-month mentorship program is only open to professionals based in Ontario, who are working or interested in working in below-the-line fields. Applications for the 2025 program are now closed.
Reelworld Training Lab presented by Amazon MGM Studios
**The 2024 program has concluded.** The Reelworld Training Lab presented by Amazon MGM Studios is a new training program for both Canadian producers and writers. The program will offer training and upskilling opportunities to racially diverse and Indigenous talent in Canada, and will foster a pipeline of Canadian production talent and help support Amazon MGM Studios projects in Canada.
Level UP 2 Program
Level UP 2 is an on-the-ground experience developed in partnership with Rogers Sports & Media, Shaftesbury and Pope Productions for Canadian writers and directors. Selected writers will spend four weeks of the program working remotely in Hudson & Rex’s the show’s virtual writers’ room, and one week on set learning about changes made to various drafts of the scripts while experiencing the collaborative nature of television production and understanding the importance of each department.
Reelworld Accelerator Program
The Reelworld Producer Accelerator Program is a year-long curriculum that provides support to the 2022 producers to continue to develop their projects optioned last year. The 2022 Reelworld Producers went through an intensive 12-month program - meeting with over 40 mentors, attending Banff for pitches and networking, and TIFF so they could broaden their circle of contacts. With many receiving Letters of interest to access development funds, Reelworld will continue to support their process.
Reelworld Hollywood Connector
The Reelworld Hollywood Connector program facilitates long-lasting relationships between Canadian talent and Los Angeles-based producers and executives. Applications for the 2024 program are open now. Selected screenwriters will be flown to LA for the opportunity to build relationships with American production companies that shoot in Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in meetings with L.A based producers and executives, industry sessions and more. Attendees will also be invited to a networking event held in partnership with AFBS.
Meridian Artists Apprenticeship
The Meridian Artists Apprenticeship program returns for its 3rd year. This hands-on opportunity offers a 4-week paid mentorship-training, where the participant will see first hand how a service agency functions. Through a combination of assignments, shadowing of client and business affairs interactions, and one-on-one meetings with senior- level Agency team members, the apprentice will experience what it is like to be a Talent Agent.
Reelworld Black Entrepreneurs Program
The Reelworld Black Entrepreneurs Program is a training initiative for Black casting directors, agents, managers, and producers in Canada. This first of its kind program provides transformational business advisory services, training, mentorship, capital investment, and networking opportunities. The 2024 program runs from March to November.