The National Screen Institute is proud to be an ambassador for this special, 10-year anniversary edition.
For the last decade, TBFF has become Canada’s largest celebration of Black History Month, attracting hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Year after year, through its bold and diverse programming, TBFF has been a necessary platform for Black artists who would otherwise remain invisible. Coming together at TBFF has allowed members of all cultural communities to better understand one another.
TBFF is hosting panel discussions throughout the festival covering topics such as representation, music in film, voice-over talent, hair and makeup equity in the film industry, and more. Learn about these panels on the TBFF website.
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, staff and board, the National Screen Institute supports diverse creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, our students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The ideal candidate values equity, diversity and inclusion, and is knowledgeable about these issues. They will be a supporter of the values which guide the work of the National Screen Institute, have experience working cross-culturally and be committed to serving storytellers from underrepresented communities.
For the foreseeable future, work will be done from home with possible occasional small team meetings in person (subject to public health regulations.) All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and able to provide official verification before their first day of hire.
The National Screen Institute is committed to supporting individuals from underrepresented communities including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups. Please let us know if you identify with any of these on your application.
Overview
Working alongside the outreach and engagement lead, the communications specialist will be responsible for promoting the National Screen Institute and its programs, communicating the organization’s value and success stories, and ensuring consistency of the brand.
Responsibilities
Website and social media content
Ensure a consistent brand image and voice across the National Screen Institute’s website content and social media channels, and create content as needed. Identify and implement strategies to increase the National Screen Institute’s website and positioning, visibility and traffic with existing and new targeted audiences. Oversee the work of the outreach and engagement lead in the maintenance of the website and any other online properties (such as NSI Films), including WordPress upkeep and SEO implementation. Ensure website best practices. Identify and implement strategies to increase the National Screen Institute’s social media positioning, visibility and traffic with existing and new targeted audiences.
Program promotion
Develop annual communications plans and strategies for promoting training programs and reaching potential applicants, including researching and creating targeted distribution lists to reach underrepresented communities. Work with the outreach and engagement lead to ensure training program information is up to date on the website.
Materials and publications
Oversee the work of our designers in the creation of promotional materials and ensure consistent branding. Write fundraising materials and assist with campaigns. Oversee design and layout of promotional material and PowerPoint decks / Google Slides / Canva presentations and other items. Ensure correct sponsor and supporter recognition on all materials. Work with the outreach and engagement lead and external agencies to prepare a year at a glance / yearbook including content, design, delivery and distribution.
Media relations
Manage all publicity, media releases, and media relations to ensure a consistent image and accurate coverage of events and activities. Work with the outreach and engagement lead to maintain an updated list of media contacts and manage the collection and filing of stories. Work with staff to identify stories or other potential media opportunities for the organization.
Other
Develop and maintain a budget. Complete other duties as assigned.
Please note, this list is a range of responsibilities required for this job but is not all-inclusive. Tasks may be added or revised.
Skills
Superior writing skills (shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a writing test during the interview) Excellent organizational and project management skills, and ability to meet deadlines Desire and ability to initiate and take ownership of projects, as appropriate Highly self-motivated and detail-minded Proactive approach to problem solving Ability to work individually and as part of a team Desire to develop and nurture the skills of others and share expertise
Experience
Minimum five years of communications / marketing experience Strong working knowledge of WordPress, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Photoshop and the Office suite of tools Strong understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and online marketing Proven success designing and executing communications and fundraising strategies and campaigns Experience working with design agencies Experience writing fundraising messaging Experience working with budgets Technical knowledge and a solid understanding of HTML and / or the ability to code, and sound and video editing would be an asset
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, staff and board, the National Screen Institute supports diverse creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, our students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The ideal candidate values equity, diversity and inclusion, and is knowledgeable about these issues. They will be a supporter of the values which guide the work of the National Screen Institute, have experience working cross-culturally and be committed to serving storytellers from underrepresented communities.
For the foreseeable future, work will be done from home with possible occasional small team meetings in person (subject to public health regulations.) All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and able to provide official verification before their first day of hire.
The National Screen Institute is committed to supporting individuals from underrepresented communities including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups. Please let us know if you identify with any of these on your application.
Overview
The Indigenous programs coordinator provides essential support to the CBC New Indigenous Voices program manager in the selection of participants and organization, management and delivery of training. Working collaboratively with the program manager, they help create a positive learning experience for participants and ensure timely delivery of the program to meet funder expectations.
CBC New Indigenous Voices is a full-time, 14-week online training program for Indigenous creators to learn the essential elements of working in the film, TV and digital media industries. The program includes full-time classroom training and an industry internship. The curriculum is designed with traditional and spiritual elements. Minimum wage is paid throughout.
The Indigenous programs coordinator is a full-time contract position.
Responsibilities
Participant selection and interviews
Organize applications and assist with screening and interviewing applicants. Using basic filmmaking knowledge, assist with the review and assessment of applications and selection of a shortlist of candidates for interview. Help organize and schedule a jury that includes faculty, an Elder and industry representatives. Contribute to creating a professional and constructive interview experience. Contact all applicants promptly by phone or email to inform them of the jury’s decisions.
Participant and program support
Working with the program advisor(s) and program manager, support the development, planning and delivery of training curriculum that is high quality, market-relevant and gives students a competitive edge in the industry. Assist in organizing an online launch event and graduation ceremony including maintaining a master guest list to ensure all required attendees (sponsors, partners, faculty, presenters) are invited. Attend the online events to support students, staff and partners as needed. Working with the program manager, reach out to potential faculty and presenters, book and confirm schedules. Help coordinate training sessions to ensure a timely, organized and positive experience for presenters and students. Update participant agreements, distribute to participants and obtain signatures. Ensure students understand their commitment to full program participation Assist with the coordination of internship placements; check in regularly with students and hosting organizations throughout the program to ensure attendance and expectations are met. Assist students in completing required paperwork, surveys and assignments. Proactively identify needs for relevant equipment and materials; arrange for pick-up and return of rentals as appropriate. Assist with and oversee students’ creative projects (podcast episode) and their progress during the production phase. Establish relationships with participants and help foster cooperative working relationships to ensure program objectives are met. Be available to participants to counsel, mediate and resolve conflicts that may arise. Maintain a calm influence in a highly pressured, time-intensive environment. Use interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to keep participants focused and on track. Identify and manage other potential risks that may interfere with successful program implementation like scheduling conflicts, production delays or personal crises. Use creative problem-solving and communication skills to resolve issues satisfactorily.
Administration
Assist with exit paperwork and reports for CBC, indicating the National Screen Institute’s meeting of program contract commitments. Prepare cheque requisitions in keeping with the program budget and submit to the director of finance for approval. Update forms and documents as needed, ensuring accuracy.
Organizational support
Promote the National Screen Institute by sharing, promoting, and educating the public and relevant target groups about program offerings and success stories at events, on social media, and participation with interest groups.
Produced through their company Hungry Eyes Media, BLK: An Origin Story consists of four 60-minute episodes revealing the deep historic impact of Black presence in Canada. Each episode transports viewers to a different Canadian location and provides chronologically significant insights into the outcomes of Black presence in the areas. Featured outposts include Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
BLK: An Origin Story acts as an immersive and informative chapter of Black Canadian history, elevating remarkable Black Canadians previously unacknowledged in mainstream social, academic and cultural circles, normalizing their unique stories as a matter of general record.
The series premiers on HISTORY starting February 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Check your local listing to watch.
BIPOC TV & FILM is now accepting applications for their Showrunner Bootcamp – a workshop-style intensive for mid-level to senior writers and aspiring showrunners.
The program is designed for established writers looking to advance their skills from writing to showrunning and learning how to manage a writer’s room. All aspects of working as a showrunner will be covered including staffing, team management and schedule management.
The Showrunner Bootcamp is open to Canadian residents who are Black, Indigenous and/or racialized (Persons of Colour). To be eligible you must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
You have/had a show (for web or television) in development with a Canadian or US broadcaster or production company You have attained a producer-level credit on at least one season of a Canadian series You have a story editor (head writer) credit on an animated series
Application deadline is February 10. Learn more about the program and apply now.
Production began in December 2021 and wrapped after a holiday break with locations in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba.
Wintertide, written and directed by John Barnard and produced by Kyle Bornais (both NSI Features First), is about an isolated northern city battling a plague of depression that transforms its victims into zombie-like automatons; a woman discovers the key to immunity lies within her dreams.
This is John’s second feature film. He previously wrote and directed the award-winning Menorca (Whistler Film Fest 2016) and the music documentary Bachman (Hot Docs 2018) on legendary singer/songwriter Randy Bachman.
