Women in Digital Media

Submission

Digital Economy Online Consultation
235 Queen Street
10^th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5

July 5, 2010

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input as you explore a national digital strategy. Women in Film & Television — Toronto (WIFT–T) represents a key sector of the screen–based industry. Founded in 1984, WIFT–T is a not–for–profit professional organization that supports women in screen–based media (film, television and digital media) to build, advance and sustain their careers nationally and internationally. WIFT–T achieves this through high quality, hands–on programming, mentoring, networking and industry events that recognize the talents and potential of women. Our mission is to enhance the skills of our members so they can become significant decision–makers and creators at all levels of the industry.

Over the past two years, our industry has not only had to deal with the global financial crisis, but it has also undergone a foundational shift that is as significant as the shift in the auto sector. Technology is transforming how we do our work, regulatory frameworks are changing by the day, and there are no proven business models in the digital economy. In order to remain competitive, build capacity and create a solid infrastructure that supports the digital sector we need to fund training and research.

Building Digital Skills

In the midst of all this change, there is a real fear that women may be left behind. While women may be early adopters of social media, we don’t fare as well in technical skills that ensure employability in the digital sector. At WIFT–T we have been overwhelmed by requests for professional training and mentorships that focus on digital literacy.

We are extremely concerned about the widening skill gaps. We cannot overestimate the impact of changing technology, and the need for women in screen–based media to be engaged with the technology, rather than fear it. While all of our professional development programming incorporates digital elements (please see Appendix "A" for a complete list), we have created additional programming that is purely focused on digital. These workshops and panels have been full to capacity, even as we struggle as a not–for–profit to build additional internal capacity so that we can continue to meet the needs of the screen–based community.

Our Canadian screen–based community is part of a global economy. Our competitiveness comes not only from investing in educational and other institutions, but also from something more basic. The reality is that many digital companies are small and lean. Access to year–round flexible, focused, and affordable skills training is a must. Much of that training is delivered by not–for–profits such as WIFT–T. So we need to invest in the core funding of our industry associations in this key sector of our knowledge economy.

Professional development speaks to the core of our mandate. To be of service to the screen–based community, we must be able to provide ongoing business and creative skills to the next generation of interactive producers, digital content developers, game designers, and digital programmers to name a few. We urge you to consider skills development as a top priority.

Strategic partnerships between professional organizations promote innovation, and skills sharing. WIFT–T has successfully partnered with digital organizations, including: Flash in the Can (FITC), Interactive Ontario (IO), Vortex Game Competition, Digital Arts and Technology Association (DATA), CFC Media Lab, and Communitech, to co–present workshops and programs. Partner events bring together experts from digital and traditional media to share ideas, explore trends, develop skills and facilitate partnerships for future projects.

Research

WIFT–T has a history of solid research. In 2004, we commissioned a groundbreaking study on employment trends in Canada’s screen–based industry. Frame–Work: Employment in Canadian Screen–Based Media — A National Profile not only encouraged industry–wide dialogue, but also provided clear direction for the organization to develop programming that would be relevant and beneficial to our members as well as the national screen–based community at large. The study looked at employment trends in screen–based media for women and other designated groups (visible minorities, people with disabilities, and Aboriginal Peoples); in addition, it looked at who is working, how they are working, and future trends in this key sector.

As you know, so much has changed in the screen–based industry since 2004. Mergers, acquisitions, changing workflows, new regulatory frameworks, and a technical revolution have affected content creation and distribution dramatically. All of this has completely altered the way we work.

As a key screen–based organization, WIFT–T would like to continue the dialogue we started with the Frame Work study. The industry at large would benefit from new data that documents employment trends and skill gaps. Without empirical data, it is difficult to track progress. A new industry study would allow us to track and monitor employment trends and provide an invaluable tool for all stakeholders. We would like to see this type of research identified as another key priority in our national digital strategy.

Conclusion

More than twenty–five years ago, WIFT–T was created by a group of women who feared they would be left by the changing technology of the time, and lack of access to training. As we find ourselves on the cusp of what may be the most significant transformation since the invention of cinema, the industry cannot afford to lose the talents and contributions of another generation of women who also fear they may be left behind.

WIFT–T is well placed and privileged to be able to provide relevant and accessible digital training to the screen–based community. Solid research is the cornerstone of that ongoing professional development. It is our hope that a national digital strategy will support both research and training as we transition to an exciting new era.

Sincerely,

Sadia Zaman
Executive Director
Women in Film & Television — Toronto
110 Eglinton Avenue. East, Suite 601
Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y1
416–322–3430 x228

APPENDIX "A"

For more than 25 years, WIFT–T has been committed to bringing quality programming and instruction to our members and the general public. WIFT–T works closely with an experienced board and industry partners to deliver relevant and cutting edge programming. Our programming evolves annually to address current trends and needs within the industry. We consistently evaluate our programs to ensure they are they are relevant and on mandate.

Intensives

WIFT–T Executive Management Program
This national initiative provides television production companies with the opportunity to develop their management team through an intensive five–day workshop. The program continues with a three–month mentorship matching workshop participants with industry leaders.

WIFT–T Development Incubator
The Development Incubator is for emerging and intermediate producer / writer teams with feature length dramatic projects in development. The program helps develop market–driven feature films and support the next generation of Canadian feature film professionals.

WIFT–T Career Transition Program
In response to the foundational changes in the screen–based industry, this program was developed for mid to senior level professionals coping with the technological, economic, and structural changes in the screen–based industry. The program will enhance participants' ability to find suitable work and facilitate their career transition within and outside film, television, and other screen–based media.

WIFT–T Convergent Media Program
Through eight sessions, participants learn how to translate film or television projects to digital platforms while remaining focused on monetization. Participants gain insight into Canadian audiences and the technologies that facilitate consumption. The program also incorporates a collaborative project where group members develop a cross–platform idea from concept to pitch.

Certificates

WIFT–T Media Leadership Program
The WIFT–T Media Leadership Program is designed for mid to senior level women and men who want leading–edge academic knowledge and contemporary business skills required in the Canadian screen–based industry. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate from the Schulich School of Business, York University.

WIFT–T Business Management for Media Professionals Program
The WIFT–T Business Management for Media Professionals Program is designed for working professionals with up to three years experience in the industry, related university or college training, and for those transitioning to a new area of the screenbased industry. The objective of the program is to improve business skills.

New Programs for 2010
While WIFT–T has incorporated digital elements into all core programming, we are also creating new programs that focus exclusively on digital media. These new initiatives include presentations, panels, lecture series and networking events. The focus will be on web casts, new platform deliveries, mobile content, gaming, and the business of online programming and development. WIFT–T will work with associations and individuals from digital media to produce insightful and timely programming that meets the needs of our stakeholders. We are also actively exploring online programming.

DigiScape
WIFT–T is pleased to introduce DigiScape, an innovative panel series that helps screenbased media professionals adapt to digital shifts in the industry.

DigiScape will focus on technological, regulatory and creative shifts in the industry, and will examine issues such as cross– and trans–media project development, rights management, collaborating with digital media companies, facilitating audience interactivity, and much more. DigiScape panels offer the opportunity for traditional and digital media professionals to connect.

Mentorships

Astral Media Mentorship
The Astral Media Mentorship is a national competitive program that gives one Canadian female or male producer who is a visible minority, Aboriginal or disabled, the invaluable opportunity to prepare for the Banff World Television Festival. The winner receives a festival bursary and an intensive five day pre–festival mentorship with WIFT–T, other industry experts, and an Astral Media executive.

CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship
The CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship is a national competitive award that gives one emerging Canadian female drama producer/director the opportunity to receive creative and business support from CBC Television.

Deluxe Producers Internship
The Deluxe Producers Internship provides one Canadian female producer with coveted hands–on experience and training. The recipient joins Deluxe as an intern to learn about production equipment planning and requirements, and post–production video, film and sound.

Kodak New Vision Mentorship
The Kodak New Vision Mentorship provides one Canadian female director with the opportunity to prepare for the Toronto International Film Festival through intensive industry coaching and a post–festival creative mentorship.

Suggested URL: Women in Film and Television Toronto