Created in partnership with REEL CANADA, Indigenous Film Intensives helps address the need for more Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) crew members working as assistant directors, script supervisors, production managers, locations managers, props and set decorators in the B.C. and Alberta film industries.
Program overview
Recognizing that many Indigenous creatives interested in the film and television industry have a difficult time leaving their communities to live in cities far from home for long periods to complete training, these intensive training programs will take place in a hybrid format that will include both virtual and in-person sessions over several weekends.
Participants in these programs will have online and in-person networking opportunities with Indigenous and non-Indigenous filmmakers to learn about all the opportunities in the industry, especially Indigenous film productions.
During their time in the intensive, participants will learn standard training pertinent to the role while receiving job-specific training for their on-set position.
Participants will also receive additional training to receive their Motion Picture Industry Orientation (MPIO) and additional required certifications as needed.
Through each Indigenous Film Intensive, prepare participants to enter the work positions with enough basic knowledge to work in their specific specialty areas.
There is no cost for participating in the program. Funds are sponsored through the Indigenous Digital Accelerator and REEL CANADA.
The Indigenous Film Intensives are taught by industry professionals and Capilano University – Bosa Centre for Film and Animation faculty with more than 25 years of experience in the film & TV industry.
For the in-person session for each training intensive, the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation classrooms, studios and equipment will be used to deliver these modules.
Stay tuned for more information on our next intensive.
Previous Indigenous Film Intensives
The Indigenous AD Training Program occurred in February and March 2023. Led by Capilano University instructor and film industry vet, John Penhall, this intensive provided participants with the standard training that all Assistant Directors must know for success on set.
During their time, participants learned about on-set protocols, script breakdowns, call sheets, daily production reports, and all logistical training critical to the role, ensuring they gained a deeper understanding of the responsibilities the Assistant Director has on film & television sets.
Alongside AD-specific training, participants also completed their Motion Picture Industry Orientation (MPIO), Motion Picture Safety Awareness, and Traffic Control courses.
At the end of the intensive, participants were certified to enter the Directors Guild of Canada’s Trainee Assistant Director Program.
More information
If you would like to learn more about our upcoming workshops or you're interested in bringing one of our trainees onto your set, contact ida@capilanou.ca.