About the Program
This is a conversation-based mentorship that connects emerging film professionals with experienced industry mentors to engage in meaningful career and craft-focused discussions over the course of 3-months. It supports participants who have started working in the industry and are looking for support and guidance in navigating their journey.
Key Dates
- Mentee Application Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm PCT
- Mentor Application Deadline: Monday, January 18, 2027 at 12:00 pm PCT
- Pairings Confirmed: By January 29, 2027
- Onboarding Session: February 5, 2027
- Mentorship Period (1:1 Monthly Meetings): February to April 2027
- Creative Pathways™ Check-In: March 2027
- Wrap and Surveys: April 2027
New and returning mentors are welcome to apply:
- B.C.-resident
- Based in the Lower Mainland
- 5+ years of experience in the department and role they would like to mentor in
- Willing to mentor in a voluntary capacity
- Committed to at least 1 hour of meetings per month for 3 months in addition to:
- Kickoff orientation
- Approximately 3 hours of mentoring (1 hour each month)
- Midpoint check-in with Creative Pathways™ (March 2027)
- Post-mentorship surveys and feedback (April 2027)
This mentorship is meant to support individuals who have a clear intention of pursuing a Below-the-Line career in film and who are:
- 19+ years of age
- B.C. resident
- Based in the Lower Mainland
- Currently working in the film industry with less than three years of work experience in film
- Understanding of what a conversation-based mentorship means with an experienced industry professional. It does not offer training, job placements, access to a mentor’s networks, or job shadowing opportunities
- Self-motivated: Mentees are responsible for booking the monthly 1:1 meeting with their mentor, setting the meeting agenda, and being proactive in developing goals with feedback from their mentor
- Applicants who were not paired in the previous cycle are welcome to reapply. If you completed a mentorship last year as a mentee, there is a one-cycle waiting period before you are eligible again for that same department.
- Committed to at least 1 hour of meetings per month for 3 months in addition to:
- Kickoff orientation
- Approximately 3 hours of mentoring (1 hour each month)
- Midpoint check-in with Creative Pathways™ (March 2027)
- Post-mentorship surveys and feedback (April 2027)
creativepathways (at) creativebc.com
Apply now!
Application Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm PCT
“One of the biggest things for me was getting the chance to learn from someone who’s already gone towards the path and goals I want to reach myself. Hearing about all their struggles, challenges, and how they’ve dealt with everything was really important to me. I also got to learn more about the technical side of design and networking, and it made me start considering different paths in production design than the one I originally thought I wanted to follow.”
Mentorship Program FAQ
What is a conversation-based mentorship?
A conversation-based mentorship is where mentors and mentees meet regularly for meaningful discussions about the mentee’s professional development, rather than a one-sided transfer of knowledge. This type of mentorship encourages active listening, open communication, problem-solving, constructive feedback, and an opportunity for the mentee to develop goals with the support of an experienced industry professional. This mentorship program does not provide:
- Training
- Job placements
- Access to a mentor’s network
- Job shadowing opportunities
Is there a fee to participate?
No, this program is free for mentees and mentors to access. Mentors and mentees participate in this program on a voluntarily basis.
Do I have to be based in the Lower Mainland?
Yes, this year’s mentorship cycle supports Lower Mainland-based mentors and mentees.
How will I be supported during the mentorship?
The Creative Pathways™ team will provide support to both mentors and mentees for the duration of the program. Additional supports available include:
- Mentor and mentee onboarding
- Mentor and mentee handbooks with resources to guide discussions and goal setting
- A Creative Pathways™ midpoint check-in with pairings
I don't have any experience in the industry, can I still apply?
This below-the-line mentorship is not structured to teach the fundamental skills required to get one’s start in the industry or for those who are just starting their career journey. It is best suited for those who have some paid work experience in the motion picture industry, a general understanding of the demands of the industry, and a clear below-the-line department and role in mind they would like to pursue. If you are looking to gain motion picture experience, see Finding Work 🔗 and Setwork🔗.
What does "below-the-line" mean?
Below-the-line refers to the technical crew roles that help bring a production’s vision to life. To learn more about which departments are included, visit the below-the-line🔗 overview.
What is the time commitment?
For both mentors and mentees:
- Kick-off onboarding
- Approximately 3 hours of 1:1 Mentorship meetings over 3 months
- Midpoint check-in with the Creative Pathways™ team (approx. 30 min)
- Wrap surveys
Am I guaranteed a mentor or mentee pairing?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee that there will be a mentor-mentee pairing.
What if I was a mentee already last year?
Applicants who were not paired last year are welcome to reapply. If you successfully completed a mentorship last year as a mentee, there is a one-cycle waiting period before you are eligible again for that same department.
Can I be a mentor again this year if I applied last year?
Yes, we welcome mentors who are new and returning!
