As this year draws to a close, Creative Pathways™ is incredibly grateful for our sponsors, supporters, and champions. Your contributions have been instrumental in supporting our mission to build a dynamic, equitable, diverse, and inclusive motion picture workforce. Here are some highlights and achievements from the past year:
Meet 10: Creating Connections
Meet 10 sessions are small, curated gatherings designed to connect systemically excluded career seekers with industry experts. In 2024, our attendees had the opportunity to learn from and engage with:
- Allisa Swanson, Costume Designer
- Cheryl Marion, Production Designer
- Eli Haligua, Sound Designer and Re-recording Mixer
- Tawni Duhamel, Valere Hart, and Ahmed Seedat as guest speakers for the panel: “Pathways to Trainee Assistant Director, Trainee Assistant Locations & Key Production Assistant.”
What our participants are saying:
“I really enjoyed hearing from experienced professionals who are working in the industry as well as meeting other people at my own level and making connections.”
Setwork: On-Set Opportunities
We partnered with “Wild Cards” Season 2 to provide below-the-line opportunities in the Locations Department. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand partnerships with more studios and productions to create meaningful on-set experiences.
Professional Development Programs Launched
In collaboration with Natasha Tony and Elevate Inclusion Strategies, we launched two inclusivity-focused professional development programs: Inclusive Workplaces for Film & Television Workers and Inclusive Leadership for Film & Television. Delivered free of charge to B.C.-based participants, these programs empower industry professionals to foster inclusivity. Attendees receive a certificate and social media badge upon completion. Since launching in October 2024, over 70 attendees have successfully completed the programs.
What our participants are saying:
“This workshop gave me a whole new set of tools to approach situations where I usually find myself very frustrated and reactive. With these tools, I can keep the peace while resolving issues and inviting people to think outside the box.”
“The Inclusive Leadership session was both insightful and empowering. It provided a platform to learn from others and connect with diverse peers across the industry. Meeting like-minded professionals broadened my perspective on inclusive leadership in creative industries.”
Register for 2025 sessions here.
Workforce Development: Empowering Emerging Talent
This year, we empowered emerging talent through collaborative training programs and mentorship initiatives, including:
- Curls, Coils & Camera: Diversifying the Art of Hair Styling on Screen In partnership with the Black Screen Office (BSO), Alicia Chowen (The Texture Workshops), and Rama Diallo (Front Street Pictures). Watch the recap video and read Breaking Barriers: Black Hairstylists in Canadian Film TV and Film.
- MBS Illumination Training for Grip and Lighting Watch the highlight video.
- Vancouver Post Alliance EDI Mentorship 2024-25 Supporting emerging talent in post-production.
- Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society Sharing knowledge and inspiration as guest speakers for their cohorts.
Outreach: Attracting the Next Generation
Our team participated in over 20 career fairs and school presentations to connect with aspiring creatives and grow awareness of career pathways in the motion picture industry. Highlights include:
- Career Fairs, Expos, and Industry Events: Langley TV Film & TV Career Day, Reel 2 Real Film Festival Behind the Scenes Expo, DGC BC Spotlight, Career Education Society Conference.
- Post-secondary Institutions and Film Schools: Capilano University, BCIT, InFocus, SFU, and UBC.
- Workforce Development Organizations: S.U.C.C.E.S.S, SEAN (Supported Employer Advocacy Services).
Looking Ahead to 2025
From the entire Creative Pathways™ team at Creative BC, thank you for making 2024 a meaningful and impactful year. Your support fuels our ability to create opportunities, connections, and a more inclusive future for our industry.
We look forward to collaborating with you in 2025 to build on this success and continue shaping a stronger, more equitable motion picture workforce.
