Connecting emerging below-the-line technicians and craftspeople with experienced professionals has consistently been requested and recognized as one of the most impactful ways to strengthen B.C.’s motion picture workforce.
This program brings industry professionals and emerging below-the-line mentee technicians and craftspeople together in a conversation-based mentorship.
3-month mentorship
(January-March 2026)
20 below-the-line
mentee and mentor pairs
Free to access for
B.C.-residents
Key Dates
This program is now closed for applications
Mentor Intake: September 15 – November 2, 2025
Mentee Intake: October 13 – November 2, 2025
Pairings Confirmed: By November 21, 2025
Onboarding Session (Online): Early December 2025
Mentorship Period (1:1 Monthly Meetings): January-March 2026
Creative Pathways™ Check-In: February 2026
Wrap and Surveys: March-April 2026
Photo Credit: Darko Sikman
Mentor Eligibility
- B.C.-resident
- 5+ years of experience in the department and role they would like to mentor in
- Wants to give back to the industry in a meaningful way and is willing to mentor in a voluntary capacity
- Able to commit time as a mentor:
- Onboarding (30-min, online, early December 2025)
- Approximately 3 hours of 1:1 mentoring (1-hour each month, January – March 2026)
- Midpoint pairing check-in with Creative Pathways™
- Post-mentorship surveys and feedback (March – April 2026 as needed)
Mentee Eligibility
- B.C. resident
- 19+ years of age or older
- Ideal candidates will already have work experience in the motion picture industry and a clear idea of what below-the-line department they want to pursue as a career
- Understand that this is a conversation-based mentorship with an experienced industry professional. It does not offer training, job placements, access to a mentor’s networks, or job shadowing opportunities
- Mentees should be self-motivated. They will be expected to book the monthly 1:1 meetings with their mentor, set the meeting agenda, and be proactive in developing goals with feedback from their mentor
- Able to commit time as a mentee:
- Onboarding (30-min, online, early December 2025)
- Approximately 3 hours of 1:1 mentoring (1-hour each month, January – March 2026)
- Midpoint pairing check-in with Creative Pathways™
- Post-mentorship surveys and feedback (March – April 2026 as needed)
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?
No, anyone who is a B.C. resident is welcome to apply.
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 (online)
- 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:
- One-time onboarding (30 min, online)
- Approximately 3 hours of 1:1 Mentorship meetings over 3 months
- Midpoint check-in with the Creative Pathways™ team (approx 30 min)
- Wrap surveys
