The four talented artists selected to participate in the new initiative to be announced in Summer 2024
Toronto, May 2, 2024 – The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce their inaugural Hair and Makeup Training Initiative, in partnership with CMU College of Makeup Art & Design. This unique training program acknowledges the need for hair and makeup equity in the film and television industry. With financial support from NABET 700-M UNIFOR, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, and the Canadian Media Producers Association, this program strives to accelerate the career paths of the next generation of hair and makeup professionals from Black, Indigenous and racialized communities and to expand the industry’s expertise in serving all hair textures and skin tones. Artists selected to participate in the program will be announced in the summer.
The CFC will collaborate with professional mentors and partners to train, coach, and support participants by providing six weeks of valuable hands-on experience (on-set and behind the scenes) and mentorship to prepare them for work on Ontario-based productions. This career building opportunity was designed to support talent from communities underrepresented in the industry who have encountered historic barriers in the screen industry. CMU College will select early-career alumni at no cost to participate, who will grow their careers from the training and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Key to their experience will be their involvement in short film productions as part of the CFC’s curriculum to gain crucial on-set experience to build their professional portfolios.
“We’re seeing more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and creatives of colour as writers, directors, and actors yet there remains a lack of change in below-the-line creative roles that support our stories and on screen talent. Representation across all departments is crucial to a sense of belonging on-set,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “We’re proud to address this gap in the industry pipeline, to build community and safe spaces for artists, and to lead the charge together with our knowledgeable program partners, CMU College, NABET 700-M UNIFOR, WBD Access Canada and the CMPA. We acknowledge this is a small step but change is going to come.”
“Gaining valuable on-set experience and industry connections is crucial to building a successful career in makeup and hair in the screen industry,” said Deanna Cadette, Senior Vice President, CMU College of Makeup Art and Design. “As one of the premier educational institutions in the world, we are proud to support the professional development of our talented alumni, and to open more doors for artists from underrepresented communities.” “NABET 700-M UNIFOR is pleased to support this important initiative, which will contribute to more career opportunities for artists in Canada’s film and TV industry,”said Ryan Pogue, President, NABET 700-M UNIFOR. “Future productions will greatly benefit from this training program, and we look forward to witnessing a positive, necessary shift that brings together more people from various communities.”
“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with CMU College and to partner with the CFC to contribute to their incredible suite of career changing programs,” said Melanie Nepinak Hadley, Senior Director, WBD Access Canada. “We eagerly anticipate the transformative impact this program will have on the below-the-line talent in Canada.”
This year’s CFC Hair and Makeup Training Initiative will begin in Fall 2024. For more information, visit cfccreates.com
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About the CFC
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com. @cfccreates
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