Representatives from Behind the Scenes Services Inc. (BTS) and Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla LLP (LBHB), NABET 700-M UNIFOR, Charles Street Video and ACTRA Toronto want to meet you and help Reel Asian’s community of creatives! Scroll down the page to read more about each organization’s focus and expertise.

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Blue Ant Media and Hollywood Suite producers want to meet you and help Reel Asian’s community of creatives!

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Join us for Industry Bootcamp and meet professionals from various fields, companies and organizations through panels, seminars or one-on-one consultations!

Participants will pre-submit questions and project information, hosting a mix of filmmakers from various stages of career. Each virtual session will be held on Zoom. 

Below are this year’s Industry Bootcamp sessions and the organizations involved:

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Schedule

Session #1: ACTRA Toronto

10AM – 10:45AM ET

Join us for an informative 30 minute session followed by a short Q&A with ACTRA representatives. Representatives from ACTRA will introduce resources, benefits, workshops, and methods available for filmmakers to connect and work with ACTRA on their upcoming short films, features, web series or TV projects.

Panelists:

Clare Johnston: Senior Advisor | Film, Television & Digital Media | ACTRA Toronto

Clare Johnston has worked in the Film, TV and Digital Media department at ACTRA Toronto for 20 years. Prior to joining ACTRA, I worked in Animation Production in Canada and UK and I worked as a radio producer and print journalist in the UK. In my position as Senior Advisor, I am usually the person that new Producers are connected with to discuss their first projects working with ACTRA members. It is my job to help you find the right part of the agreement to get your project made.

I sit on the Section 21 Committee which advises the Ministry of Labour on Health and Safety issues in the Film and TV sector. I have a background in circus performance, as a fire dancer/ fire breather and aerialist, but these days I get my kicks parenting two teenagers and an unruly dog!

Luisa Alvarez Restrepo: Manager | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Luisa Alvarez Restrepo (she/her) is a Colombian Canadian D&I expert, cultural programmer, and artist working in the screen industry. Her work focuses on representation, inclusion, and access. She is currently the Manager: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at ACTRA Toronto where she oversees ACTRA Toronto’s ongoing work to tackle anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in the industry. Recently she launched the Permit Access Fund, an innovative fund intended to help reduce barriers and create a pathway for performers from historically underrepresented communities (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Persons with Disabilities/Disabled Persons) to work towards gaining access and full membership into the union.

Her previous work includes TIFF and WarnerMedia (now Warner Bros. Discovery). At TIFF she launched the Amplify Voices Award which celebrates excellence in filmmaking by Canadian and international BIPOC filmmakers. At WarnerMedia she launched Access Festivals, a first-of-its-kind international program that provides filmmakers from underrepresented communities access to a more robust and engaging film festival experience.

Learn more about ACTRA Toronto.

Session #2: NABET 700-M UNIFOR

12PM – 12:45PM ET

 This session will be guided by your interests in NABET 700-M UNIFOR. 

So let us know what you want to know! Whether it’s which departments you’re most interested in, either for your current or upcoming projects or out of personal interest. Or get your questions answered about your general career goals and expanding knowledge and experiences within the industry. Hear from their skillful members and/or representatives about their years of experiences, do’s, don’ts, and more. 

A previous production partner of Kim’s Convenience and Tall Boyz, and current production partners Workin’ Moms, Run the Burbs, and Murdoch Mysteries.

Panelists:

Peggy Kyriakidou: President | NABET 700-M UNIFOR

Peggy Kyriakidou is currently the President of NABET 700-M UNIFOR and has been actively working in the Film and Television industry for over 30 years. Prior to her presidency, she sat on the NABET 700-M UNIFOR Executive Board for 10 years as the Vice President of the Hair Department.

As President, Peggy is responsible for the overall operations of NABET 700-M UNIFOR including the negotiation, application and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement and the employment interests of all technicians in the local’s jurisdiction across 14 different departments. Peggy also sits on UNIFOR National’s Media Council Board and the Ontario Green Screen Committee.

Peggy began her career in film and television in the early 90’s. Her love of storytelling and working with people led her to film where the collaboration in creating characters and bringing scripts to life, fuel her passion for her work.

Kyriakidou’s credits include the award-winning feature film Stockholm starring Ethan Hawke, Regression, also starring Hawke, Wolves with Jason Momoa and Lucas Till, Godsend starring Rebecca Romijn, Cavedweller with Kyra Sedgwick and Aidan Quinn, and television series “Relic Hunter”, “Queer as Folk”, “Mary Kills People”, and “Ransom”, among many other credits.

Samantha Rice: Costume VP | NABET 700-M UNIFOR

Samantha Rice is the Costume VP at NABET 700-M UNIFOR, as well as the Co-chair of their BIWOC (Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour) committee. She has been working as a costume technician since 2014 and is passionate about helping folks learn about the ins and outs of costuming for film & television. Her favourite credit to date is as Assistant Costume Designer on CBC’s hit comedy KIM’S CONVENIENCE.

Gerry Mendoza:  Secretary Treasurer and Grip/Lighting Member | NABET 700-M UNIFOR

Jadyn Stamina: Set Decoration Member | NABET 700-M UNIFOR

Learn more about NABET 700-M UNIFOR.

Session #3: Charles Street Video

1PM – 1:45PM ET

An overview of the services, workshops, support and equipment offered to filmmakers and media artists at Charles Street Video.

Panelist:

Greg Woodbury has worked in the Media Arts community for over 35 years as an administrator in artist-run production centres: as a production and post-production freelancer and in his own art practice. He has produced several of his own single channel videos and installations as well as fostered the work of other independent film/video/media artists through teaching, advocacy,technical support, creative collaboration and programming.

About Charles Street Video:
Charles Street Video (CSV) is a non-profit production organization established in 1981 to help support media artists. We provide affordable access to equipment and post-production editing facilities for creating videos, films, installations and other media art forms. We offer regular workshops, training sessions and residencies.

CSV also commissions artists to create new works, and sponsors a variety of youth-oriented production programs and post-secondary scholarships. We actively participate in local exhibitions of media art through our partnerships with arts organizations and grassroots festivals.

CSV is supported by its members, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council for operating funding and by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Canada Council for the Arts for capital funding.

Learn more about Charles Street Video.

Schedule

Session #4:Writers Guild of Canada

10AM – 10:45AM ET

This session is an overview of the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC), geared to both writers and producers. In 45 minutes, we’ll cover what the Guild does, how to become a member, and how to produce film and TV under our jurisdiction. We look forward to the opportunity to explain our collective agreement, share upcoming events, and answer your questions.

Panelist:

Aaron Unrau is the Manager of Industrial Relations at the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC), the labor organization that represents more than 2,600 professional English-language screenwriters. Overseeing both the administration and enforcement of the WGC’s collective agreement, Aaron wears both a pocket protector and sheriff’s badge at all times.

Speaking frequently on industry panels and at post-secondary institutions, he addresses the specifics of the WGC collective agreement, as well as screenwriting contracts and the Canadian TV & film industry from the union’s perspective, utilizing his more than 20 years’ experience in Canada’s film and television business. Prior to joining the WGC in 2012, he served as Business Affairs Manager at Vanguarde Artists Management, and has also worked in various positions in casting and production. Aaron is a graduate of York University’s Film and Video Program.

Learn more about the Writers Guild of Canada.

Session #5: Directors Guild of Canada

11AM – 11:45AM ET

Are you interested in joining Ontario’s exciting and rapidly growing screen industry?

DGC Ontario will be providing an introduction and general information about DGC Ontario and Ontario’s screen industry. We will also cover the benefits of being part of a labour organization, and the specific job categories represented by DGC Ontario. The presentation will discuss the various pathways into the Guild and emphasize the Guild Apprenticeship Program (GAP). Following our presentation there will be time dedicated to answering audience questions.

Panelists:

Amber Munro (she/her) is the Apprenticeship, Outreach & Equity Manager at DGC Ontario. She is also the dedicated staff liaison for their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Sustainability standing committees as well as an Ontario Green Screen Advisory Committee Member. Former NABET 700-M UNIFOR Training & Programs Coordinator, Amber is a retired ballerina from The National Ballet of Canada and The Australian Ballet. She proudly identifies as Queer with an invisible disability and advocates for 2SLGBTQI+ and disability rights, addressing workplace equity through community events and advocacy.

Tiffany Hsiung is a Peabody award-winning filmmaker and a two-time Canadian Screen Award winner based in Toronto, Canada. Her film ‘Sing Me a Lullaby’ (2020) won the Oscar qualifying Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC and the inaugural Toronto International Film Festival ‘Share Her Journey Short Cuts Award’ during the world premiere at TIFF. ‘Sing Me a Lullaby’ went on to winning The Directors Guild of Canada Best Short Film Award followed by several accolades including two prizes at the annual WIFT- Showcase and listed as one of TIFF Canada’s Top Ten of 2020. Hsiung’s debut feature documentary ‘The Apology’ (2016) received over 15 international awards that includes the prestigious Peabody award, the DuPont Columbia Award and the Allan King Memorial Award. Hsiung’s work has played in over 150 film festivals earning over 25 awards, released and broadcasted globally. Hsiung currently sits as second-vice chair of the Directors Guild of Canada, Ontario Executive Board, she is board member at DOC Canada – Ontario and HOT DOCS executive board. Hsiung is also a member of the National BIPOC committee for the DGC.

About DGC Ontario:
The Director’s Guild of Canada (DGC) in Ontario is a provincial labour organization representing key creatives, operational specialists, and their respective departmental assistants in the following categories: Directors, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Location Managers, Production Designers and Art Directors, Accountants, Picture Editors, Sound Editors and Post Production Supervisors.

Learn more about DGC Ontario.

Session #6: Behind the Scenes Services Inc + Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla LLP

1PM – 1:45PM ET

Are you developing your first feature live action or documentary film, first web series, or first TV pilot? Are you looking to apply for funding or pitching to funders for your next project? If you are, this is a good time to think about your plans and level up your producing chops.

Join this session with reps from business affairs and administration firm Behind the Scenes Services Inc. (BTS) and entertainment law firm Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla, LLP (LBHB) to ask questions about how to set up the business and legal infrastructure to enable producing success, and make your pitch/application stand out to funders.

This session is meant for filmmakers/producers who have completed short films/projects in the past, and are now scaling up to larger productions and budgets. Get ahead of the curve and avoid the typical pitfalls that impact the assessment of your funding proposals.The session will begin with a moderated discussion with these experienced reps from BTS and LBHB, followed by an audience Q&A.

Panelists: 

Eric Birnberg, LL.B. is an experienced corporate and entertainment lawyer with hands-on experience in film and television production, distribution and broadcasting, and a founding partner at Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla, LLP, a media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology law firm. Prior to co-founding Behind The Scenes Services, Eric spent 8 years with Alliance Atlantis, Canada’s then-largest integrated filmed entertainment company, holding senior management positions including Sr. VP, Business & Legal Affairs for the Television Group, and General Counsel to the entire Alliance Atlantis organization. Prior to that, he was Legal Counsel at Canada’s pre-eminent pay television channel, The Movie Network. Eric began his career as a corporate/commercial and securities lawyer in private practice on Bay Street, representing both private and public companies in a variety of industries.

Karla Bobadilla has over 20 years of legal experience in film, television and digital media financing, development, production and distribution and is a partner at the entertainment and media law firm, Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla, LLP. Prior to entering private practice, Karla worked at the Canadian Media Producers Association providing policy, government relations, strategic planning, advocacy and lobby work on behalf of its membership.  She also worked for many years as in-house legal counsel and corporate secretary at then Astral Media’s Harold Greenberg Fund and before that at a Toronto-based production and media company.

Karla is also active in the not-for-profit cultural sector. Currently a member of the Advisory of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, she is also a former Chair of the Board where she oversaw all corporate governance and corporate matters for the organization. Karla was also on the Board of WorkInCulture, and organization that supports the career and business needs of the cultural sector.

About Behind the Scenes Services (BTS):
At BTS, we manage all Canadian and US film and television tax incentive filings and collections, including preliminary applications, final applications and registrations, CPA and regulatory audit file preparations, and we liaise with tax authorities through to the completion of the tax audit, collection of the tax refund(s) and repayment of bank loans.  BTS is a business affairs and administration shop that brings studio level knowledge and efficiencies to Film, TV and Digital Media Producers. We provide structural advice and management services to qualify and maximize tax credits, obtain project interim financing, qualify for international treaty co-production status, and facilitate government and private investments on projects, amongst our many other services. 

About Lewis Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla, LLP (LBHB):
LBHB is a boutique media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology law firm unlike any other. Our decades of collective Bay Street and in-house legal experience coupled with our “in the trenches” production experience is what sets us apart. We’ve produced TIFF gala- premiered films and, worldwide-released major network television series, and have hosted top Canadian commercial radio programs.  We’ve been on your side of the table, and we understand your needs. 

Learn more about Behind the Scenes Services Inc. and Lewis-Birnberg Hanet Bobadilla LLP.