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Jump-start your career in media and get the business skills you need to join Ontario’s billion-dollar screen-based media industry (film, TV and interactive/digital).
Our Media Business Essentials (MBE) program is a career-enhancing learning experience for emerging media professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of the business of film, television, and interactive media production.
Modules focus on financing and business affairs, production management, production accounting, tax credits, and marketing and distribution. Courses are taught by industry professionals who are currently active and working in the sector.
This program is recommended for recent graduates and/or emerging professionals looking for applied learning. While open to all career stages, this program would be most beneficial to those in our Early Career and Emerging cohorts. It is also recommended for professionals looking to upgrade or sharpen existing skills, or change industry streams. The MBE program is open to self-identifying women and men, WIFT-T members and non-members.
Participants who complete all four modules* will receive a certificate from Humber College, School of Media Studies & Information Technology.
*You must attend 10 of the 12 sessions offered to be eligible for the certificate.
All sessions run on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, unless otherwise stated.
Deadline (Full certificate program): 11:59 pm, EST, January 2, 2019
Bursary application period: November 22, 2018 to December 6, 2018. Application period closes at 11:59 pm, EST.
Note: Bursaries are available for the full certificate program only.
Registration for individual modules will open on January 3, 2019.
Closing registration dates for each module:
All modules run on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Humber College, Lakeshore Campus. A lunch is not provided. Participants can either bring a lunch and snacks or purchase refreshments nearby. Coffee and tea will be provided in the morning.
You can opt to take either the full certificate program or an individual module. Only those who complete all modules are eligible for the certificate of completion from Humber College.
Full Program Cost (12 sessions total):
$1,300 + HST (WIFT-T Members)
$1,735 + HST (Non-members)
Per Module Cost (3 sessions per module):
$375 + HST (WIFT-T Members)
$500 + HST (Non-Members)
Two (2) bursaries will be made available to cover the fee for two registrants. These bursaries are made possible through the Foundation for Women in Film & Television – Toronto.
Bursaries are only available for those interested in the full certificate program.
These bursaries are open to WIFT-T members and non-members. Bursaries cannot be used for any other purpose.
*For the purposes of this application, "underrepresented group" is defined as visible minority**, Indigenous, or a person with a disability. Applicants should self-identify in their Letter of Intent and should clearly indicate their wish to be considered for a bursary.
**Visible minority is defined as Black, African, Caribbean, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and/or Latin American.
Sign up here, then send the following documents (PDF) to Christina Anderson in the order listed below, using this template MBE2019-Doc#-Full name-Title of file.pdf (e.g. MBE2019-1-Alex Talent-Bio.pdf):
Deadline to submit bursary application is Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 11:59 pm, EDT.
Each module runs for three Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, unless otherwise noted. Please note: Dates, times, and instructors are subject to change.
All sessions will be held at Humber College, Lakeshore Campus (2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Building and room TBA). Note: You must attend 10 of 12 sessions to be eligible for the certificate.
Instructor: Jessica Jennings (Instructor, Humber College - Production Management)
Production Management enables participants to manage the creation and implementation of screen-based projects. This module examines critical methods for moving from script to screen and offers strategies that maximize resources and time frames. Management methods, time lines and project life cycles are examined with a focus on the relationship between the producer, production manager, and first assistant director.
Jessica Jennings Bio: Jessica Jennings is on a mission to capture hearts, inspire minds and change the world around her – one story at a time. Having worked the last 14+ years in the scripted, factual, new media, documentary and branded content space, Jessica has become a savvy, versatile Producer and Production Manager.
Jessica began her career in scripted working as a Producer's Assistant to a number of award-winning Executive Producer’s, including: the late Bill Marshall (founder of TIFF), Frank Siracusa of Whizbang Films and with Bill Mustos & Anne Marie La Traverse on the 1st season of "Flashpoint". During her 10+ years in scripted, she worked on a variety of television series, pilots, feature films and MOWs for many Canadian and US networks including: CTV, CBS Paramount, HBO Canada, Amazon, TVO, PBS, Showcase, Hallmark, TMN, Global and CBC.
As a Production Manager and Line Producer, she worked on a number of feature films and television series, most notably “Odd Squad” – an Emmy award-winning kids series for TVO/PBS, “Bookaboo”, a kids series for CBC/Amazon and feature films “Backcountry” for IFC and “Dirty Singles” for Shaftesbury Films. She also production managed a trans-media series broadcast on the Toronto Transit Commission, directed by John Greyson.
For the last few years, Jessica has been working in the impact filmmaking space on a number of high profile environmental or social-impact documentaries. She worked on "Sharkwater: Extinction" by the late director and activist Rob Stewart, as well as his prior film “Revolution”. She is thrilled to be working with director Liz Marshall on her feature documentary "Meat the Future" for the CBC’s Documentary Channel as the Production Manager. Other past projects through Antica Productions/eOne include: CBC’s “Secret Path”, the Gord Downie legacy project about residential schools, and an interactive documentary series about the centennial anniversary of Passchendaele called“Spurred On”.
As a Producer/Director for the only Certified B Corp Production Company in Canada, Hemmings House Pictures, she produced a 1-hour documentary for the CBC called "12 Dogs Drive", and is producing/directing a mental-wellness kids pilot called “Its OK to be Awesome” with development funding from the Telus Fund. She has also produced and directed English & French tourism videos for the Fundy Trail, and a commercial for the Government of New Brunswick.
Jessica is the recipient of the 2009 CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship. She currently teaches the 3rd year Production Management course at Humber College.
Instructor: Linda Stregger (CPA, CMA, Senior Director of Finance & Business Development, Spin Master Ltd.)
The Production Accounting & Tax Credits module will explore the role of the Production Accountant and the staff of a typical film production accounting department. There will be a review of the methods and procedures that are used within the department and the results that must be obtained through the use of the forms, policies and programming tools. The participants will be introduced to business structures, budgets, cash flows, controlling costs through cost reports, the workflow of the accounting department, applying for and estimating the refundable tax credits, eligibility requirements and application processing for funding agencies such as the Canada Media Fund.
Linda Stregger Bio: Linda Stregger is a Toronto-based Media Production Consultant. She specializes within the media and communication industries assisting domestic and international clients with their pursuit of funding and producing in the Canadian market.
Linda has more than 25 years’ experience in the television industry including working with Price Waterhouse Coopers in their media tax division; Domestic Broadcasters in live sports, animation productions and live action series; Cable channels during their start up years; and managing a successful production company. Linda was the co-owner of Up Front Entertainment Inc. where she combined her accounting training with a keen eye for story and imaginative production style to lead teams that delivered the highest quality programs. UpFront produced more than 27 documentaries and 20 series for domestic and international broadcasters.
Linda is also a Canadian Screen Award nominee, recipient of several international festival awards and the proud winner of a Gemini. She is a guest instructor at Humber College’s TV Arts & Media program in Toronto and serves as Treasurer for not-for-profit organizations: Horizons for Youth Shelter, the Visual Arts Mississauga at Riverwood and Women In Film &Television Foundation. Linda sits on the boards of WIFT-T and the Foundation for WIFT-T, and mentors emerging professionals through WIFT Connect.
Instructor: Brigitte Sachse (Founder/Producer, Bee Video)
The Business Affairs & Financing module covers the funding and financing available for media projects, and the business affairs related to production from development to delivery. Learn the common contractual obligations, government regulations, how provincial tax credits work, and the steps of delivery to broadcasters and distributors.
Brigitte Sachse Bio: Brigitte has almost 20 years experience in the TV and Film production industry. Prior to founding Bee Video, a digital media production and consulting company, whose clients include the Toronto Star, Sotheby’s, The Beer Store and Samsung, Brigitte was the Director of Business Affairs and Digital Strategy at RTR Media, where she oversaw all aspects of Business Affairs for TV projects such as Income Property and Lost and Sold as well as production on the company’s digital series, including the successful YouTube channel The Domestic Geek, which now has over 1 million subscribers. She is an experienced media business analyst, having worked at various funding agencies including the CMF and NFB as well as Aver Media (now BMO), a boutique film and TV financing company. This experience has allowed her to develop very detailed production processes at Bee Video that guarantee client satisfaction and value for production dollars.
Brigitte’s volunteer work revolves around poverty alleviation and at-risk youth. She is on the Board of Frontlines- a center for at-risk youth in northwest Toronto. She also volunteers every month at the Weston Area Emergency Services food bank. She is a regular supporter of Fred Victor Center and is one of Haven Toronto’s Fortunate 500. She is also a proud hockey mom to three boys.
Instructors: Tom Alexander (Director, Theatrical Releasing, Mongrel Media); Judy Lung (Director, Communications & Marketing, Shaftesbury); Tal Riff (Director, Content & Brand Strategy, Shaftesbury)
This session is designed to empower new and emerging content creators with practical knowledge and insight to help them make proper business decisions regarding the marketing, sales and distribution of their media content through traditional and digital platforms as they relate to feature films, television and branded online content. Using case studies and in-class examples, the module will cover various forms of marketing materials to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their relevance to the target audience. The course will also present practical and timely information regarding the business of distribution and sales. The module will include a review of a typical producer/distributor agreement, projections, sales reporting and expenses. The course will review current market trends for branded digital and traditional content with an emphasis on future growth opportunities.
Tom Alexander Bio: Tom Alexander is Director, Theatrical Releasing at Mongrel Media, where he oversees all theatrical marketing, sales and distribution. Before joining Mongrel in 2001, he worked in various capacities with Alliance Atlantis Communications, Famous Players, and the Toronto International Film Festival Group, among other organizations. Mongrel Media is an independent Canadian distributor, specializing in world cinema. Recent releases include Manchester by the Sea, Elle, I Am Not Your Negro and Toni Erdmann.
Judy Lung Bio: As Director, Communications &Marketing for Shaftesbury, Judy Lung oversees publicity, social media,marketing, and brand management strategies for the company’s expansive rosterof award-winning television, film, and digital projects sold in 120 countriesworldwide including Canada’s #1 drama MurdochMysteries, new Global TV conspiracy series Departure starring Archie Panjabi and Christopher Plummer,groundbreaking global phenomenon Carmilla,CBC hit series Frankie Drake Mysteries,new police procedural Rex for RogersMedia, and Netflix thriller series Slasher.
A strategic communicationsleader, Lung has over a decade of experience creating innovative campaigns andaudience-building tactics for some of Canada’s leading arts and entertainmentorganizations and has worked with a wide array of Canadian, U.S., andinternational talent.
Prior to joining Shaftesbury, shewas Communications Manager for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Televisionand Media Relations Manager for the Toronto International Film Festival.
Tal Riff Bio: As a versatile marketer and content strategist, Tal is passionate about finding the sweet spot of creating entertaining and engaging content, enhanced by successful brand partnerships. Tal brings creative and client services experience from her roles in television production and broadcasting, as well as creative and experiential agencies. Clients include Kimberly Clark, RBC, Schick,Subway, Scotiabank, Kraft and GoDaddy.
This Humber College certificate program is presented by Bell Media.
