FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

• IPF, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut renew partnership for 2025
• Whistler Film Festival Society returns as program administrator
• Applications Now Open here https://form.jotform.com/251356181411247

June 9, 2025 — Following the success of the inaugural program in 2024, the Independent Production Fund (IPF), in partnership with the Nunavut Film Development Corporation, Northwest Territories Film Commission, and Yukon Media Development, is now accepting applications for a second edition of its Pre-Application Training Program for Northern Producers.

Exclusive to Canada’s Territories, the program provides northern-based producers with training and support to create a competitive series development funding application. Led by the Whistler Film Festival Society’s producer-in-residence, this initiative supports participants in developing the essential creative and business materials required for a successful funding application.

The program is part of the IPF’s ongoing commitment to increasing regional representation and ensuring equitable access to funding opportunities across the country, and it will:

• Provide territory-based producers with a clearer understanding of all the materials involved in their application.
• Connect participants with experienced story editors and development executives.
• Help participants improve their understanding of the legal, budgetary, and scheduling materials required for a competitive application.

The program made an indelible impression on its participants:

“I took a lot from the experience thanks to the support from IPF and Brendon Sawatsky at Whistler Film Festival, and all of the wonderful instructors brought in to mentor the group,” said filmmaker Emily Sheff, who resides in Whitehorse. “Most importantly, I learned how to create a competitive funding application, which is useful as I continue applying for funding moving forward.”

“The IPF Pre-Application Training Program was an incredible opportunity to network with local producers in our region and around the country and be supported from idea to application with industry professionals and solid advice,” said 2024 participant Jeremy Emerson, based in Yellowknife.

“This program is truly a game-changer for Northern producers,” said Brendon Sawatzky, producer-in-residence for the Whistler Film Festival, who serves as the program facilitator and mentor with support from top industry experts across Canada.

“It not only helps participants strengthen their development applications with hands-on, practical guidance, but also connects them directly with industry experts who can open doors—from story editors to development executives. Beyond the workshops, it’s about building long-term momentum: producers leave with industry-standard materials, a supportive peer network, and ongoing alumni engagement that keeps them plugged into future opportunities. It’s about setting participants up for success—creatively, strategically, and professionally.”

“Following the success of the pilot program in 2024, the IPF is proud to continue this unique initiative in collaboration with the three territorial governments. The first edition clearly demonstrated the depth of talent and stories coming from Canada’s North, and the opportunity we have to better support the next generation of writers and producers from Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon,” says Jon Taylor, CEO of the IPF.

The 2025 IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Northern Producers is now open for submissions.

To learn more about the program and eligibility, and to submit an application, visit WhistlerFilmFestival.com.