FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2025 — The Independent Production Fund (IPF), in partnership with On Screen Manitoba, Creative Saskatchewan, and the Whistler Film Festival Society (WFF), is pleased to announce the participants of the inaugural Pre-Application Training Program for Prairie Producers.

Building on the successful launch of the program earlier this year, this initiative provides emerging and mid-career producers based in Manitoba and Saskatchewan with critical training and mentorship to help them prepare competitive series development funding applications. The primary focus of the program is to strengthen the overall funding outcomes of Prairie-based producers, including francophone creators, within IPF programs.

Facilitated by WFF’s producer-in-residence and program facilitator, Brendon Sawatzky, the program will offer to its participants workshops and individually tailored mentorship from experienced industry professionals across Canada.

Selected for their potential, creativity, and commitment to contributing to the Prairie screen sector, the following participants have been accepted into the inaugural cohort:

Alice Teufack Manitoba	Alice Teufack is a Winnipeg-based producer and founder of Ninis Productions Inc., dedicated to telling impactful, character-driven stories that reflect the richness of francophone and immigrant communities in Western Canada. Her work includes two CBC-licensed documentaries and several scripted and unscripted projects in development, supported by Manitoba Film & Music, the Canada Media Fund, and Telefilm Canada. With degrees in accounting and film, Alice brings a rare balance of business acumen and creative vision to her work. A strong advocate for emerging voices, she takes a collaborative and culturally grounded approach to storytelling. She is a proud alumna of national programs including NSI Access BIPOC, Reelworld’s Producer Program, the NFB, and Coalition Media Producers Program.
Jackie Kripki Saskatchewan	In 25+ years, Jackie Kripki has cut a wide swath through roles in film and television and developed a deep appreciation for storytelling. She has researched, written, directed, and edited hundreds of news stories and short docs for broadcast. Creative skills were strengthened by additional work as a copywriter and public relations rep. Jackie is co-owner of Little Ox Film Company, where she helps lead creative and technical on corporate client projects and documentary production. She was lead Story Editor for three seasons of the Little Ox co-produced doc series, Staying Wild (Citytv Saskatchewan) which was picked up by Nat Geo WILD. Jackie fosters teamwork and a culture of respect and loves nothing more than to solve a complicated problem.
Meg Robinson Manitoba	Meg Robinson is Manitoba-based Producer who has worked with Eagle Vision Productions, Frank Digital, Familiar Films and Folks Films. Meg produced award-winning comedy TV mini-series “Big Small Town” (BellFibeTV1), starring Kids in the Hall’s Kevin McDonald. Meg is a 2025 Whistler Film Festival International Producer’s Lab participant. Other producing credits include short “I FALL TO PIECES” (dir. Jessica Landry), and the What Does It Take podcast for SSHRC and Manitoba Film & Music. She has held key marketing roles on large-scale productions like “DEANER ’89” (Mongrel Media) and “TRUE STORY Pt. 1 & 2” (History Channel), 7TH GEN (APTN), and GHOST KITCHENS (Bell FibeTV1). She is currently the Production Manager for TV series, GAME CHANGERS Season 2 (AMI), and developing her own projects.
Sarah Luby Manitoba	Sarah Luby is a disabled Canadian producer, filmmaker, and accomplished actor whose work centers empathy, inclusion, and accessibility. She was Apprentice Producer on NORMAL, starring Bob Odenkirk and written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, premiering at TIFF 2025. She also co-produced a comedy fundraiser with Odenkirk and Kevin McDonald. Her directorial debut, SILENT SONATA—which she also produced—won both the Jury Award and Audience Award at the ACTRA MIPs in June. As a performer, Sarah has appeared across film, TV, and stage, with credits on Crave, Hallmark, CBS, CBC, and more. She holds a B.Mus. in Vocal Performance and partners with the University of Manitoba and Children’s Hospital to support teens with Type 1 diabetes through arts and advocacy.
Shayne Metcalfe Saskatchewan	Shayne Metacalfe is an award-winning filmmaker and producer crafting bold stories that imagine new worlds rooted in the real world. With over 20 years of experience in film, TV, and community-based storytelling, he is passionate about visionary, people-driven narratives. Shayne is developing sci-fi with heart—blending future-focused storytelling with the true grit of modern times. From grassroots to galaxies, his work encompasses feature-length films, community initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations that spark imagination and meaningful change. Whether developing original concepts or leading teams through complex productions, he is dedicated to stories that push boundaries, invite new perspectives, and leave a lasting impact.
Trevor Suffield Manitoba	Trevor Suffield is a writer, producer, communications specialist and former journalist. He has produced the award-winning documentaries: VOLENDAM: A REFUGEE STORY, OTTO’S PASSION and OTTO’S OBSESSION. He has written for the TV shows: GHOSTS OFF GRID, NAZIS: THREADS OF EVIL, ALMOST UNSOLVED: HEISTS, ALMOST UNSOLVED, AN HOUR TO KILL, DEATH OF THE PARTY, SUNSHINE SLAYINGS, CRUISE SHIP KILLERS, ALIVE, KID DINERS and ESCAPE OR DIE! He was also a writer and narrator for a season of JUST FOR LAUGHS: GAGS (US version) and wrote the entire series MY MISDIAGNOSIS (26 episodes). Trevor is also the writer and director for the ELECTRONIC PRESS KITS at Farpoint Films. He has also worked as a production manager on eight projects.
Tyson Liske Saskatchewan	Tyson Liske is a Saskatchewan-based producer, entrepreneur, and community builder with a gift for storytelling and connection. As the force behind HIDDEN REGINA and HIDDEN SASKATOON, Tyson celebrates local culture while building powerful grassroots engagement. He’s a partner on award-winning documentaries, a business development lead in infrastructure, and a trusted collaborator among First Nations, governments, and creatives alike. Tyson blends his passion for people with a strategic mind, using media, film, and public platforms to uplift hidden stories across the Prairies. His newest venture, GRANDMA’S COOKBOOK, continues his mission to spotlight culture, legacy, and warmth—one story (and recipe) at a time.

“We’re so pleased to support this incredible opportunity for Saskatchewan creators. Programs like this empower local talent, open doors to national industry connections, and help bring Prairie stories to screens across Canada. Congratulations to our three participants—we can’t wait to see what you create!”, says Erin Dean, CEO of Creative Saskatchewan

“The IPF Pre-Application Program is a strategic investment in the Prairie production industry. By equipping local producers to navigate development and funding and fostering collaboration and learning with peers and industry experts, it strengthens our capacity to grow sustainable creative businesses. We’re pleased to work in partnership with the Whistler Film Festival Society and the Independent Production Fund to bring these opportunities to Prairie talent and help build a vibrant, competitive media production sector in Manitoba.”, says Lindsay Somers, Executive Director of On Screen Manitoba

The program begins on September 9, 2025, with all participant materials to be finalized in early 2026 in preparation for the IPF Short Form Series Development Program submission deadline at the beginning of March, 2026.

À l’intention des producteurs francophones :
La participation de créateurs et créatrices francophones est fortement encouragée. Les ressources, outils et liens développés dans le cadre du programme seront bénéfiques, même si les activités se déroulent principalement en anglais.

For more information about the Pre-Application Training Program for Prairie Producers and future opportunities, please visit the Whistler Film Festival website.