FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

• First ever joint partnership between the Independent Production Fund, Nunavut Film Development
• Corporation, Northwest Territories Film Commission and Yukon Media Development
• Territory based series’ producers & writers will receive critical training and mentorship designed to improve funding application skills
• Program facilitation will be led by the Whistler Film Festival Society
• Application portal now open at Whistler Film Festival

May 16, 2024 — The Independent Production Fund (IPF) is excited to announce today the launch of the IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Northern Producers, a new initiative designed to provide northern-based producers with training and support to create a competitive series development funding application. Training will be provided by the Whistler Film Festival Society. Based in British Columbia, WFF currently runs 13 proven talent development programs across the country.

Exclusive to Canada’s Northern Territories, the goal of the program is the overall improvement of applications and funding success rates for territory based producers seeking funding for fictional TV series. The program will run as a precursor to the IPF Short Form Series Development program deadline, and will:

• Give territory based producers a better understanding of all the materials that go into 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 IPF is extremely proud to launch this initiative in partnership with all three territorial governments to address the unique challenges faced by Canada’s northern writers and producers. We believe this program will initiate breakthrough opportunities for creators from our incredible northern communities and we can’t wait to get started to help grow the next wave of creative teams based in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon,” says Jon Taylor, CEO of the IPF.

Working with Whistler’s Brendon Sawatzky (WFF), who will act as both program facilitator and mentor, participants will have access to workshops and customized mentorship led by high-level industry experts from across Canada.

“The Nunavut Film Development Corporation looks forward to partnering with The Independent Production Fund and our colleagues in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories on this exciting new initiative. This Training Program offers a great opportunity for Nunavummiut filmmakers to further develop their skills in creating successful funding applications.” – Huw Eirug, CEO, Nunavut Film Development Corporation

“The Government of the Northwest Territories Film Commission is committed to supporting opportunities which empower NWT film producers. In addition to building new skills, this new program will be a great opportunity for our talented producers in the north to connect and collaborate.” – Camilla MacEachern, NWT Film Commissioner

“The Government of Yukon is proud to support the development of the Northern screen sector. We are thrilled to be working with the IPF and our partners in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories on this valuable training opportunity.” – Neil Macdonald, Manager, Media Development, Government of Yukon.

The 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 Whistler Film Festival.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Andréanne Hovington, Community & Communication Coordinator, IPF
ahovington@ipf.ca

Kenzie Hoffman, Digital Content & Marketing Coordinator, WFF
marketingcoordinator@whistlerfilmfestival.com

About the IPF:

The Independent Production Fund supports Canadian creators, writers, and producers by providing development and production financing for narrative television and short-form series. Since inception, the IPF has invested over $90M in over 1,100 projects, including: 123 Short Form Series Development projects, 179 Short Form Series Productions, 323 TV Productions, and over 550 Professional Development projects. The IPF is incorporated as a charitable foundation with an endowment valued at approximately $40M. It uses the interest generated by the endowment and return on its project investments for its annual operations and project funding.