CHUM Commits Funds to CFTPA for Aspiring Aboriginal and Visible Minority Film and Television Producers General News / CHUM Limited Posted by RAD on Feb 17, 2006 - 02:44 PM CHUM Television has committed funds to the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) for a new mentorship program for Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities from Alberta and Manitoba. The commitment, part of CHUM's nearly $20 million investment in programming benefits in Alberta and Manitoba as a result of its acquisition of Craig Media Inc., involves $175,000 and up to 12 mentorships awarded over three years to aspiring film and television producers. "The CFTPA is delighted about the launch of this new program. Our partnership with CHUM will assist us in continuing to provide support to the next generation of Canadian producers," said Guy Mayson, CFTPA President and CEO. "As a strong supporter of Canadian independent production, CHUM is pleased to be able to further our investment in Canada's film and television industries by helping to provide opportunities for learning and skills development to aspiring producers and fostering diversity in television," said Roma Khanna, Senior Vice President, Content, CHUM Television. The CHUM Cultural Diversity Mentorship Program, to be organized and administered by the CFTPA, will place interns with producers for a minimum 30- week mentorship during which they will receive valuable training designed to foster the development of hands-on skills and practical knowledge of the film and TV industries. Emphasis of the program is on direct involvement in producing, enhancing administrative and technical skills, creating networking opportunities, and gaining a solid understanding of the sector. Mentors will be responsible for providing career assistance, feedback, guidance and a debriefing following the completion of the placement. Each intern will receive a minimum of $15,000 for their placement - $11,000 contributed by the program, and a minimum $4,000 contributed by the mentor company. Mentorships will be awarded by a selection panel supervised by the CFTPA and consisting of a CHUM representative, a producer member of the CFTPA mentorship committee and a CFTPA member. Applicants must be Aboriginal or a member of a visible minority, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident legally entitled to work in Canada, and a resident of Alberta or Manitoba. Mentors must be an eligible member of the CFTPA at the time of application and mentor companies must be CFTPA members with at least two employees and fall under one of the following CFTPA categories: general member, service producer, broadcaster affiliate or publicly traded. The training position must be in producing on a fully financed project that will be in production during the placement, in either Manitoba or Alberta. For more information on the program, please visit www.cftpa.ca [1]. This article is from CHANNEL CANADA   http://www.channelcanada.com/ The URL for this story is:   http://www.channelcanada.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1248 Links in this article   [1] http://www.cftpa.ca/