Past Workshop Descriptions

Independent Filmmakers and Agency Representation Panel

Interested in learning the ins and outs of getting an agent? This panel will explore the range of representation available for independent filmmakers from Canadian agencies. It is important to have champions for emerging talent throughout the film industry to aid in the building of a more inclusive landscape. This panel will focus on agencies that are doing that work. Panelists will be sharing information on processes, contractual agreements and success stories as they work to galvanize the importance of empowering diverse key production creatives in a changing industry.

This panel will be presented via ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to the event 24 hours and 1 hour in advance of the event.

Moderator:
Coral Aiken is a creative producer based in Toronto. Her company Aiken Heart Films, specializes in developing new talent in film, television and digital cinema, and collaborates with a new generation of filmmakers to create relevant, thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences. Aiken is an alumna of York University’s Film MFA, Berlinale Talents, Trans Atlantic Partners and TIFF studio. She has screened work internationally with films in competition at Cannes Cinéfondation, Rotterdam, BAFICI and TIFF.

Panelists: 
Jennifer Irons, Meta Talent Agency
Jennifer Irons is a writer turned talent agent who studied at Act One in Los Angeles, California. She was named one of Canada’s top 20 Emerging Filmmakers of Color in 2019, won the 2019 Canada Telefilm New Voices Award, and received the 2019 Bell Media/Corus Entertainment TV Writing Program award. Jennifer’s short film Opportune screened at the 2019 Toronto Black Film Festival, and her dramatic feature, Intolerance: No More, screened at the 2020 American Black Film Festival, before being picked up for distribution by Random Media. Jennifer was staffed on the US/Canada co-production television series, Pretty Hard Cases, and in the development room of the BYUtv and Marble Media co-productions The Parker Andersons, and Amelia Parker. In 2021, Jennifer founded META Talent Agency to help increase access and opportunities for Canadian BIPOC writers and directors.

Courtenay Bainbridge, Meridian Artists
As a Toronto-based filmmaker and alumni of both the Canadian Film Centre and Ryerson’ Image Arts program, Courtenay was worked in the film industry for over 20 years in various roles on productions such as Spotlight, Pacific Rim, Robocop, and Being Erica. She produced a number of well-traveled short films including Benjamin, Still, Life on Juniper, and Hit Men. Most recently she was an associate producer on Mean Dreams which had its premiere at the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes. Courtenay joined the team at Meridian Artists as an Agent in 2016 and works closely with their directing clients as well as heading the Key Creative division.

Cynthia Clayton, Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
With nearly two decades of experience, as a Senior Business Agent with DGC Ontario, and previously as an Assistant Business Agent with IATSE 667, Cynthia Clayton is a passionate supporter of workers and safety advocacy in the screen-based industries. A Member of the Directors Guild since 1987, with career highlights that include working with David Cronenberg on Dead Ringers and Marlon Brando on The Freshman, Cynthia’s experience as a 2nd Assistant Director allows her to contribute first-hand knowledge of on-set safety issues to the Section 21 Film and Television Health and Safety Advisory Committee, for which she serves as
Treasurer.

In addition to her industry experience, Cynthia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in film from Queen’s University and a Post-Graduate French Language Certificate from the University of Grenoble. In her spare time, Cynthia runs half Ironman Triathlons Races and recently completed her 5th Half Ironman race in Lake Placid.

Category: Industry Panels
Maximum Capacity: 90
1.5 hours of instruction $0 or PWYC donation

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