BSO-DGC Black Women Directors Accelerator

Shaping the Future of Canadian Directing Talent

The Black Screen Office (BSO) and the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) have joined forces to create the BSO-DGC Black Women Directors Accelerator Program. This prestigious initiative offers Producers, Broadcasters, experienced Black women Directors, and Mentor Directors an exceptional opportunity to form meaningful professional partnerships that contribute to the sustainable diversification of the film and television industry.

The program provides a comprehensive observership, professional development workshops, and ongoing support to equip the Accelerator Director with the skills and experience needed to direct episodic television. With the guidance of a Mentor Director, alongside support from the Producer, DGC, and BSO, the program fosters thoughtful connections and ensures a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

We recognize that the path from observership to directing can involve many factors and, while there are no guarantees, we are all committed to doing our best to create meaningful opportunities. Our hope is that through this observation, Accelerator Directors not only hone their skills toward becoming episodic TV Directors but also become valued members of the producers’ creative family, and will be considered for future opportunities as they arise.

The BSO covers all program costs, including a weekly stipend for the Accelerator Director, travel and accommodation where applicable, and an honorarium for the Mentor Director.

A comprehensive guide outlining the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for the Accelerator Director, Mentor Director, Producer, DGC, and BSO will be provided to ensure clarity and support throughout the process.

WIN-WIN

PRODUCERS & BROADCASTERS

Access to Directors whose skill level has been vetted
Work with a talented, experienced Black woman Director
Demonstrate your company’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility by employing diverse talent to produce high quality content
Mitigate risk through the meaningful engagement of the Accelerator Director and establish a trusting partnership with the her
Enjoy a “hassle-free” process with BSO and DGC providing Mentor/Mentee and administrative support

BLACK WOMEN DIRECTORS

Gain access to a DGC signatory episodic production or movie of the week
Receive direct mentorship from a veteran television Director Mentor
Establish connections with Networks, Executives, Showrunners and other key industry decision-makers
Meaningfully collaborate on all aspects of pre-production, production, and where possible, post-production and Director’s Cut
Access exclusive DGC workshops and benefit from a range of Accelerator supports, including compensation throughout the program.
Support your journey toward directing your first episodic TV show and share your creative excellence

TALENT ROSTER CRITERIA

Must identify as Black, female, and Canadian
Must meet a minimum of one of the following criteria:
1. One feature film exhibited at recognized film festivals within the past five years. See the list of recognized Academy of Canadian Cinema festivals; or
2. A combination of the following commercially exhibited content, minimally 75 minutes:
  - Television movies or episodes in scripted, documentary or reality
  - Short films exhibited at recognized Academy of Canadian Cinema festivals
  - Web series
3. Special circumstances may be considered

Producers of Movies Made for TV are also welcome to join the program.

For more information or to express your interest in participating, please contact Hoda Ali, Manager, Programming and Operations, at programming@bso-ben.ca.

Name(Required)

First Name / Prénom Last Name / Nom de Famille

Email / Courrier(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address / Adresse City / Ville Province, Postal Code / Code postal ZIP / Postal Code

Do you identify as Black (African, Canadian, Caribbean, European, American, South/Central American, Mixed Race, Other)? / Vous identifiez-vous comme Noir (Africain, Canadien, Antillais, Européen, Américain, Américain du Sud/Centre, Métis, Autre) ?(Required)

Yes / Oui

No / Non

Do you identify as Female? / Vous identifiez-vous comme Femme?(Required)

Yes / Oui

No / Non

Are you a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident? / Êtes-vous citoyen canadien ou résident permanent?(Required)

Yes / Oui

No / Non

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PLATINUM PROGRAM

This platinum program is open to:

Productions that are able to welcome an Accelerator Director to produce high quality content in a respectful environment.
Five Black women Directors who have experience directing in such formats as episodic, shorts, web series or features and are ready to direct half-hour or one- hour episodic television.

Productions and Directors are invited to express their interest in the BSO – DGC Black Women Directors Accelerator Program by contacting Hoda Ali, Manager, Programming and Operations, programming@bso-ben.ca