B.C.’s film industry launches leadership and professional development training through Elevate Inclusion Strategies

Vancouver, B.C. (September 18, 2024) – The BC Film Commission at Creative BC is proud to launch two new Elevate Inclusion Strategies training programs for expert and emerging crew members through Creative Pathways™. These industry-leading programs are designed to promote inclusive leadership and foster respectful workplace environments in B.C.’s motion picture industry. Both programs, offered online and at no cost to participants, are aimed at industry leaders and workers who are committed to expand the province’s competitive advantage through workforce development and a strong talent pipeline supported by diverse and collaborative production teams. 

These programs are written and facilitated by motion picture industry expert Natasha Tony. CEO of Vancouver-based Elevate Inclusion Strategies, Natasha is a trusted adviser to the industry North America-wide, with deep and rich understanding gained through three decades of experience including as a labour relations specialist, casting director, consultant, leadership coach, trainer, speaker, and as a pivotal contributor in the development of the Creative Pathways™ initiative. 

The Inclusive Leadership Program offers a collaborative and impactful two-day workshop series tailored specifically for B.C.-based leaders and supervisors in the film industry. The program equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to create respectful, psychologically safe, and inclusive workplaces. Designed for individuals already in leadership roles or those aspiring to lead, the program will focus on key topics such as leadership skills, restorative conflict resolution, intercultural communication, discrimination and harassment, cultural awareness, and unconscious bias. By using a human rights and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) framework, participants will also explore the importance of coaching and mentoring within crews, inclusive hiring practices, and authentic allyship.

The Inclusive Workplaces for Workers Program provides film workers with a deeper understanding of their role in fostering such workplaces. Open to experienced and new industry workers, this session will delve into anti-discrimination practices, unconscious bias, and cultural awareness, all through an OH&S lens. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of their responsibilities in preventing discrimination, harassment, and bullying, while fostering cross-cultural collaboration on set. The training is also open to students and individuals currently entering the industry. 

These programs are crucial in sustaining the quality and profile of B.C.’s motion picture industry talent base and cultivate the industry’s capacity to steward inclusive and psychologically safe work environments. Upon completion of each respective training program, participants will receive a Certification of Completion and earn a public-facing badge, endorsing their training and career development. This program embodies Creative BC’s actions for equity and inclusion and is complementary to the Creative Equity Roadmap, a resource tool created to champion and unite the industry’s equity, diversity, and inclusion work through shared foundations, a common language and resources.  

People working in B.C.’s motion picture industry can now register for fall sessions, with additional dates to be announced for winter 2024 and spring 2025. To learn more and to register, visit: creativepathwayscanada.com/professional-development-training. 

Media Contact:
Creative BC
Lisa Escudero
media@creativebc.com
+1 604-730-2235 

Quotes:   

Marnie Gee, BC Film Commissioner, Creative BC 
“Recognized worldwide for our talented crews, experts and emerging professionals in B.C.’s motion picture industry can now access North America’s best leadership and development training through Creative Pathways™ at Creative BC. Investment in our existing workforce serves to build capacity and strengthen our position long-term as a preferred, inclusive, and forward-thinking filming destination. Together with our Screen BC and labour partners, the BC Film Commission strives to set and uphold the highest standards, ensuring our province’s competitive offering attracts both productions and the next, diverse generation of talent.” 

Natasha Tony, CEO, Elevate Inclusion Strategies
“Our commitment to fostering a diverse workforce in the film industry requires a realistic understanding of the steps necessary to maintain this diversity. We believe that professional development and skills building focused on inclusion is essential in sustaining the momentum towards a more equitable representation of creators and workers.” 

Gemma Martini, Board Chair, Screen BC
“As a leading centre for global film and television production in B.C., we are committed to safe and inclusive work environments free of discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with respect and dignity as they contribute to our creative sector. We are grateful for the guidance of Creative Pathways™ and Elevate Inclusion Strategies training streams, which will help to ensure we continue to lead with and model these values in every aspect of our work together.”

Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“We’re so proud to support Creative BC in developing two new Creative Pathways training programs. Creative Pathways reflects our commitment to creating safer, more inclusive workspaces for everyone. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we’re not just strengthening the motion picture industry, but setting a higher standard for workplaces throughout B.C. Our communities and economy are stronger when every British Columbian—no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, or ability—can reach their full potential.”  

Crystal Braunwarth, Business Representative, IATSE Local 891
“Championing worker rights and protections also means a dedication to create safe spaces, lift up voices and to educate. Creative BC’s commitment to approaching education from an equity lens serves to make us all a more inclusive and vibrant motion picture family in which everyone has the opportunity to flourish and be exactly who they are.”

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About Creative BC
Creative BC is an independent non-profit society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The society delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.’s creative economy. These activities include: administration of the provincial government’s motion picture tax credit programs; delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector; and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.’s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental, and creative potential both at home, and globally. Website: www.creativebc.com 

About Natasha Tony and Elevate Inclusion Strategies
Natasha Tony, CEO of Vancouver-based Elevate Inclusion Strategies, is a sought-after labour relations specialist, consultant, leadership coach, trainer, and speaker. She is an appointed Bencher with the Law Society of British Columbia and in 2022 was recognized as a Black leader in Vancouver by the Vancouver Economic Commission. Natasha is committed to applying an intersectional, human rights, and reconciliation lens to all that she does. Her deep experience in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution supports leaders in helping them navigate the stages toward sustainable inclusion. Natasha works with corporations, businesses, crown corporations, all levels of government, labour unions, and social justice organizations. Her work requires a deep understanding of organizational structure, strategic initiatives, inclusive leadership, and human resources. Natasha started her career in film as a Casting Director for Background Performers and prior to establishing Elevate Inclusion Strategies she worked as a Labour Relations Representative for film and TV. Website: www.elevate-inclusion.com. 

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