As a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council FTM’s mandate is workforce development and training to support the growth of the film industry. Our aim at FTM is to innovate and launch a cavalcade of training, partnerships, and other initiatives each year.
Our team has put together a best-of list of completed training or events to share to look back on our year in 2022! Thank you to our Manitoba film community for all of your hard work!
#10. FTM Launched ACTION! Campaign to Promote Film Jobs and Career
Over the spring of 2022, FTM launched a new campaign to promote jobs and careers in Manitoba’s film industry.
FTM’s Action: Start your Reel Career campaign includes a number of billboards around Winnipeg, featuring a photo of Manitoba-based film professional Quan Luong who moved to Manitoba from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and studied film at the University of Manitoba (as well as numerous FTM courses).
“Since Film Training Manitoba unveiled our new logo in 2020, we’ve had an incredible level of growth and wide collection of new partnerships. FTM’s Action! Campaign is another great example of our organization’s ability to do new things.” Said, Allison Bile, FTM’s Operations and Workforce Development Manager.
#9. FTM and OurToba Film Network Partner for OurToba Film Fest 2022
FTM and the OurToba’s Film Network, which promotes women, non-binary, and trans men in film and video are partnering to conduct a joint zoom panel on film industry jobs and careers during this year’s OurToba Film Fest 2022.
This special panel was co-moderated by FTM’s Workforce Development and Operations Manager Allison Bile and OurToba’s Sara Bulloch.
The panel featured panelists Shelly Anthis (Member of DGC-MDC and IATSE 856), Alisha Talbot (member of IATSE 856), and Khali Wenaus (Member of IATSE 856) and was focused on jobs and careers in Manitoba’s film industry.
“FTM has been developing a wide collection of industry partnerships to attract underrepresented Manitobans to jobs and careers. FTM appreciates this excellent opportunity to work with Sara Bulloch and WFVN to support recruitment for Manitoba’s film industry,” said Allison Bile.
#8. FTM’s Reel Careers Profiles in 2022
With so many unique jobs and careers in the film industry, FTM launched the REEL Careers Profile series in 2020 to share the stories of our community. This past year we managed to interview three film professionals. This includes:
#7. FTM’s Super Six: U of W Alumni panel
This first-of-its-kind panel gave Manitoban film professionals a chance to share their experiences with both experienced and aspiring film professionals. Held during the UWPG Film Festival, the event had strong attendance and we wish to thank the director of programming Eric Petersonfor all of his hard work!
Our excellent panel had a fast-paced conversation with industry professionals, Rebecca Gibson, Allison Bile, Nathalie Massaroni, Miranda Moroz, and Tom Soares. Our friend JJ Neepin couldn’t make it to this session but we’ll get her next time!
#6. Set Orientation for ASL Interpreters
Manitoba’s film industry has been attracting a variety of workers and more recent productions have featured Deaf or Hard of Hearing performers that use American Sign Language to communicate. As a result, FTM has worked with two instructors to adapt this existing FTM course (Set Orientation) for ASL Interpreters. During this session, the participants will learn the various outputs, professional standards, and the role of an on-set Interpreter in Manitoba’s film industry.
This course was targeting working Sign Language Interpreters or students that are interested in building some context and schema around how to navigate working in the field on film sets. All participants of this session will receive a certificate of completion.
During this four-hour session, the participants will gain an understanding of the filmmaking process and include familiarity with the various procedures that are vitally important for communication and scheduling on a day-to-day basis. Since productions can employ many people in diverse fields, crewmembers rely on set etiquette for standards of behavior, terminology, and communication between departments.
#5. FTM, CAFTCAD and IATSE 856 partner on CAFTCADEMY 200
Working with our partners, the participant had the opportunity to undertake three modules for the Costume Department.
Through this course participants learned how to prepare receipts for submission, how to write up a proper Petty Cash form, understanding Cheque Requests and PO’s as well the difference between them and when each should be used. This introductory course also provided a walk-through of the CASHet system, explaining in detail how to properly prepare and submit a CASHet report. This course is suggested for anyone entering a key role or buying position. Individuals who have an interest in understanding financial paperwork are also welcome!
Module two was a crash course walking the participants through the ins and outs of working with certain fabrics (synthetic and natural), proper laundry supplies for costumers, equipment used, reading garment labels, and setting stains and other issues. The instructor trained the participants on the proper care of typical clothes costumers work with: plain white tees, men’s dress shirts, undergarments, makeup on collars, etc. These tricks of the trade will be crucial knowledge for any truck supervisor!
Module three was an overview of working with a rental house that caters to the world of costuming for film and television. This information will be crucial while working on small and large-scale productions, with tight timelines, specific needs, and finding one-of-a-kind pieces necessary for the costume designer’s vision.
#4. FTM finalist for the CPHR Manitoba’s HR Excellence Awards 2022
Throughout the pandemic, FTM provided extensive COVID-19 training for Manitoba’s film industry workers to do their jobs safely. FTM launched three different COVID-19 courses which were held nineteen times to train over 700 film industry professionals COVID-19 best practices on film sets. FTM’s training supported Manitoba’s film industry’s productions to continue to operate throughout the pandemic as a result FTM was nominated for a CPHR HR Excellence award.
The HR Excellence Awards is the CPHRs most prestigious event of the year and celebrates HR professionals in Manitoba. The event is an opportunity to bring awareness to the Human Resources profession while showcasing the accomplishments of the HR community.
“Film Training Manitoba’s Managing Director Adam Smoluk is a charter professional in human resources (CPHR) and FTM has been highly effective at bringing HR standards to our industry which directly supports the growth of the Manitoba film community’s workforce. FTM wishes to thank the CPHR Manitoba for this important nomination. We are honoured,” said Andrew Yankiwski, FTM’s chairperson and owner of Precursor Production.
In the summer of 2020, FTM partnered with the Manitoba Tourism Sector Council (MTEC) and received input from the Province of Manitoba’s Department of Economic Development and Jobs (EDJ) to develop the SMART START: COVID-19 Safety Cleaning and Sanitization course curriculum which was instructed by Manitoba film industry veterans Lesley Oswald and Ellen Rutter.
Once FTM fully developed course materials, it shared the curriculum with a film industry committee that included staff of organizations such as Manitoba Film and Music, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, the Director’s Guild of Canada (Manitoba District Council), IATSE 856, On Screen MB, and SAFEwork MB to ensure the effectiveness of the training.
FTM delivered the course SMART START: Safety for Supervisors in the Media Production Industry during COVID-19 which was led by SAFEwork MB’s Jack Slessor. FTM then worked with instructors Ellen Rutter and Nicole Loewen, who both had experience as COVID-19 Safety Supervisors on film sets, to deliver a third FTM course; Introduction to COVID-19 Safety Supervision for the Film Industry.
“As a long-serving film professional, there is no doubt that FTM’s highly responsive training contributed greatly to a safer production environment during the COVID-19 era,” added Ellen Rutter, who also has a track record as a line producer, production manager, and FTM mentor.
Since launching FTM’s COVID-19 courses for the film industry, FTM conducted this training for other film organizations and companies. This included the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company, Manitoba production company Frantic Films, and the CBC production The Porters.
“FTM’s courses have provided the tools necessary for a strong record of COVID-19 safety in film productions,” said FTM instructor Nicole Loewen, who’s also a COVID Supervisor with a background in Nursing and Clinical Education.
#3. Screenwriting Intensive Lab with Collin Friesen
In the summer of 2022, a group of ten Manitoba-based screenwriters completed an advanced screenwriting lab with Film Training Manitoba (FTM). This intensive training was designed to grow the participant’s skills and develop their feature film projects. During the sold-out session, LA-based veteran screenwriter Collin Friesen (The Big White and Sorry for your Loss) coached the Manitoba screenwriters on how to improve and further develop their projects by refining what is known in the film industry as “the first five.”
Using a combination of theory, video clips, and discussions; Friesen provided tangible advice on how the writers could effectively re-tool their projects for maximum impact.
“FTM has an outstanding track record of participants taking our training and then getting their projects optioned and put into production.” Said FTM’s Managing Director Adam Smoluk. He added, “Collin Friesen provided great advice about taking their project to the next level and FTM really appreciates his excellent instruction.”
During the lab, the participants submitted their first ten pages of their scripts and then on day two, they were given the opportunity to use the concepts and re-submit their work for a table read with a group of actors. Hearing their work performed was designed to support the learners in gaining more insight into upscaling their projects with the aim of targeting producers that might option their projects.
“FTM’s training courses are industry-driven and serve to develop Manitoba’s local industry. I found this session extremely valuable and I’m looking forward to developing my project with the advice and support I received.” Said Manitoba-based film professional John B. Lowe.
#2. Cinematography Master Class with Steve Yedlin, ASC
During this moderated discussion, cinematographer Steve Yedlin, A.S.C, discussed his work and share the many challenges and successes he has experienced in achieving the visual solutions that elevate story, character, and theme. Participants will be given the opportunity to ask industry and cinematography questions in an open and supportive dynamic.
Steve Yedlin’s credits include several films with director Rian Johnson: KNIVES OUT, STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII: THE LAST JEDI, LOOPER, BRICK (Sundance Special Grand Jury Prize Winner), and THE BROTHERS BLOOM. Steve’s other cinematography credits include SAN ANDREAS, GIRL MOST LIKELY, DANNY COLLINS, CARRIE, AMERICAN VIOLET, Tobe Hooper’s THE TOOLBOX MURDERS, and THE WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF RM. 306 (HBO, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short).
#1. Manitoba Conducts the 1st Summit for Women in Film and Trades (SWIFT)
With the excellent support of over 30 partners, SWIFT was launched in 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive response.
FTM gathered labour market information in 2021 and noted less than 30 percent of Manitobans working in trades positions in the film industry are women and women-identifying individuals. In an effort to increase the number of women and women-identifying individuals working on film sets, FTM’s SWIFT consisted of industry courses and panels with senior-level executives and managers. SWIFT was the first major conference held at Red River College Polytech’s new Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building.
“FTM is dedicated to supporting the creation of more inclusive workplaces in the film industry, both on and off set, and this annual event is an important stepping stone toward this. Based on the feedback I received from participants, there is no doubt how well-received SWIFT was and that it will have a positive impact on promoting diversity within Manitoba’s film industry,” said Carrie Wilkins, an FTM board member and Chair of SWIFT 2022.
SWIFT was modelled after Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MSCS)’s Women in Trades Conference which was first launched in 2019 and FTM participated with staff in attendance and also hosted a panel session. In addition, the MSCS’s Executive Director Carol Paul also served on FTM’s planning committee with 15 other women professionals.
Day one of SWIFT was targeted for participants who were new to the film industry and required training to get their start. Day two and three targeted current film professionals looking for career advancement and to help lead better working conditions for women in the film industry.
SWIFT started with a smudge and opening prayer from Elder Geraldine Shingoose, providing everyone with a clear and open mindset to begin the first day of the conference. FTM then conducted a full-day course on Set Orientation, Safety Awareness, and Respect in the workplace instructed by Lesley Oswald (Production Manager/Line Producer, Oswald Productions, DGC-MDC) and Angela Wells (Costume Department, IATSE 856) as well as a lunch panel discussion on Career Paths in the Film and Media Industry.
The opening of day two featured Rochelle Squires (the Minister for the Status of Women) who spoke passionately about determination and the importance of leadership from women. Day two and three of SWIFT featured workforce development training and panel discussions on Overcoming Invisible Barriers, Advocating for Yourself and Building Self-Confidence as well as Physical & Mental Health, and Developing Your Work-Life Balance.
SWIFT was brought to a close with an award presentation to Ellen Rutter, a long-serving film industry professional, in recognition of her outstanding service in championing and supporting women and underrepresented workers to build and grow Manitoba’s dynamic film industry. This award will be an annual event to close SWIFT.