Trish Williams, executive director of scripted content at CBC, said in a statement that “the past year of collaboration has further demonstrated the importance and impact of elevating senior-level Black, Indigenous and racialized creative talent and setting up these future leaders for success.”

CFC executive director maxine bailey added that “this unique program brings us one step closer to a more just and equitable Canadian film and TV landscape, where equity, access and authentic representation are the standard, not the exception.”

CBC, BIPOC TV & Film and the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) take the stage at Content Canada for a behind-the-scenes look at the recently announced CBC-BIPOC TV & Film Showrunner Catalyst Program. Leadership from CBC, BIPOC TV & Film and the CFC, joined by the program’s inaugural participants, discussed the origins of the Catalyst and its envisioned goals; how the first year unfolded; and what broader work still needs to be done to ultimately transform the industry to truly reflect today’s Canada.

BIPOC TV & Film founder Nathalie Younglai told Sunday’s BANFF panel moderated by Playback that the organization has seen “a bit of a ceiling” for writers going from mid-level to senior level, so they hope the program will encourage that pipeline and leadership. “Having someone who is BIPOC, who is at the helm of a show, who is a showrunner, who is a co-EP makes a huge difference in casting, in the type of storytelling that’s told, and it also makes a difference in the feel of the show.”

“Within our industry, there are limited opportunities for equity-deserving senior writers to take on a leadership role, and we are honoured to work with Kadon and the dedicated team at BIPOC TV & Film in partnership with the CFC to help bridge that gap with the Showrunner Catalyst,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “By launching this tailored and practical program, we help to ensure that the future of Canadian storytelling reflects the changing face of our country. We offer our sincere congratulations to this year’s talented participants, who have already made great strides in their careers.”

Mentioned in article about new Netflix development program supporting diverse screenwriters, including Tichaona Tapambwa (Next Stop, a series on CBC Gem).

Tapambwa says programs like these are essential to giving Canada’s “world class storytellers” the platform they need, along with a wider audience.

“We can continue building on that and having new programs that show that it’s not impossible, that there is a practicality to it, in how you start filming, how you start scripting, how you’re pitching,” says Tapambwa. “It all makes everybody better and being able to share that information with our communities is key.”