OUR RESEARCH

The design of our program is informed by industry trends and research.

Ontario is a substantial player in Canada’s film and television production industry. Based on the latest market report, the sector contributed 1.9 billion dollars to the provincial economy in 2018 with 324 productions and 51,580 full time equivalent jobs. This is a 18.6% increase from 2017.

-Insights on Canadian Society Report (2020)

In 2019, Ontario’s film and television industry contributed a mind-blowing $2.16 billion to the economy and supported a whopping 44,450 jobs, thanks to an ever-expanding network of movie studios. Even when the virus arrived in 2020, the industry kept chugging along, generating $1.5 billion and supporting 29,667 jobs through the pandemic.

-Toronto Life (2021)

The OYA Emerging Filmmakers program is on a mission to make sure that up-and-coming Black filmmakers, artisans and tradespeople are not left behind. Research indicated that there are barriers to employment for Black youth:

Black Males (ages 20-27) unemployed 2x more than other males. Black Females (ages 20-27) unemployed at least 30% more than other females. Five years after graduating, 605 out of 1000 Black youth give up on finding work in their discipline of study. Youth between 16-24 state that racism and the perpetuation of stereotypes being two of the main challenges facing Black youth in the GTA.

-Black Youth Action Plan Overview Report (2018)

The reality is that many Black youth with degrees give up looking for work in their discipline because of racism. Black youth in the Screen-Based industry are missing opportunities. High unemployment rates for Black youth with equivalent educational levels as their peers, leads to a lack of work training and experiences in a rapidly advancing technological industry and reduce opportunities for employment in the film and television industry.

The recently released Focus on Features report notes that while women have made slight advances in key creative industry roles, racialized communities have not shared in the same level of progress. Increasing racial diversity in the film and television industry is important in order to allow the widest range of Canadian audiences to feel included and represented by the content they see on screen.

We believe that the film, television and digital media industry has many employment opportunities for Black youth and emerging creatives to succeed. We just have to remove the barriers they face due to anti-Black racism and increase access to those opportunities.

OUR FEEDBACK

“I can say for myself, the thing that helped me out the most when doing the program when I did was networking because I went to film school, and I had been working as a freelance editor for a while, like throughout school and before then, and I had worked on school production and such. So my first gig working as an assistant editor for a TV show came through OYA.”

-Participant

"I thoroughly enjoyed working on the writing team on Family Feud, it was an excellent learning experience in a safe environment. I was able to use and develop my writing skills in a creative and challenging way. It was rewarding sharing my ideas and thoughts with the team, getting feedback and ultimately seeing the questions I wrote being played and said on the show. I also enjoyed being in the studio and seeing the logistics of the show. It helped me with my ongoing understanding of this industry while getting paid for my work and contribution. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope it continues so other writers can use this experience"

-Valerie Amponsah, Y2 participant

"Working on The Great Canadian Baking Show was an amazing experience. Before doing the show I was still thinking what department I will thrive in the most. But now after the show I know exactly where I belong, which is the camera department. I have since been pursuing the mission now. The Great Canadian Baking Show was a family, and I am very happy to have been part of it."

-Tony Acheampong, Y2 participant

OUR REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be between the ages of 18-26

• A graduate of post-secondary education in film, tv, digital media journalism, or business affairs

• Live in the GTA

• Please note: A few spaces may be allotted to youth who have portfolios that demonstrate dedication to a career in this sector

Questions? Contact: michelle@oyablackarts.org

OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS

Program supporter:

Silver Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsor: