Montreal, March 28, 2024 – Never Was Average , in collaboration with the Fondation Dynastie and with the support of the Canada Media Fund (CMF) , is launching an exciting new initiative: Creators Like No Other . The program aims to foster self-development skills, with ongoing professional support, for Black artists with atypical backgrounds who wish to make their mark in the Quebec film industry.

“The Canada Media Fund is pleased to support the Creators Like No Other initiative through its industry development support program,” said Jessica Lea Fleming, Director, Growth and Inclusion, CMF . “This initiative provides Black creators in Quebec with a vital opportunity to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Many thanks to Never Was Average and the Fondation Dynastie for their leadership in this project.”

A UNIQUE PROGRAM

Following the selection process currently underway, ten participants will receive nine months of support in script development, directing, production, as well as an introduction to IP monetization, in various forms:

• An online training course consisting of nine videos led by industry leaders, including Miryam Charles , Khoa Lê , Jorge Camarotti , Mélanie Brière and Daniela Mujica , among others
• Nine face-to-face conversation workshops, facilitated by creators and professionals
• A two-day creative retreat
• Mentoring and observation experiences

Key dates:

• Friday, April 5th → Registration closes
• Wednesday, April 16 → final announcement of candidates
• Wednesday, May 1st → program launch (participant welcome + online training)
• Wednesday, May 15 → launch of the live workshop series

The goal for each participant: to submit a final project to a funding program in production or development.

“Our intention goes beyond talent development. We want to build an inclusive community of creators and a pipeline of projects that revolutionizes cinema here and elsewhere,” says Harry Julmice, co-founder of Never Was Average .

DECOLONIZE AND SUPPORT

The "Unconventional Creators" program is based on data and concrete needs expressed on the ground, particularly at the Sommet Dynastie on November 4 and 5, 2022. The program aims to break down barriers to access for Black artists in the Quebec film industry, given the systemic barriers that still exist despite the changes of recent years. With this in mind, online modules and workshops will also be accessible to the public. Furthermore, support will be ongoing, so that these creators can establish a lasting place in our film industry.

“The Fondation Dynastie is proud to support Never Was Average in the creation of this unique program for Afro-descendant talent working in the world of video and film. We are convinced that these participants will benefit from professional support that will allow them to deepen their knowledge and reach a higher level in their careers,” says Carla Beauvais, Executive Director of the Fondation Dynastie .

REGISTRATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

The application deadline is Friday, April 5, 2024. For details, registration, and partnership opportunities:

creatorsnotliketheothers.com

‍

‍