TRAINING & MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

“Wrapped Productions Mock Set”in partnership with CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals

The “Wrapped Productions Mock Set” was a hands-on film production training program designed for Black youth aged 18-29 in Toronto (2024). Over three days, participants engaged in the production of a short film, earning credits for their work. They also received pre-production training and mentorship from Department Heads to prepare them for the shoot. The initiative emphasized creating a collaborative space with a shared vision and purpose, fostering a safe and empowering environment that encouraged personal growth, curiosity, and a passion for learning.

The production component of the training program was centered around the short film “Notice”, co-written and directed by Kyle Schmalenberg, alongside co-writer Ryan Golden. The film is currently in post-production.

The Creative Sovereignty Lab

The Creative Sovereignty Lab, a community-based learning effort committed to Indigenous relational processes and challenging conventional film practices. The Lab, was co-founded by Victoria Anderson-Gardner, Kyle Schmalenberg, Esther Maloney, Justin de Leon, and Laura Friedmann. It came together to support “BRAIDED TOGETHER”, a short film about intergenerational trauma and friendship (co-written and co-directed by Victoria Anderson-Gardner and Kyle Schmalenberg, produced by Wrapped Productions).

The lab took place in Thunder Bay and Toronto (2021-2022). Integrated into the professional film production were a series of workshops, community-learning, and team reflection sessions. Production crew members were paired up with local Apprentices to learn on-set production skills, which was then followed up by a three-month accompaniment period where every member of the production was encouraged to develop their own screenplays.

READ MORE HERE: www.creativesovereigntylab.org

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

CSL co-founder and CCA Grant recipient: Victoria Anderson-Gardner