Amazon Prime Video has announced a $1.25 million (CAD) commitment to support the Canadian BIPOC TV and film production community under a new partnership with the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).
The initiative will see a new pitch program established that will award 10 grants of $10,000 to creators who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour. Amazon will also donate to the Solidarity Fund, a joint initiative by ISO, Racial Equity in Media Collective (REMC), and BIPOC TV & Film, and the Indigenous Development Program, in support of diverse creators and BIPOC-owned companies.
“As Prime Video continues its investment in Canada we’re committed to supporting the creative community and the industry. We are proud to work with the Indigenous Screen Office and support diverse and marginalized content creators in the TV and Film sector disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Magda Grace, Head of Prime Video Canada, in a release. “The pitch program will allow us to connect with content creators who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour early in the development process and be able to provide guidance along with the financial support to their projects during these initial stages.”
ISO and the Black Screen Office will lead engagement and outreach for the pitch program with submissions opening Wednesday, Feb. 9 and closing Friday, March 5.
Amazon Studios has filmed 22 Amazon Original series and films in Canada since 2015, including The Man in the High Castle and Upload in Vancouver, The Boys and The Expanse in Toronto, Tales from the Loop in Winnipeg, as well as parts of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Voyeurs in Montreal. Recently announced Canadian Originals include The Kids In The Hall reboot and docuseries All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs.
Subscribe Now – Free!
Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.
The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.
Let’s get started right now.
