Welcome to Career Bridge

Career Bridge serves as an elevating platform specifically designed for young Black filmmakers, aged 18-34, residing in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Our curated program transforms raw talent into industry-ready professionals by meticulously refining their existing works into polished reels and portfolios. Through personalized revisions, we pair each creative with a seasoned industry expert to map out their career trajectory. Whether opting for the Reel Stream—ideal for directors, cinematographers, and animators—or the Portfolio Stream—tailored for production designers, makeup artists, and costume designers—participants will emerge with a deepened understanding of their professional landscape and the essential tools to unlock premium job opportunities.

What Stream Works for you?

Cinematographer Portfolio - OYA Career Bridge

Reel Stream

This is not an exclusive list

Cinematographers

Directors

Editors 

VFX Editors

  • Get assessed on your long term career goals and Mentor fit

  • Attend a mandatory workshop called The Fundamentals of a Reel.

  • Week long collaboration with a professional editor to create your updated reel.

  • We will match you with an industry expert in your field to provide bi-monthly mentorship and career guidance & Sit down with your mentor to get final Feedback and Notes on your updated Portfolios

  • Networking Opportunities at Industry Events

Portfolio Stream

This is not an exclusive list

Production Design/Art Department

Makeup Artists

Costume & Wardrobe

Set Design

BTS Photography

  • Get assessed on your long term career goals and Mentor fit

  • Work with a Graphic Designer (provided by OBAC) to help build your Portfolio

  • We will match you with an industry expert in your field to provide bi-monthly mentorship and career guidance & Sit down with your mentor to get final Feedback and Notes on your updated Portfolios

  • Networking Opportunities at Industry Events

Each stream will offer professional feedback to Black creatives between the ages of 18-34, through one on one interactions with seasoned field-specific crew mentors and/ or industry experts as well as provide the resources needed to create industry standard reels and portfolios through one on one work with professional editors and expert designers. 

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in this programme, you must:

1) Self-identify as Black, be aged 18-34 years,


2) Live in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area,

3) Be available for initial assessment and 1:1 mentorship sessions    

4) Have a minimum of 2 completed works (the ideal candidate would have 4 or more completed projects)

Career Bridge is an inclusive program, and is open to applicants regardless of disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or socio-economic status as defined by the Equality Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All applications must be submitted by Friday, February 10th, 2023 (11:59pm EDT)

    via the Application Form available on our website.

  • No. There is no cost to submit.

  • Applications will be read and assessed by a jury of industry professionals.

  • Yes, Career Bridge is for individuals who can demonstrate an intentional commitment to the industry through either self-made work or education.

  • Shortlisted applicants will be notified by February 17th, 2023 and will receive a slot for an interview from the selection committee to discuss their application on February 17-24th.

  • This is your opportunity to tell us why you should be offered a place in the program; tell us about your background as a creative, why you’re interested in producing films, and your career aspirations.

  • Applicants must currently be located in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. (Regions include: Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel & York.)

  • Yes, however, you must fit eligibility criteria.

  • This program is for those 18 and older.

  • Yes. Student projects are acceptable.

  • Career Bridge is a 2 month program and you can participate alongside other work as long as you are able to attend mandatory workshops and two 1-1 mentor sessions within this time frame.

  • Yes, there are no conditions for reapplying.

  • Yes, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application.

  • You can contact rochelle@oyablackartscoalition.org