CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
CapU launches Production Manager program for Indigenous filmmakers

In a major step towards diversifying the film industry, Capilano University (CapU) has launched a new training program to equip Indigenous filmmakers with essential production management skills filling a critical talent gap below the line in Canadian film. 

Participants in a new Production Manager program for Indigenous filmmakers attend a workshop in August 2025. Training takes place online over three weekends to accommodate those currently working in the film industry.

An initiative of the Indigenous Digital Accelerator program, the Production Manager & Production Coordinator training workshop provides participants with the skills needed to manage a film production from pre-production through to the completion of post. 

"Graduates of CapU's Indigenous Digital Filmmaking program and School of Motion Picture Arts have gone on to crew across all production departments or work on their own productions but there remains a severe underrepresentation of Indigenous filmmakers working in below-the-line roles. This training will help fill that gap," said program creator Doreen Manuel, director of the Bosa Centre for Film & Animation and Inclusive Community Projects at CapU.

Participants will learn the responsibilities of production management from script breakdown and budgeting, to hiring crews, managing paperwork and prepping for post. Participants will gain hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, drawing from actual scripts and films, and will leave with the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate the complexities of short film production.  

"We as First Nations are creative people," said program participant Cody White (Heiltsuk Nation/Bella Bella, B.C.). "Our art, our songs, our dances it's all rooted in a form of storytelling. It's inherently ingrained in our culture, and film is just another outlet that we can utilize to tell our stories." 

Training takes place online over three weekends to accommodate those currently working in the film industry. The program's first cohort of 23 students from Nations across Canada completed their training on Sept. 7, 2025. 

"The program is opening doors of opportunities for Indigenous creatives to explore employment and understand what will be needed for their projects in the film and television industry," said program participant Rachel CrowSpreadingWings (Kainai First Nations/Spruce Grove, AB). "Through the networks we are creating within our cohort, together we will all be able to find work and help each other thrive. The industry needs our skills, thoughts and community. The future is bright and so are our spirits." 

The six-day workshop is presented in partnership with REEL Canada's National Canadian Film Day at no cost to participants. Formally launched by the University in April 2019, the Indigenous Digital Accelerator program is supported by TD Bank Group, through its corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. These funds have allowed the IDA to offer a collection of professional development workshops designed to build capacity for Indigenous peoples in high tech and digital creative services.

2025 Production Manager program participants 

• Kari Bayley (Métis Nation of Alberta) - Rocky Mountain House, AB 
• Kerri-ann Bear (Muskoday First Nation) - Edmonton, AB 
• Allen Belcourt (Métis Nation of Alberta) - Edmonton, AB 
• Bee Bird (Montreal Lake Cree Nation) - Regina, SK 
• Jenna Bjornson (Métis Nation of Ontario) - Toronto, ON 
• Taylor Bull (Louis Bull Tribe) - Maskwacis, AB 
• Tristan Crocker (Penelakut Tribe) - Saanich, BC 
• Rachel Crowspreadingwings (Kainai First Nations) - Spruce Grove, AB 
• Janice Dalton (Inuvik Native Band) - Montreal, QC 
• Grace Dumas (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation) - Burnaby, BC 
• Desiree Gray (Haisla Nation) - Burnaby, BC 
• Dakota Morriseau (Couchiching First Nation) - Newmarket, ON 
• Tyson Night (Saulteaux First Nation) - Vancouver, BC 
• Margaret Noksana - Inuvik, NWT 
• Chelsa Racette (Nekaneet First Nation) - Regina, SK 
• Tanis Redcrow (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) - Saddle Lake, AB 
• Tony Robinson (Nisga'a Villiage of Laxgalt'sap) - Chilliwack, BC 
• Amanda Roy (Wiikwemkong First Nation) - Montreal, QC 
• Lisa Rueckert (Waywayseecappo First Nation) - Winnipeg, MB 
• Jay Sather (Aleut Tribe) - Whitehorse, YK 
• Morgan Spence (Attawapiskat First Nation) - Toronto, ON 
• Patsy Tuba (Lac La Ronge First Nation) - Victoria, BC 
• Cody White (Heiltsuk Nation) - Vancouver, BC

To find out more about this and other professional development workshops for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) creatives, visit the IDA Workshops page on our website.