Canada's Supporting Women in Film Trades Conference (SWIFT)

Date: November 30 & December 1, 2024
Location: Red River College Polytechnic’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (319 Elgin Ave.)
The SWIFT Conference is now SOLD OUT!

*Please note: Registrations are non-transferable. Registrations must be the attendees.

Film Training Manitoba is proud to announce that Canada’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference 2024 is open for registration! Canada’s SWIFT Conference welcomes crew members, filmmakers, performers and anyone interested in film and media. The SWIFT Conference is taking place this year in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 30 and December 1, 2024. This year’s conference theme is: Advancing and Building Your Reel Career!

This conference will provide customized learning and networking designed to champion the growth and development of our dynamic women-identifying and gender-diverse workers in the film industry. All speakers, panels and training sessions support improving the workplace culture to retain and attract more women-identifying workers within the film and media industry. 

Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a not-for-profit charity, and we are a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program, which supports economic development and jobs.  Canada’s SWIFT was founded in 2021 and created by a committee of 15 women film professionals — this is our third SWIFT Conference!

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Cancellation Policy
Participants must cancel up to 4 full business days prior to the course start date to receive an 80% refund. No refund will be given to participants who cancel within 4 full business days before the course start date, or if they do not attend the course.

Film Training Manitoba reserves the right to cancel, or postpone, any course where a minimum registration level has not been met. Participants registered for a course that is canceled will receive a full refund.

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Location: Red River College Polytechnic’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

319 Elgin Ave.
Winnipeg, MB
R3A 0K4

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Our SWIFT 2024 executives are three FTM board members:  

Carrie Wilkins (Co-Chair) 
Tanya Mazur (Co-Chair)
Ellen Rutter (Vice-Chair)

FTM’s SWIFT 2023 conference was a significant success, with over 140 participants, a significant increase from SWIFT 2022 with 85 participants.

Using the feedback from the participant evaluations and the SWIFT committee, the format of the upcoming conference will consist of five in-depth sessions for how to advance your career, a few moderated panel discussions with highly accomplished speakers and a nationally renowned keynote speaker. FTM will contract women-identifying senior-level film crew workers and senior leaders from other industries to participate in the moderated panel discussions and speaker sessions.

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The sessions, panels and speakers will cover the following topics during SWIFT 2024:

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FIVE REEL CAREERS sessions: Advanced Career Strategies for Women and Women-Identifying Workers in the Film and Media Industry with M. Michelle Nadon

During the five SWIFT sessions, Michelle Nadon will provide cutting-edge job and career coaching for the participants at all levels of their careers.

See the breakdown for each session below:

Day 1 – November 30, 2024

Session 1 – Your REEL Career 

– Introduction
– Ice breaker
– Building Self-Esteem
– Goals Planning/Professional Wish-list Exercise
– How to Take Your Goals/Wish- List to the Next Level

Session 2 – Big Picture: Where Do You Stand in Your Career? And the Job Search Market?

– Big Picture: Where Do You Stand in Your Career & Job Search Mindset
– Needs Exercise
– Three easy Steps to Career Management
– What Does Your Professional Name Stand For? How Do You Look?

Session 3 – Close-Up: Establishing Your Brand

– Resume Best Practices – Ground for Brand Establishment
– Hard Skills, Soft Skills, Personal Traits, Tech Stack and Upskilling
– Migrating Your Brand to Other Marketing Tools ( Email/Voice Signatures)
– Marketing Tools Chart for Staff & Freelance Roles

Day 2 – December 1, 2024

Session 4 – The Effective Job Search of Film & Media

– Job Search and Business Development
– Community, Industry Connections and connectedness
– 10 Ways to Boss Your Job Search
– How to Access the Hidden Job Market
– How to Go From “Stranger to “You’re Hired”

Session 5 – REEL Negotiations and Interviewing

– Are You Short – “Listable” Exercise
– Mastering the Interview (In Person & Virtual)
– Negotiating Your Salary & Deal Points
– Entry and Exit Statements, Entry & Exit Strategies

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SWIFT Program

Day 1 – November 30, 2024:

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Registration and Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcoming and Greetings from VIPs, Elder Prayer
Blessing and Prayer: Elder Geraldine Shingoose
Greetings from Women & Gender Equity MB:  Hon. Nahanni Fontaine –  Minister Families,  Minister responsible for Accessibility & Gender Equity
RRC Polytech Greetings: Aileen Najduch – Acting Vice President Academic

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM: Networking Break 

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM: Session 1 – Your REEL Career 
This session will concentrate on the attendee’s professional goals and wish lists. M. Michelle Nadon will guide them through exercises to assist them in honing in on their career objectives and planning for them.

11:10 AM – 11:20 AM: Networking Break 

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: Session 2 – Big Picture: Where Do You Stand in Your Career?
The second session will encourage attendees to contemplate their current career stage. Whether they are newcomers to the workforce, in mid-level positions, senior managers, or executives, this session aims to prepare them for their job search. It will also feature an exercise to assist attendees in determining their job needs.

12:20 PM – 1:20 PM: Lunch Break 

1:20 PM – 2:50 PM: Session 3 – Close-Up: Establishing Your Brand
This session will showcase best practices for creating a standout resume and building a personal brand. Attendees will gain valuable insights on marketing themselves for employment opportunities or promoting their freelance work.

2:50 PM– 3:00 PM: Networking Break 

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Women in Film Trades – Moderated Panel Discussion (Sponsored by IATSE Local 856)
Panel introduced by: Monique Perro, Business Agent, Local 856
Moderated by: Angela Wells
Panellists: Nathalie Massaroni, Florencia Maria Gor, Margarita Vailas, Deborah Elizabeth, and Shauna Townley
Description: The panellists will share personal tips and strategies on self-advocacy and promotion to help the attendees learn how to advance in their careers. They will also share past and current methods to advance in trade positions.   

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Career Café Mixer with Film Industry Stakeholders and De Luca’s Coffee
SWIFT participants will be able to meet invited various film industry stakeholders and learn about jobs, programs and opportunities for workers in the Manitoba film and media industry. 

*Light refreshments will be provided. 

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Day 2 – December 1, 2024:

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Registration and Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM: FTM’s SWIFT Chairs’ Welcome

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM: Resilience and Optimizing Mental Health with Dr. Hygiea Casiano

11:10 AM – 11:20 AM: Networking Break

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: Session 4 – The Effective Job Search of Film & Media
This session will discuss job search strategies, covering effective networking approaches, practical advice, and insights on tapping into the hidden job market. Attendees will learn how to secure job opportunities.

12:20 PM – 1:20 PM: Lunch Break 

1:20 PM – 2:20 PM: Session 5 – REEL Negotiations and Interviewing
The final session focuses on recognizing attendees’ skills and aligning them with their desired positions. After determining their qualifications by self-screening, attendees can proceed to apply for the position and prepare for an interview. This session aims to guide attendees through mastering the interview process, including how to negotiate a salary. Additionally, it covers the proper way to resign from a job before submitting a notice.

2:20 PM – 3:20 PM: Industry Panel – Supervisors and Employers Panel
Moderated by: Allison Bile
Panellists: Libby Lea, Rebecca Gibson, Heather Neale and C. Summer Holmes
Description: This panel will feature an open and in-depth discussion of what managers and supervisors look for when developing their teams and departments. Attendees will receive in-depth advice on how to stand out as working professionals. 

3:20 PM – 3:30 PM: Networking Break

3:30 PM – 4:50 PM: Keynote Speaker – Tina Keeper,  CM OM MSM (Sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada)
Greetings from The Province of MB: Hon. Jamie Moses –  Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation

During this session, nationally renowned Canadian Tina Keeper will speak about women’s important roles in film and media and share personal experiences with the attendees of Canada’s SWIFT.  Ms. Keeper is a film, television, and theatre producer; actor; advocate; and former Member of Parliament. In 2024, Ms. Keeper was appointed to the Order of Canada. With her lifetime of accomplishments and work in the arts, politics, and advocacy, Tina Keeper is a role model and source of inspiration to all Canadian.

This session will also include a moderated one-on-one discussion with Tina Keeper and Joanne Roberts, which will also include questions from the attendees.

4:50 PM – 5:00 PM: SWIFT Award and Wrap Up

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Reception and Mixer

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Keynote Speaker:

Tina Keeper – CM OM MSM

Tina Keeper is from the Inninuak of Norway House Cree Nation in the Treaty 5 territory and of the Muskrat Dam First Nation of the Treaty 9 territory. She is a film, television, and theatre producer; actor; advocate; and former Member of Parliament. She has a BA in theatre from The University of Winnipeg and trained at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre, the Banff Centre, and the Sundance Institute.

Keeper won a Gemini award for acting in the long-running television series North of 60. She was the first Indigenous person to win a Gemini for a leading role on a TV series in Canada.

As an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Keeper co-produced the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s highly acclaimed ballet Going Home Star, guided by Indian Residential School Survivors. Keeper served as a Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Churchill from 2006-2008. She was the first Indigenous woman to serve as a Member of Parliament from Manitoba. In 2008, she introduced a Private Member’s Bill into the House that would ensure Canadian laws are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,and introduced a Private Member’s Bill regarding Jordan’s Principle to address First Nations children’s healthcare in Canada.

She serves on the board of directors for the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, is an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and is a member of the Manitoba Coalition for MMIWG & 2SILGBTQ, the Order of Manitoba, and Canadians for a New Partnership.

Keeper is a recipient of an Aboriginal Achievement Award, a Canadian Civil Liberties Association award for Public Engagement, a Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, and the Earl Grey Lifetime Achievement Award. With her lifetime of work in the arts, politics, and advocacy, Tina Keeper is a role model and source of inspiration to all Manitobans.

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Speakers:

Guest Instructor: M. Michelle Nadon – Recruiting Specialist & Executive Career Coach

M. Michelle Nadon is known for her comprehensive knowledge of the media and entertainment industries. In 2004, she launched her own coaching and training company, Media Intelligence (MI). In its 20th year, MI has undertaken recruiting assignments with all major Canadian networks, worked with dozens of independent production companies and cultural organizations, and delivered proprietary career development training at Canadian colleges and universities.

Michelle is fluently bilingual. She holds certificates from The Alliance Atlantis Banff TV Executive Program and Queens University’s Executive Marketing Program. Michelle lives north of Toronto, spending her spare time and goodwill on animal rescue and animal advocacy through C4P Animal Rescue.

Guest Speaker: Hygiea Casiano, MD, FRCPC
“Resilience and Optimizing Mental Health for Women” Panel

Using both science and real-world examples, Dr. Hygiea Casiano will share with the SWIFT participants how they can move forward in their lives and careers with health and reliance.

Dr. Casiano is the President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA). She is both a forensic and a child and youth psychiatrist at the University of Manitoba, where she is an assistant professor of psychiatry, the medical director of adult forensic services and on staff with the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre.

In her clinical work, Dr. Casiano provides services to both adults and youth. Her research interests include topics related to youth mental health, enhancing resiliency, and marginalized populations. She has published several peer-reviewed articles including on media use and adolescent health.

Teaching is an abiding passion for Dr. Casiano. At her alma mater, the University of Manitoba, her contributions and positive impact on learners have been recognized most recently with the 2021 Keep It Up Nomination Award and awards from the Manitoba Medical Students Association for her innovation and mentorship.

In addition to her leadership role with the CPA, she is also a member of the Canadian Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders.

Guest Speaker: Nathalie Massaroni – Post-Production Supervisor & Editor

Nathalie Massaroni is a Winnipeg-based editor and post-production supervisor of more than 400 hours of television. Since graduating from the University of Winnipeg’s film program, she has edited features and series including Wintertide, Alter Boys, Seeking Fire, and Aberdeen (which premiered at TIFF 2024).

Nathalie has also edited other short-form series and films such as Tailor Made, D Dot H, and I Hurt Myself. She was recently part of the Canadian Academy’s Women in Post Program and, if she’s not working on a computer, you can find Nathalie at the dance studio or sipping coffee with a cat on her lap.

Guest Speaker: Florencia Maria Gor – 2^nd Assistant Director- Director’s Guild of Canada-Manitoba District Council 

Florencia Gor is an Argentine & Canadian film worker currently based in Winnipeg. Flo joined the film community in 2017 and has worked in several departments & positions, including as a background performer, stand-in, actor, actor’s assistant, director’s assistant, all-around production assistant, crafty, assistant production coordinator, production coordinator and assistant director. Nowadays, she is a very passionate second assistant director, which is her dream job (together with producing independent movies in the near future). She’s been a member of the Directors Guild of Canada since 2020.

With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Flo spent a decade working in non-profit and government in Argentina and around the world before starting her film career in Winnipeg. She looks forward to sharing her experience as a Latina working in the film industry in Canada and starting a new career in her 30s, hoping to inspire other strong women to join this growing and dynamic film community that she’s so grateful and proud to be a part of.

Guest Speaker: Margarita Vailas – Makeup Artist – IATSE Local 856

Margarita Vailas is a Greek Canadian makeup artist in the film community. She has been doing makeup and esthetics for over 20 years but has been full-time in film for 10 years. She’s worked in Winnipeg and all over Greece during these times.

Margarita is a mother of two little boys and is an advocate for women and period poverty. She collects products to send to northern communities.

Guest Speaker: Deborah Elizabeth – Foreperson, Scenic Artist / Onset Painter – IATSE Local 856

Deborah Elizabeth is originally from Northern Ontario. She is an artist, a mother, a foreperson, an instructor, and a mentor. Her mentor, who introduced her to the industry is costume designer Patti Henderson. Elizabeth says she is where she is due to her hard work and always being present and knowing what and who she is.

Accepting every challenge that came her way in this industry without uttering a single “no” was key to her success. She’s loved every minute of being in this industry, even when things get tough. She says the success she’s had is exhilarating and she’s exactly where she needs to be right now.

Guest Speaker: Shauna Townley – Cinematographer, ICG 669 Camera Operator

Shauna Townley is a Winnipeg-raised, Cinematographer and ICG 669 Camera Operator. Shauna has over two decades of diverse experience working on projects ranging from large-scale Hollywood productions, television, commercials, music videos, short films and award-winning

documentaries.

When she’s not on set, she’s enjoying the great outdoors and exploring the landscapes with her son.

Guest Speaker: Angela Wells – Member of IATSE-856

Angela Wells graduated from the International Academy of Design Montreal with an AEC in Clothing Design. In 2004, Angela was an FTM costume trainee on the feature film Population 436 and the made for TV movie Category 7. She has been a proud member of IATSE 856 in the Costume Department since 2005. Angela has had the opportunity to hold many positions throughout the department including Costume Design. What she loves most about working in film is not just the creative collaboration, but that each show presents itself with different challenges, rewards and continued learning. 

Guest Speaker: Libby Lea – FRANK Digital Vice President, Production

Libby Lea, a seasoned Producer with over a decade of experience, thrives in the field and on set, specializing in commercials. With a Broadcasting diploma acquired in 2002, she ventured into marketing, communications, and even briefly into politics. Eventually, she found her niche at a video production company, honing her interviewing skills and production expertise. In July 2017, Libby joined FRANK Digital as Head of Production, crafting a role tailored to her skills. At FRANK, she manages daily operations, liaises with clients, oversees commercial shoots, produces documentaries (including CBC’s “Predator,” “Fostering Hope,” and “Humboldt”) and supervises post-production.

In 2018, Libby ascended to Vice President of Production, playing a pivotal role in FRANK Digital’s expansion. In August 2023, she made her directorial debut with the CBC documentary “Running for Your Life.” 

Outside of work, Libby cherishes her role as a mother, adores dogs, and maintains a passion for running.

Guest Speaker: Rebecca Gibson – Co-Owner of Eagle Vision, Producer, Writer, Director, Series Creator, and Showrunner

As a writer, director, producer, series creator, showrunner and actor, Rebecca Gibson’s work has played in festivals, in theatres, and on screens around the world. A partner and co-owner of Eagle Vision, Rebecca works with the team to develop and produce feature films, television, and multimedia properties that are recognized around the globe. She has won awards for her work in front of and behind the camera, most recently as a member of the International Emmy Award-winning team behind Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On. Rebecca is devoted to mentorship, working with many organizations to support equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Guest Speaker: Heather Neale – Costume Designer, IATSE Local 856

Heather Neale is a Winnipeg-based Costume Designer who has designed film and television projects in Manitoba for over 20 years.  She has received two Costume Design nominations from CAFTCAD for her work on The Porter in 2022 and Tales from The Hood 3 in 2021.  In 2013 she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for designing the television series Todd & the Book of Pure Evil (Season 2), as well as a Genie Award nomination in 2012 for the feature film Keyhole directed by Guy Maddin.  Most recent film projects include Ordinary Angels (Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson), The Ice Road (Liam Neeson, Laurence Fishburne), Run (Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen), Tales From the Hood 3 (Tony Todd, Lynn Whitfield) and The Parts You Lose (Aaron Paul, Mary-Elizabeth Winstead, Scoot McNairy).  Most recent television projects include:  Season 1 of The Porter on CBC/BET and four seasons of the Syfy television series Channel Zero.

Guest Speaker: C. Summer Holmes – Set Decorator, IATSE Local 856

C. Summer Holmes has been active in the film industry in Canada for nearly two decades. A proud member of the Manitoba film industry for most of that time, she has also worked in both Vancouver and Toronto. Summer is a highly experienced and established local Set Decorator who has led crews for feature films, television, and commercials. She has had the opportunity to work with various designers, bringing their visions into reality. She started as a Set dresser and worked her way up to Set Decorator. Her most recent credits include Chucky the TV series, Bedrest, and Little Bird. Summer excels at bringing vision into reality and will lead the class using practical insights and real work experience. The Set Dec Department is a critical part of any production team and Summer aims to evoke the same passion she has for the craft within others.

Guest Speaker: Allison Bile – Film Training Manitoba -Director of Workforce Development, SWIFT and Operations

Allison Bile graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Theatre and French.

Allison gained an interest in filmmaking through her involvement with the Winnipeg Film Group by attending workshops on experimental filmmaking and volunteering on short films in the costume department.

In 2009, Allison served as a board member and Secretary on the Winnipeg Film Group. In 2003, she completed an internship with FTM in the costume department and was a Permittee with IATSE 856 in costumes.

Allison joined FTM in 2006 and has been promoted to various positions within the organization. She has completed courses on Arts and Culture Management through the University of Winnipeg and is the process of obtaining a certificate on Human Resource Management through Red River College.

Guest Speaker: Joanne Roberts – Reporter – Citytv

Joanne Roberts is a Filipina-Canadian reporter for Citytv. She recently released three episodes of Citytv’s prime-time specials, CityNews Connect.

Also an accomplished filmmaker, Joanne won Gimli International Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker’s Pitch Competition in 2020 for her biographical short film titled “Anak”.

She has since produced the award-winning, four-part series “I Am,” which explores Filipino culture with CBC’s Creator Network.

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Sponsors

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Please note:

• Registrations are not transferable. E.g. you cannot have someone else attend in your place. Participants must register in advance of the conference. We are not accepting drop-ins
• When checking in you will be provided a SWIFT lanyard with a name tag. Everyone attending and participating in the SWIFT conference must visibly wear their SWIFT lanyard at all times.
• The conference is being held in the roundhouse auditorium. We also have use of the main floor and all public washrooms. Please do not venture into other areas within the College.
• Everyone attending must sign in. In case of an emergency, the muster station is at the security desk in the Roblin Centre (located through the skywalk. The security desk is on the main level).
• You are free to leave at any time but please do not leave unless you have reported it to an FTM staff member.
• Masks are optional but will be available on-site.
• Sanitizer will be provided on-site, but feel free to bring your own.
• A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days. If you have issues regarding consumables, please feel free to bring your own.
• Panelists and speakers must check in at the front desk and also wear a name tag.
• The views expressed by the conference speakers, panelists, and participants may be their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Film Training Manitoba.
• When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.
• In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your own reusable water bottle. There are many water refill stations located on-site. 

Parking around the Red River Polytechnic – Exchange District Campus:

Third-party parking lots are conveniently located around the Exchange District. These lots can be viewed here. Hourly parking is also available on many of the surrounding streets.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with FTM during office hours Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at 204-989-9669 or by email info@filmtraining.mb.ca

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