Manitoba’s workforce development and training organization Film Training Manitoba (FTM) has awarded Wayne Sheldon the Carole Vivier Distinguished Builder Award at FTM’s FILM EXPO 2023. Sheldon was selected unanimously by FTM’s board of directors and Carole Vivier the former CEO and Film Commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music.
The honour was presented by FTM’s Chair Andrew Yankiwski (Managing Partner of Precursor Productions), FTM’s Managing Director Adam Smoluk, and Carole Vivier. The award event was held at Frank Digital’s studio space during FTM’s Film Expo training event on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
“For more than a quarter century, Wayne Sheldon built Frank Digital (formerly Midcan Production Services) from the ground up. Through changing technologies and client requirements; Sheldon’s work ethic, leadership skills, and community-engagement have been exceptional. Wayne’s dedication to building and investing in Manitoba has served to support the entire film community,” said Vivier.
Sheldon started this company as a film processing lab in 1977 and in 1983 Midcan Production Services moved to this current location at 509 Century Street.
Today, Frank Digital is an over 16,000-square-foot full-service production company. This includes post-production facilities, studio spaces as well as a film production equipment company. Frank Digital employs editors, colourists, and audio engineers to offer creative and technical expertise on every project. They work with international film studios and television networks, corporate clients, and institutions from around the world.
In 2019, FTM created the Carole Vivier Distinguished Builder Award to recognize Manitobans who have contributed outstanding years of service in building Manitoba’s film industry. This award is named in honour Carole Vivier, O.M., and will be presented annually to a Manitoban who champions education, mentorships, and training in the film industry.
“Film Training Manitoba has been able to deliver a wide range of training and workforce development with Wayne Sheldon’s critical support. FTM appreciates Wayne and Carole coming together during our Film Expo to recognize the accomplishments of the film community’s leaders in growing our industry,” said Smoluk.
In 2021, FTM launched Canada’s first Summit for Women in Film (SWIFT) Trades conference and Frank Digital flawlessly managed, coordinated, and hosted a large-scale press conference to promote this important event. Frank Digital’s services successfully launched SWIFT and encouraged a large group of underrepresented workers to get involved in jobs and careers in our growing industry by attending the conference.
For more information, please contact FTM’s Communications and Programs Coordinator Sheen Chan at: sheen@filmtraining.mb.ca
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community.