SPYA has partnered with seasoned producers Shayne Putzlocher (Trilight Entertainment) and Scott Lepp (Lylond Entertainment) to offer 1:1 project guidance.
The mentorship program will kick off with our Workshop Weekend in November (Nov. 14th and 15th), in which a breakfast Q&A session on the 14th will have both Shayne and Scott share their experience and background, giving all attendees the opportunity to connect with both producers. For the rest of that day and into the 15th, both mentors will meet 1:1 with each of their four mentees. In the subsequent months, through until the end of February, mentees will meet monthly with their mentor to continue project development.
Participation is $300 and is on a first-come-first served basis (based on the timestamped submission of the Google Form). SPYA will do its best to ensure you are paired with your preferred mentor, though pairings will be made on a first-come-first-served basis. Participants who successfully complete the mentorship program will receive a free 2027-28 SPYA membership. As well, two spots will be prioritized for Indigenous participants.
Travel support for SPYA members in Dawson and the communities:
SPYA has secured one Air North gift certificate for early registration. If you are the first to register (and be accepted) you will receive the gift certificate for your flight to Whitehorse for the in-person 1-1 workshop Nov. 14-15. A general 10% discount has been secured for all other Dawson members who are accepted to come to the workshop, as well as a corporate discount with NVD. If your application is successful, please reach out to SPYA for information on accessing and using these discount codes.
As well, SPYA will reimburse up to $200 in fuel costs, based on receipts, for participants driving from the communities for the weekend opening event.
To ensure this cohort provides the deepest level of professional development, we are looking for filmmakers who meet the following criteria:
- Experience Baseline: You have at least 2 years of active experience within your chosen filmmaking specialization accumulated over the last 5 years.
- Commitment to Growth: You have a clear, actionable project milestone you want to achieve with your project over the next 6 months.
- Availability: You can commit to the Workshop Weekend Nov. 14th and 15th, and then approximately 2 hours per month for mentor meetings and program check-ins with SPYA. You have project materials that can be sent to a mentor by October 30th.
- Willingness to provide feedback: You are willing to complete a participant survey at the end of the program.
Applications open October 12th and will be accepted until 5pm Yukon Time on October 19th. All applicants will be notified of their status by end of day on October 21st.