FAQ

Eligibility

I don’t live in Ontario, can I still apply?

At the moment, we are only considering candidates who live in Ontario.

I am not trans/non-binary, but I’m queer. Can I still apply?

This program is intended for film creators whose gender identities fall within the trans and/or non-binary umbrella. While TFM recognizes the barriers the queer community at large faces, this program was created for trans and/or non-binary folks.

When is the latest I can submit my application?

June 30th, 2021 at 12AM EST.

I have no experience in film, but still want to apply. Does this lower my chances of being selected?

While having experience in film is an asset, it is not a requirement for this program. Applicants will be selected based on a spectrum of criteria. Experience in film will be considered, but having no experience does not disqualify an applicant.

I am in school/I have a full time job. Will I still be able take part in this mentorship?

Full-time commitment to this mentorship is necessary. You should treat it like a full-time job.

I am 17 now, but will be turning 18 before September when production begins. Can I apply?

Yes! Candidates must be at least 18 for the duration of the mentorship, but can be 17 when they apply.

Mentorship

How long will mentees be required to work each day? And for how many days a week?

The goal of the mentorship is to give mentees realistic work experience in film. Meaning, mentees will work alongside their mentors and the rest of crew for full work days (8-12 hours) and usually 5 days a week. Mentees will be paid hourly wages.

Will I receive training on how to make a film?

As well as taking part in the making of a feature film, mentees will gain work experience specific to their mentor’s department.

What kind of training will mentors offer to their mentees?

As opposed to the watch-and-learn method typical to mentorships, mentees will work alongside their mentors within their specific departments. Mentees will be entrusted to work hands-on, working with film equipment, art and wardrobe, makeup, and more. By the end of the mentorship, mentees will have gained hard-skills within their respective departments.

How do I know the set will be safe for me?

TFM’s on set mentorship program will be facilitated by a Anna, a trans woman of colour, who will be available to mentees around the clock. The director of the film, Luis, who is also trans, wanted to make their crew as diverse as possible. So far, most crew are QTBIPOC and/or women.

Mentors will receive sensitivity training and will meet with Anna before beginning work with mentees.

If you have any specific concerns around safety, please e-mail tfmentorship@gmail.com.

Will I get to explore other departments?

At the moment, TFM’s developers are still fine-tuning the structure of the day-to-day for mentees. So, at the moment it’s in discussion.

However, because of the intimacy of this feature film’s crew, there will be opportunities to witness how most departments function on set.

What will mentees be paid?

Mentees will be paid an hourly wage higher than Ontario minimum wage, and will be paid for a full day even if they work a half-day or short day. More around pay will be discussed in interviews.