ROLE: Writer, The Black Academy Skills Development Program

POSITION SUMMARY: This paid placement sees the Writer Participant working on The Legacy Awards.  The Participant will work alongside seasoned Producers, Story Producers/Writers and Writers, taking part in writer meetings, researching, participating in the writing of tribute packs, presenter speeches, and other show content as required/directed. NOTE: This position is non union.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Research 
• Participate in writer meetings and take notes as required
• Assist with writing and editing scripts for tribute packs, presenters, and other script elements on an award show
• Proofing scripts for proper formatting and spelling
• Assist with clearance issues as required
• Other duties as required/directed

ELIGIBLITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Working knowledge of film and television industry 
• Excellent written communication skills
• Good at organization and filtering information
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Team player with a positive attitude and good listening skills
• Ability to take direction
• This position is non union

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Skills – Writer” in the subject line of your email
• If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to submit a writing sample
• No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

ROLE: Associate Talent Producer, The Black Academy Skills Development Program

POSITION SUMMARY: This paid placement on The Legacy Awards sees the Associate Talent Producer Participant gain first-hand experience in and a knowledge of how to connect with agents, management, labels, etc. to secure talent. They will also work with the Show Producers and talent representatives to confirm talent needs and requirements in advance of, and on show day, including wardrobe, travel, script writing, dressing room requirements and more.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality 
• Maintain an organized system for Talent tracking including contact lists
• Send and track correspondence relating to Talent booking and needs
• Create and update schedules
• Assist with travel arrangements
• Troubleshoot complex situations that come in a live event environment
• Work side-by-side with Show Producers to manage Talent appearing on the show
• Work with Show Producers to ensure the most appropriate Talent are identified and booked for the show
• Other duties as required/directed

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Self-starter with the ability to follow-through until successful completion of matters
• Knowledge of Media Industry
• Ability to function effectively in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results 
• Committed to fostering a positive working environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong consistent communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Google Drive  

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover Letter and Contact Info for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Skills – Associate Talent Producer” in the subject line of your email.
• Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

Whether it’s voice, music or effects, sound is a critical component of today’s film and television industry. It has the power to shape and influence a viewer’s experience and emotion. Live television productions take on another layer of complexity, especially those needing to simultaneously please audiences at home and in person. 

In this Stream, Audio Technician Participants receive highly specialized professional, real-world on-set training, and/or familiarization on The Legacy Awards. 

The Black Academy and Insight are proud to once again partner with Solotech on this one-of-a-kind Audio Program.  Founded in 1977, Solotech is a Global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology.

POSITION(S): Various

Possible training positions could include:

• Broadcast Music Mixer
• FOH Traffic
• Broadcast Sound Effects
• Patch Master
• A2 Music Mix 
• Monitor Engineer

At the end of the Program, Participants have acquired the necessary skills, contacts, and credit(s) to advance a career in live television production audio.

ROLE: Multi-Camera Director, The Black Academy Skills Development Program

POSITION SUMMARY: This paid placement sees the Multi-Camera Director Participant shadow an experienced Multi-Camera Director on the live production of The Legacy Awards. The Participant gains unprecedented access, working side-by-side with The Legacy Awards Director on the prep and production of the show. The Multi-Cam Director Participant will learn how to possess strong technical knowledge of camera operation, framing, and visual storytelling, while managing multiple camera angles, shots, and transitions to deliver a compelling and seamless broadcast experience.

QUALIFICATIONS/CRITERIA:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years of age or older
• Previous experience in a Director position 
• Previous experience working in a large and complex setting
• Working knowledge of film and television industry 
• Excellent verbal communication and visual storytelling skills

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover Letter and Contact Info for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Skills – Multi-Camera Director” in the subject line of your email.
• If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to submit a sample of your work (short, feature, television production, etc.) on which you have received credit as Director
• Only those selected for an interview will be contacted

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

ROLE: Editor Participant, The Black Academy Skills Development Program

POSITION SUMMARY: Working alongside a seasoned Editor on The Legacy Awards, the Editor Participant will receive hands-on training and real-world experience in both the technical and creative aspects of the editorial process and learn best editing practices as they assist in the storytelling of the show. At the end of the Program, the Editor Participant has the skills and contacts necessary to pursue a job in the Post Production industry as well as a minimum of one (1) production credit for their resume.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assembly edits of raw footage into scenes and format sections
• Execute notes from Producer(s) 
• Making selects for Sr. Editors 
• Music and sound effect editing
• Editing packs and/or sections of show for review by Sr. Editors and Producer(s)

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Identify as Black 
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Ontario Resident
• 19 years old or older
• Experience with Avid Media Composer preferred as this show will be cut on Avid. Some training available if required.
• Comfortable working under tight deadlines
• Other duties as required/directed

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Diploma

HOW TO APPLY:

• Email your Resume, Cover letter and Contact Information for two (2) references to BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com or use the button below
• Please include “Skills – Editor” in the subject line of your email
• No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted

For questions, please contact: BlackAcademySkills@insighttv.com

ANDRE DE GRASSE
For his exemplary accomplishments in sport in Canada and around the world and his contribution to the Black Canadian identity, Andre De Grasse will receive the Athlete of the Year.

With six Olympic medals, Andre De Grasse is the most decorated male Olympian in Canadian history. De Grasse captured medals in all three sprint events at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and again five years later at the Tokyo Olympics. Most recently, Andre anchored the Canadian men’s 4x100m relay team to the 2022 World Championship title. In 2018, he established the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation, committed to inspiring and empowering youth through access to sport, education, and healthcare. De Grasse was born in Scarborough, Ontario and raised in Markham, Ontario.

KAYLA GREY
In recognition of her unmistakable talent and activism, Kayla Grey will receive the Jamil French Award.

Kayla Grey is the host and co-executive producer of TSN’s The Shift with Kayla Grey, appears regularly as an anchor of SportsCentre, and reports courtside for TSN’s live coverage of the Toronto Raptors. A graduate of Toronto’s College of Sports Media, Grey began her broadcasting career as an analyst for the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and various university varsity sports. She became the first Black woman to host a flagship sports highlight show in Canada when she made her SportsCentre debut in 2018. Celebrating the late actor Jahmil French, the Jahmil French Award goes to a rising star.

FABIENNE COLAS
For her tireless work showcasing Black Canadian storytellers, Fabienne Colas will receive The Visionnaire Award.

Colas is a film festival founder and organizer, an award-winning actress, filmmaker, and diversity and inclusion consultant, who works passionately to support diversity off and on screen. She manages 12 film festivals including the Montreal International Black Film Festival, Canada’s largest Black film festival. As chair of the Fabienne Colas Foundation, she promotes and awards grants to independent films and artists. In 2015, Colas was recognized by Quebec’s National Assembly for her contribution in the fight against racism and discrimination in Quebec. She holds an Executive MBA from McGill University and HEC Montreal.

“Andre, Kayla, and Fabienne are leaders in their respective fields and in our community,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder of The Black Academy. “My brother and I are thrilled that The Legacy Awards are recognizing their amazing accomplishments, their dedication to their work, and their passion for the community. Between them, the performers, presenters, and our guests, there will be a staggering amount of Black talent all in one room. Sunday night is going to be dope.”

“The inaugural Legacy Awards will see the culmination of a big dream Stephan and I had years ago and the hard work of the incredible teams at Insight Productions, CBC, and The Black Academy,” said Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder of The Black Academy. “We’re so pumped that our community is coming together for an unprecedented night to celebrate Black Canadian talent. But for us, this is not just a moment; The Black Academy is working year-round to honour and empower Black Canadians and to ensure younger generations are inspired by all the incredible Black talent this country has to offer.”

Performers Randell Adjei, Fefe Dobson, Melanie Fiona, Shantel May, and Alicia Mighty, have been added to the lineup. Jordan Alexander, Amanda Brugel, and Tyrone Edwards are set to present. They join previously announced presenters and performers Jully Black; Deborah Cox; Keysha Freshh; Izzy-S; Kardinal Offishall; SATE; Savannah Ré; and DJ 4KORNERS comedian/actor King Bach, TRH Michaëlle Jean; and media personalities Arisa Cox, Brandon Gonez, Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Amanda Parris, and Odario Williams.

Voting for The Legacy Awards’ Digital Creator Fan Choice Award closes Friday, September 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Fan Choice nominees are Basement Gang, Ika Wong, Keshia Rush, King Bach, Kissy Duerré, and Marlon Palmer. The award allows fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators. The winner will be announced during The Legacy Awards on September 25 on CBC and CBC Gem. Visit vote.blackacademy.ca for more details.

In its inaugural year, The Legacy Awards is a tribute-style award show honouring both established Black Canadian talent and rising stars. Award recipients are decided upon by The Legacy Awards’ Advisory Committee comprised of industry specialists in music, film, TV, and pop culture and The Black Academy. In subsequent years, nominees and award recipients will be decided by members of The Black Academy. Information about award categories for The 2023 Legacy Awards, membership, and the submission process will be announced in the coming months.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company); David F. Mewa is the showrunner; Tanisha Scott is the creative director and co-multi camera director; Jordan Rudder is the talent producer. Daniel Abrams and Norbert Abrams also serve as executive producers. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports and Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content. The 2022 edition of The Legacy Awards marks the first of an exclusive three-year partnership with CBC.

Program, a training program for Black Canadians looking to gain experience in the business and art of television production, has launched. Through immersive on-the-job training, upskilling, career development, mentorship, networking, and knowledge sharing, The Black Academy Skills Development Program aims to foster the professional growth of Black Canadians in the screen-based industry.

Currently, 15 participants are registered in the program across five streams which cover business affairs, editing, post-production, wardrobe, talent producing, story producing, line producing, and audio. Each trainee receives hands-on training and participates in a bespoke program tailored to their individual skills, previous experience, and career goals. The participants are paid during their training to work on productions including The Legacy Awards. Onyka Gairey is the Project Management Coordinator. The program is the result of a partnership between The Black Academy and Insight Productions.

“We’re thrilled to work with Onyka and Insight to ensure the next generation of Black Canadians are receiving the real-world training they need to jumpstart and excel in their television careers,” said Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder of The Black Academy. “What distinguishes The Black Academy Skills Development Program is the degree to which we’re able to really customize the training and networking opportunities to suit each individual so that they can emerge from the program with demonstrable skills and contacts in their chosen field. This is what real change looks like.”

Today James and Anderson also announced The Black Academy’s Skills Development Program partners and the partners of The Black Academy.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the partners that came on board in our inaugural year for The Black Academy and for our Skills Development Program,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder of The Black Academy. “These organizations have proven their commitment to the mission of The Black Academy and are making it possible to train and inspire Black Canadian talent.”

The Legacy Awards airs on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT). The live 90-minute telecast is the first major Canadian award show to celebrate and showcase Black talent and will be broadcast from Live Nation Canada’s newest entertainment venue HISTORY, in Toronto. The telecast features performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent. Previously announced performers include Jully Black; Deborah Cox; Keysha Freshh; Izzy-S; Kardinal Offishall; SATE; Savannah Ré; and DJ 4KORNERS. King Bach, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean; and media personalities Arisa Cox, Brandon Gonez, Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Amanda Parris, and Odario Williams.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company); David F. Mewa is the showrunner; Tanisha Scott is the creative director and co-multi camera director; Jordan Rudder is the talent producer. Daniel Abrams and Norbert Abrams also serve as executive producers. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports and Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content. The 2022 edition of The Legacy Awards marks the first of an exclusive three-year partnership with CBC.

– David F. Mewa on board as showrunner, Tanisha Scott is the creative director, head choreographer, and co-multi camera director –

TORONTO, September 1, 2022 – Founders of The Black Academy and now hosts of The Legacy Awards, Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, alongside Insight Productions, showrunner David F. Mewa, and CBC today announced the preliminary lineup of presenters and performers for the inaugural edition of The Black Academy’s award show. Many of Canada’s most exciting Black music artists including Jully Black; Deborah Cox; Keysha Freshh; Izzy-S; Kardinal Offishall; SATE; Savannah Ré; and DJ 4KORNERS are set to perform. To date, the presenter lineup includes comedian/actor King Bach, TRH Michaëlle Jean; and media personalities Arisa Cox, Brandon Gonez, Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Amanda Parris, and Odario Williams. The complete lineup of award recipients, performers, and presenters as well as public ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. The Legacy Awards airs on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT). The live 90-minute telecast is the first major Canadian award show to celebrate and showcase Black talent and will be broadcast from Live Nation Canada’s newest entertainment venue HISTORY, in Toronto. The telecast features performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent.

“Putting together this celebration of Black Canadian talent is a labour of love and I’m honoured to have been invited to helm this epic undertaking,” said David F. Mewa, Showrunner, The Legacy Awards. “A ton of care and thought has gone into creating the inaugural edition of The Legacy Awards and I think Canadians will be very inspired by what they see. It’s going to be seismic.”

David F. Mewa (CBC Music Backstage Pass; MTV Hip Hop My House; Scott’s Vacation House Rules), the showrunner for The Legacy Awards, has directed long-form live music specials, lifestyle series, branded digital content, and award-winning music videos for major label and indie acts. He has produced, directed, and photographed projects for broadcasters and streamers including CBC, HBO, MTV, HGTV, and PARAMOUNT+. Tanisha Scott is The Legacy Awards’ creative director, head choreographer, and co-multi camera director. Scott is an award-winning creative who has collaborated with Beyoncé, Rihanna, H.E.R., Coldplay, Jay-Z, Lizzo, Cardi B., and many, many more. Jordan Rudder (2022 JUNO Awards; Canada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown; Canada’s Walk of Fame; Battle of The Blades; Big Brother Canada) is The Legacy Awards’ talent producer. In addition to managing talent relations on behalf of Insight and The Black Academy, Rudder has played an instrumental role on The Legacy Awards working in a variety of capacities since its inception.

Voting for The Legacy Awards’ Digital Creator Fan Choice Award reopens on September 6 and closes Friday, September 23. The Digital Creator Fan Choice Award allows fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators. The winner will be announced during The Legacy Awards on September 25 on CBC and CBC Gem. Visit vote.blackacademy.ca for more details.

In its inaugural year, The Legacy Awards is a tribute-style award show honouring both established Black Canadian talent and rising stars. Award recipients are decided upon by The Legacy Awards’ Advisory Committee comprised of industry specialists in music, film, TV, and pop culture and The Black Academy. In subsequent years, nominees and award recipients will be decided by members of The Black Academy. Information about award categories for The 2023 Legacy Awards, membership, and the submission process will be announced in the coming months.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company); David F. Mewa is the showrunner; Tanisha Scott is the creative director, head choreographer, and co-multi camera director; Jordan Rudder is the talent producer. Daniel Abrams and Norbert Abrams also serve as executive producers. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports and Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content. The 2022 edition of The Legacy Awards marks the first of an exclusive three-year partnership with CBC.

“When Stephan and I were thinking about a name for the award show, we really wanted it to convey something big and lasting – it’s about creating a legacy for this and future generations of Black Canadians,” said Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “We want viewers to recognize and appreciate how much Black talent there is in this country and to be inspired by all the nominees and award recipients for years to come.”

“When we walked into HISTORY for the first time we were totally blown away and after months of discussions, everything immediately started to feel real,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “It’s a very cool, very state-of-the-art venue, but also really intimate. HISTORY is the perfect home for The Legacy Awards and we can’t wait to work with our partners at Insight on the look of the show.”

“We are excited to offer a nationwide platform for The Legacy Awards, as The Black Academy makes history this September,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “All of Canada is invited to participate in this celebration of Black talent and achievement, and we look forward to collaborating with the Black Academy and Insight to produce an inspiring and dynamic award show.”

The Black Academy, Insight Productions, and CBC are committed to hiring Black senior staff and crew members for The Legacy Awards. Insight Productions continues to accept résumés from those who have a passion for live events and award shows at BlackAwardShowResumes@insighttv.com.

“In addition to The Legacy Awards, we have other incredibly important initiatives and we’re very grateful to everyone who has come on board early to support the organization on a year-round basis, helping us to empower Black talent,” said Martha Hagos, Executive Director of The Black Academy. “The Black Academy is at the forefront of a cultural shift in Canada and we continue to call on other forward-looking organizations to aid us in this challenge.”

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company). For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports and Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content. Daniel Abrams and Norbert Abrams also serve as executive producers. The 2022 edition of The Legacy Awards marks the first of an exclusive three-year partnership with CBC.

The Black Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support of eOne Canada and Bell Media which support The Black Academy’s year-round operations.