Trans Film Mentorship
What We Do
TFM delivers paid, work-integrated training programs in partnership with film and television productions across Canada. We embed participants directly into real productions - where they gain hands-on experience, build relationships, and develop the skills needed to work and grow in the industry.
Skills building on Set
Before stepping onto set, participants engage in Production Readiness programming designed to build soft skills, emotional resilience, and production knowledge, including set etiquette and protocols. Throughout the program, weekly coaching sessions support self-awareness, learning, and ongoing resilience.
On Set Placement
At the heart of our program is an embedded on-set placement for all participants where they will gain hands-on experience within their selected departments. Over the course of the placement participants will train and work alongside their mentors, gradually increase their responsibilities, and work towards full integration into the crew.
Career Navigation
Our work focuses on more than access. We support career progression, helping participants leverage their work experience to define their career goals, develop a strategy and pursue an action plan.
Other Partnerships
One of TFM’s core principles is responsiveness - developing programming in response to participant and industry needs and opportunities. This means each initiative we launch might have a slightly different structure, outcome or flavour.
We’ve run:
-
documentary internships
-
work-placement opportunities
-
one-on-one mentorships
-
Industry pass programs to top tier film festivals like TIFF and Berlinale
Want to work with us?
We partner with production companies to create meaningful, work-integrated training opportunities for trans and non-binary creatives.
Our programs are built in collaboration with each production company. We bring the training model, participant support, and program design while our partners provide the real-world environment where learning happens and administrative support.
TFM programs are typically co-financed - with both the production company and TFM taking a shared responsibility for funding.
We prioritize partnerships with productions that run for a minimum of three weeks and are able to support at least five mentees.
Our Approach
We are highly collaborative and are ready to adapt our program structure to the capacity and needs of each production.
Together, we will:
-
Identify which departments will host participants
-
Match mentees to roles based on interest, readiness, and capacity
-
Align on schedules, expectations, and support needs
-
To ensure a strong and supportive experience, all partner productions participate in mandatory trans-inclusivity training for cast and crew and commit to fostering a respectful, team-based learning environment.
Each program is tailored to the production, and typically includes:
-
Production Readiness Training before mentees step on set
-
On-set placements (typically 5–8 weeks)
-
A general structure of 4 days on set + 1 day dedicated to coaching and support
-
Weekly coaching sessions and ongoing check-ins
We are active partners throughout - supporting both participants and production teams to ensure a smooth, meaningful experience for all.
Get in touch!
If you have a production that seems like a good fit for the TFM, please get in touch!
Email us at tfm@transfilmmentorship.com.