Business Affairs Workshops for Emerging Producers and Filmmakers

Designed for emerging producers and filmmakers, this evening workshop series provides clear, practical guidance on key business and legal considerations in media production. Sessions support sustainable production planning and help participants navigate industry processes with confidence.

This training program is offered in partnership with the Winnipeg Film Group.

What you’ll gain

A clear understanding of legal frameworks, tax credits, and production company structure
Practical skills in budget development and pitch preparation
Awareness of key funding opportunities and management tools
New connections with industry professionals, funders, and peers
More efficient production planning through clearer budgets and processes
Greater confidence navigating business and legal aspects of media production

Program Schedule

Session 1: Intro to Business Affairs

This introductory session offers a practical overview of core business affairs topics in media production, including legal considerations and company structure.

Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: RRC Polytech
Instructors:
- Hannah Johnson - Head of Business Affairs and Producer at Eagle Vision, and Partner in Good Faith Business Affairs
- Shawn McGrath - Director, Business & Legal Affairs, Frantic Films

Session 2: Film Production Tax Credits

Learn how tax credits fit into film production planning, with guidance on permit and insurance requirements you need to know before production begins.

Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: RRC Polytech
Instructors:
- Brian Clasper - Director of Film Financing & Tax Credits, Manitoba Film and Music
- Tyson Poshtar - Tax Credit & Deeming Analyst, Manitoba Film and Music
- Adam Shalaby - Commercial Relationship Manager, RBC

Session 3: Building a production budget
Work through the key elements of a production budget and learn how to plan costs clearly and realistically for your project.

Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: RRC Polytech
Instructors:
- Liz Jarvis - Senior Vice President, Buffalo Gal Pictures
- Adam Shalaby - Commercial Relationship Manager, RBC

Session 4: Permits and Insurances

Get a clear overview of permit and insurance requirements and how they fit into day-to-day media production planning.

Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: RRC Polytech
Instructors:
- Shelly Anthis - Film Liaison, Film Office, City of Winnipeg
- Jocelyn Mitchell - Senior Policy Analyst, Creative Industries and Film Liaison
- Sandy Taronno - Commercial Account Executive, HUB International
- Steve Watson - Locations Manager

Session 5: Funding Opportunities and Pitch Development

Learn about key funding opportunities and how to refine your pitch to align with jury criteria.

Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: RRC Polytech
Instructors:
- Rebecca Gibson - Co-Owner, Producer, Writer, Director, Series Creator, Showrunner, Eagle Vision
- Hannah Johnson - Head of Business Affairs and Producer at Eagle Vision, and Partner in Good Faith Business Affairs

Note: This workshop series was last offered in February 2025.

Who should attend?

Emerging producers and filmmakers
Production managers and production coordinators
Location managers
All department heads and accounting

Pricing

Cost Per Session

OSM and WFG members: $20 + GST

Non-members: $35 + GST

Full Series Package

OSM and WFG members: $70 + GST
Non-members: $150 + GST (includes one-year membership starting April 1)

If cost is a barrier—particularly for individuals from underrepresented or equity-deserving communities—we’re happy to explore flexible payment options with you. Please reach out to Peter Nielsen, Programs Coordinator: peter@onscreenmanitoba.com.

Register Now

Business Affairs Workshops for Emerging Producers and Filmmakers in partnership with the Winnipeg Film Group