Meet the Industry Stakeholder Organizations

Unions & Guilds

ACTRA Manitoba

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is the national union of professional performers in English-language recorded media, including TV, film, radio and digital media. ACTRA Manitoba has a membership including actors, singers, stunt performers, dancers, voice specialists and others.

DGC Manitoba

The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization that represents key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. DGC Manitoba represents members locally in the areas of direction, production, locations, accounting and editing.

IATSE Local 856

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is a labour union made up of specialty artists, technicians and freelance craft workers across North America. IATSE Local 856 represents freelance specialty artists, technicians and crafts workers in the Manitoba motion picture industry.

ICG 669

The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) 669 is a branch of IATSE that represents camera personnel involved in motion picture, film, digital, internet and television production in Western Canada. The ICG 669 membership is involved in all aspects of film and television that pertain to the camera.

Government Agencies and Offices

Manitoba Film and Music

Manitoba Film and Music (MFM) is the provincial film commission and the first point of contact for production inquiries regarding filming in the province. MFM provides location packages, scouting services and information on tax credits, crew, infrastructure and more. MFM administers the Manitoba Film & Video Production Tax Credit on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and delivers film funding and equity programs.

Manitoba Film Liaison Office

The Manitoba Film Liaison Office provides access to all provincial government facilities: buildings, sites, hospitals, highways, parks and crown lands. It works with the Manitoba Film Commission, the Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office and location managers to facilitate filming requests, from initial location scouting to negotiating facility use agreements. It is also the first point of contact for filming requests related to municipalities outside Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office

The Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office is committed to promoting and facilitating filming in Winnipeg, ranging from small independent films and documentaries to big-budget Academy Award-winning studio productions. Whether it’s finding the perfect urban location, getting permits to film a streetscape or renting a fire truck, its staff have decades of experience in the industry and the civic contacts you need to make your project a success.

Town of Churchill Film Liaison

The Town of Churchill has a strong understanding of the need for balance regarding the rights and wishes of our citizens and the unique requirements of the film industry. Most importantly, The Town of Churchill recognizes that safety and security is of utmost importance. Churchill’s remote location and curious wildlife makes them a one-of-a-kind filming location with a variety of different safety procedures.

Training Organizations

Film Training Manitoba

Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a non-profit sector council that provides a range of in-person and online courses, including some which are required for membership in ICG 669, ACTRA Manitoba and DGC Manitoba. FTM offers courses, workshops, masterclasses, and on-the-job training programs through internships and mentorships.

National Screen Institute – Canada

National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is the only national training organization in Western Canada for writers, directors and producers in film, television and digital media. Based in Winnipeg, it provides training, development and production support, exposure, resources and support to film, television, and digital media industry members.

Associations & Collectives

On Screen Manitoba

On Screen Manitoba (OSM) is a non-profit member-driven industry association. As the provincial media production industry association, OSM advocates locally and nationally for a positive filming environment in Manitoba. It represents all components of the industry including production companies, unions, service suppliers, film commissions, training organizations, film festivals, writers, directors, producers and other industry professionals. OSM connects its members to each other and to information and resources to help them develop projects, build their business, prepare for production and develop their career.

Winnipeg Film Group

The Winnipeg Film Group (WFG) is an artist-run education, production, exhibition and distribution centre committed to promoting the art of the moving image. The WFG supports filmmakers, engages the community and expands the appreciation of independent cinema. It provides a platform for expression to a wide range of voices and approaches.

Video Pool Media Arts Centre

Video Pool Media Arts Centre (VP) is an arts organization dedicated to the exploration of technology-based art. It provides access to equipment and facilities for production, post-production and creative exploration through rentals, residencies, and training opportunities, as well as exhibitions, screenings, performances and the distribution of video art and new media.

Documentary Organization of Canada

The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) is the collective voice of Canada’s independent documentary creators. DOC’s national office leads on research and advocacy work that strengthens the ecosystem for documentary production. DOC chapters provide community support, professional development and networking opportunities.

OurToba Film Network

OurToba Film Network is a community organization connecting, inspiring, promoting, and educating women, non-binary, and gender-diverse Manitobans in film. At its core, OurToba is a network built as a safe environment focused on respect, support, and privacy.

Indigenous Filmmakers Association

The Indigenous Filmmakers Association (IFA) is a non-profit collective group of Indigenous filmmakers working to grow the Indigenous film community in Winnipeg & Manitoba. IFA produces the Indigenous Film Summit, an annual conference aimed at emerging and professional indigenous directors, writers and producers.

Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective

The Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective is a dynamic collective of Indigenous filmmakers from Winnipeg, driven by a shared mission to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Through thought-provoking storytelling, their films challenge stereotypes and amplify Indigenous voices, bringing to life the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.