REPRESENTATION. DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

How important is it to have representation in the Canadian Film industry as a Writer, Actor or Director? When selecting representation what, do Black and Racialized Creatives in the film industry look for in an Agent? Do they make a difference in the number of opportunities provided and in landing the job or role? What do Talent Agents look for when selecting the creative talent they represent and, what advice can they give Black and Racialized Creatives who are looking for representation? This panel will feature established Black industry creatives and well-known talent agents who will discuss all of the above.

Moderator: Jadiel Dowlin: Writer & Actor

Named Playback’s 2021 talent to watch, Jadiel’s journey as an Emmy nominated actor sparked a passion to create captivating content. He’s starred on Nickelodeon, written for Cartoon Network, and Created a YA supernatural tv series in development with CORUS Entertainment’s YTV. At 22, Jadiel is thrilled to lead inclusive initiatives as the youngest Board member of the Youth Media Alliance.

Panellists

Jennifer Irons: Literary Agent, META Talent Agency

Jennifer Irons is an award-winning writer turned talent agent, and the founder of META Talent Agency, the first Black-owned film & TV literary talent agency in Canada. META’s mission is to help discover, nurture, promote, and advance the careers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color writers and directors.

Sohrab Merchant: Literary Agent, The Characters Agency

Sohrab Merchant has been a literary agent at The Characters Talent Agency since 2016 where he represents a diverse group of writers, directors, and key creative department heads in Canada, the United States, and around the world. He currently lives in Toronto with his fiancee and two cats.

Andrew Burrows-Trotman: Writer

Andrew Burrows-Trotman is a graduate of The American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Andrew is currently developing a miniseries based on Lawrence Hill’s acclaimed novel The Illegal with Conquering Lion and CBC and has been in the writer’s room for Frankie Drake (CBC), Diggstown (CBC) and Utopia Falls (Sonar/Hulu). He was recently in the development room for Robyn Hood for Boat Rocker Media and Corus was Consulting Producer on The Porter (CBC) and developing the limited series Undercard for Shaftesbury.

Francine Alfred: Actress, Model & Host Talent Unleashed

Francine Alfred is an actress, model and host who’s been featured in commercials, music videos and print ads in magazines. She is also a proud advocate for diversity and representation. Her company, Talent Unleashed, has organized and hosted actor showcases for some of the top casting directors in North America.