Creative Pathways™ opens doors for new and emerging professionals by connecting them with partner productions and studios for paid, entry-level, below-the-line roles on set.
Setwork is focused solely on supporting those who face systemic barriers to access.
How it works
Start Here
Creative Pathways™ works with a partnering production/studio to understand the needs of their film or television project (such as department openings, number of recruits they are looking for, qualifications, etc.).
Recruit
Candidates are recruited by the Creative Pathways™ team. The production/studio selects a representative to review the shortlisted candidates.
Select
The representative selects the candidates they wish to hire to work on set.
Hire
Hired candidates are welcomed by production/employer and union or guild who share responsibility for orientation, on the job training and mentorship.
Work
Candidates work on set within the department they were selected for. Their work days are determined by the needs of the production. Creative Pathways™ checks in with the production and Setwork hires both during and after production to gather feedback on the experience.
That's a Wrap!
Hired candidates offer feedback about their work experience through confidential surveys and anonymized reports are shared with production/employer and union or guild for continuous improvement and learning.
Eligibility
To participate in and apply for this opportunity, applicants must:
- Self-identify as belonging to one or more systemically excluded group: Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, Women, Non-binary, people with disabilities
- Be 19+ years of age
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Be residents of British Columbia
- Have a driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to get them to and from work
- Be committed to working in a below-the-line crew role in film and television
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a systemically excluded group?
Systemically excluded groups include:
- Indigenous
- Black
- People of Colour
- LGBTQ2S+
- Women
- Non-binary
- People with disabilities
I don’t have any experience in film, can I still apply?
People without experience in film are welcome to apply, however, Setwork is a competitive process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to gain some experience in film to have a general understanding of the rhythm and flow of physical production. See “Finding Work” for more information, resources, and tips.
What departments can I work in?
The departments and number of openings available will depend on the needs of each production. Most Setwork opportunities are in the Locations department as Production Assistants.
Does Setwork guarantee me work?
Setwork is the recruiting partner, not the hirer.
The production/studio is the hirer, and work opportunities will depend on the needs of the production. Work is not guaranteed, so having a flexible work schedule that can accommodate day calls is an important consideration when applying for Setwork, and for working in the film industry in general.
Most roles in Setwork are for Production Assistants. To understand what working as a Production Assistant looks like, access these resources:
How is my information being protected?
These links explain how we protect your privacy and why we collect personal information:
Collaborate with us to launch a Setwork opportunity today!
Does your production have capacity for up to 5 individuals who could gain experience as part of your crew? Creative Pathways™ wants to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
A Filmmaker’s Bootcamp: A Q+A with Setwork Alumni Tina Nowarre
There’s no fixed route into film and television, especially when you graduate into a global pandemic and find your footing during a historic industry shutdown. For one Vancouver-based creative, those early hurdles didn’t deter, they became the groundwork for a flexible, multidisciplinary career built on persistence, curiosity, and a deep respect for the collaborative engine that powers every production. Meet program alumni Tina Nowarre to discuss how Setwork shaped her journey.
