Refractions Workshop Series

Welcome to Refractions: Shifting Perspectives in Filmmaking—a workshop series equipping creators who have been historically under-represented with the skills to make their mark in an evolving film industry. Designed to amplify their voices to showcase fresh perspectives and more inclusive stories.

Participant Eligibility: This workshop is designed for under-represented and marginalized community members, such as women and gender-diverse people, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, Disabled, and Neurodivergent people. We are using the honour system, so please consider whether this is the right fit for you before purchasing your ticket.

 

Please note: GEMS Vancouver reserves the right to cancel the workshop (with a full refund) if there is not a sufficient number of registrations 1 week prior to the workshop date.

Upcoming Workshop

Directing Intensive Workshop

GEMS is offering a brand new Directing Intensive Workshop for female and gender diverse directors to level up their craft. Unfolding over two exciting weekends, this series introduces participants to a Director’s journey from prep, through production and to delivery. Learn what really belongs in your director’s toolkit and accelerate your craft by learning the technicalities of working with professional crews. This workshop is especially designed to support emerging directors to prepare for their first professional job. We will be covering technical and theoretical content, and participants will receive a completion certificate. Featuring guest instructors and industry experts, this four-day workshop will provide hands on-training, masterclasses with agents and union representatives, as well as community building with your local filmmakers.

Please note there will be a charge for this workshop of $499/person, with five scholarship spots available for people from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.

Stay tuned for registration information!

 

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Telefilm Canada, with support from UBCP / ACTRA and additional support from PLAY Management Inc. and Kris and Kara Casting.

Workshop Dates

Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, November 23
Weekend 1
Saturday, November 29 - Sunday, November 30
Weekend 2

Scholarships

We welcome expressions of interest for up to two free scholarship spots – please fill out this form to enter the lottery for a scholarship spot.

Past Workshops

Publicity & Marketing for Film & TV with Nicola Pender, Q&A by Janet Smith, cofounder and editorial director of Stir Vancouver (May 24, 2025)

Breaking In & Standing Out: Writing a TV Movie in a Changing Market with Roslyn Muir (February 1, 2025)