February 21, 2012, Edmonton – The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) and Crossroads Television System (CTS), are pleased to announce the creation of the AMPIA/CTS Mentorship Program. AMPIA and CTS both recognize the importance of on-the-job training in the development of professionals in Alberta’s film and television production industry.  Thanks to funding from CTS, AMPIA is pleased to offer an annual Mentorship Program, whereby individuals are able to receive “hands-on” training experience working with experienced professionals in their chosen field of film and television production.

This program is designed to enable interns to receive new training opportunities for a designated production position in which they have no previous experience. This program is not intended to augment production budgets. Internships can take place anytime from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. The deadline for applications is Friday March 30^th at 4:00pm.  AMPIA Producer Members are invited to apply by submitting an application form, available on our website: www.ampia.org

The program will run for two years, from 2012 - 2014. In 2012, up to three mentorships opportunities are available. The program will provide a maximum of $4,000 per individual intern/trainee. Producer member applicants must contribute 50 percent of the trainee’s total salary, matching the amount contributed by the mentorship program.

Once an application is approved by a jury comprised of CTS and AMPIA representatives, 50 percent of the total grant will be advanced to the Producer. The balance of the mentorship grant will be paid upon completion of the training period and following receipt of the completed claim forms and evaluation forms from both the Producer (Mentor) and the Intern, detailing the benefits to both the production company and the Intern.

 Visit www.ampia.org for details and application forms.

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 For more information about this release, please contact:

Bill Evans, Executive Director

Alberta Media Production Industries Association

PH: 780 944-0707

E-mail: bevans@ampia.org

#318, 8944 – 182 Street

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

T5T 2E3

Carolyn Innis, Communications                                  

Crossroads Television System  

PH: 905 331-7333 ext. 2265

E-mail: cinnis@ctstv.com

1295 North Service Road

Burlington, Ontario, Canada

L7R 4X5

About Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA):

AMPIA is a not-for-profit professional service organization serving the screen-based production industries in the province of Alberta.  The mandate of AMPIA is to promote and support the growth of screen-based production activities within Alberta. This is accomplished through the provision of services in the following areas: Communications, Professional Development, Marketing, Membership Services and Advocacy. The Association has approximately 200 members and member companies, representing an estimated 2,200 industry professionals – a cross-section that includes producers, directors, screenwriters, performers, craftspeople, distributors, exhibitors, broadcasters, suppliers, lawyers, digital and web-based content creators and students enrolled in film and media studies. www.ampia.org

About Crossroads Television System (CTS):

CTS is a Canadian leader in faith-based and balanced programming, operating stations in Burlington, Calgary and Edmonton with repeater transmitters in London and Ottawa. CTS creates television and other powerful visual media that can educate, entertain and inspire through positive, superior quality content. CTS features a range of entertaining and inspirational programs, including faith and values content based on biblical principles. Like many Canadians, CTS shares the concern about the decline in quality family programming and is taking a stand to ensure a place for trustworthy, safe television in Canada. www.ctstv.com