The goal of CISF’s Business Affairs Programs is to fill the gaps in business knowledge and capacity for BPOC producers and production companies. Through these programs, participants learn about the various aspects of running a production company and gain real-world experience in legal and business affairs. In addition to the programs free resources include business affairs templates, release forms, crew agreements licensing templates. These are available under the ‘Resources’ tab.
Business Programs include:
Following a strong inaugural year in 2025, with 80% of interns securing employment at the conclusion of their placements, CISF launched Year Two of the CISF Business Internship Program in March of 2026. This program is a tangible outcome of CISF Business Affairs’ goal of increasing production company capacity and job creation for BPOC producers. It is part of our broader strategy to strengthen the business infrastructure supporting BPOC-owned production companies. By connecting emerging business professionals with production companies for hands-on training, we are investing in long-term industry capacity and sustainability. Interns are involved in multiple projects, gaining skills such as budgeting and financing for development, legal and insurance contracts, and other business paperwork. The program is further bolstered by our Business Webinars, virtually conducted by specialist Elisabeth-Ann Gimber, which provide detailed learning modules that are in-sync with the in-person training.
The Business Bootcamp: Building Your Business Affairs Foundation, a six-session intensive led by seasoned industry veteran Elisabeth-Ann Gimber, occurred between the months of January and February 2026. Using real-world examples, this bootcamp walked participants through the entire lifecycle of a project – from conception and development, to pre-production, production and post-production, right up to final delivery. This program was specifically aimed at helping creators to further develop their current projects and scale their projects, bookkeepers entering the screen-based industry and recent film/media graduates who require a 360° view of project management to prepare them for the next phase.
Michelle Wong’s online interactive teaching series, Business Affairs: Learn by Doing, does a deep dive into the business of production. Through three informative sessions, this workshop explores the world of budgets, financing, cost reports and accounting. This series is available exclusively under ‘Resources’.
Led by award-winning producer Sidney Chiu, the Business Affairs: Basics online series, introduces participants to the basic business needs of a production. This workshop walks participants through development and financing, as well as production and distribution for both feature films and television. This series is also available exclusively under ‘Resources’.
CISF also helps BPOC producers in need of Business Affairs support via one-on-one business clinics. Through this program, CISF first evaluates the producer’s needs and then pairs them with an industry professional to offer practical guidance and advice on specific needs, including budgets, financing scenarios, cost reports, recoupment, interim financing, tax credit calculations, and more.
Up to date information on our latest program offerings.