As part of the Industry programming, TIFF brought back its TIFF Series Accelerator programme this year. The programme, presented by Canada Media Fund, was set up to provide mentorship for eight emerging Canadian series-creator teams from under-represented communities to refine their pitches and develop a business plan for their projects.

Here I spotlight series creators Cory Bowles and Cazhhmere Downey whose concept series Out of Pocket was one of the eight projects selected to participate in this year’s programme.

Cory Bowles is a four-time Canadian Screen Award nominee, he works as a director, producer, writer, and choreographer for stage, television, and screen. Cazhhmere Downey is an international award-winning director. With more than 200 videos under her belt, she has directed artists ranging from Kardinal Offishall to the Backstreet Boys.

The TIFF Series Accelerator programme was a two-day mentorship intensive with two priorities: refining the pitch and project materials with mentorship from a pitch coach and industry professionals; and developing ideas and strategies for finding international partners and moving projects forward.

Curious about this side of TIFF, I spoke with Cory and Cazh about their experience. Take a listen to our conversation to learn more about their work and their series, Out of Pocket.