Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions By Interns | mentors click here

Frequently Asked Questions By Mentors

Frequently Asked Questions By Interns

What are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines vary from year to year and program to program. Watch our website for upcoming deadlines. Please note applications must be in the CFTPA Ottawa office by 5 p.m. Eastern time on the due date. If you would like to be emailed when a new deadline is posted send your request to: nmp@cftpa.ca

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Can I fax my application package?
Incomplete, faxed, emailed or late applications will not be considered. All applications must arrive to the CFTPA’s Ottawa office by the due date. Applications may also be hand-delivered to CFTPA Ottawa office. Each application package should contain ONE copy of EACH of the required documents as specified on the application form, collated, but not stapled or bonded. If you include audiovisual materials, ensure that each package includes one copy. If you are submitting a joint application with a mentor company or intern respectively, please ensure that the applications arrive in the same package.

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Do I have to find the mentor? If so, how?
Though not mandatory for all programs, it is suggested that candidates find an eligible mentor and submit a joint application. Your application is much more likely to be successful if you apply matched with a mentor company. It’s easy to start your research on the Internet. Remember the mentor must be an eligible CFTPA member; check our GUIDE to see if they’re a member. Once you’ve located the company you’d like to approach, send a resume and offer to volunteer; then submit a joint application for one of our programs.

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If I do not have a birth certificate what can I use for proof of citizenship?
A baptismal certificate or valid passport.
You must have proof of citizenship in order to apply.

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I am not a Canadian citizen, can I apply?
Permanent Residents are eligible as well.

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Are there any age limits to the programs?
There are no age limits for the Atlantic and Telefilm programs.

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Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, you can apply to all of the programs, but they each require four copies of the applications. Make sure you are eligible for each program. Note that you can only participate in a Youth Employment Strategy program once in a lifetime our National Production Program is part of that initiative.

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What is the CFTPA looking for in an intern?
Motivated individuals who are enthusiastic and energetic, and have demonstrated an interest in the industry.

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How will I know if I have been accepted?
If you are selected for a placement you will be notified by phone and email approximately 6 weeks after the deadline has passed. If you were not successful in this round of applications you will be notified by mail within two months after the application deadline.

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What are my chances of landing an internship?
This is a competitive process. We receive over 700 applications a year. The odds vary from program to program, but approximately 4% of the applicants are successful. The odds of your application being successful increase if you apply already matched with a mentor.

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Who are the mentors?
Only CFTPA members can apply to be a mentor. They too are judged by a panel, and not all are successful. In order to apply for an intern, CFTPA member companies must be in an appropriate category of membership.

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Are the intern stipends taxed?
It depends upon the relationship you negotiate with your mentor company and whether you are contractual or an employee.

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What does unemployed or under-employed mean?
You are considered unemployed if you are not performing any activities for which you are receiving remuneration when you apply. If you are working on a term or contract job that ends before the proposed placement begins and if you have no job prospects when you apply, you may also be considered unemployed.

Being underemployed either means that you are working in your field of study but only part-time, or that you are working full or part-time in an area that is not related to your field of study.

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How do you define ethnocultural background?
Ethnic origin refers to the ethnic or cultural origins of the one's ancestors. An ancestor is someone from whom a person is descended and is usually more distant than a grandparent. It refers to a person's 'roots' and should not be confused with his or her citizenship, nationality, language or place of birth.

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Frequently Asked Questions By Mentors

Who can apply to become a mentor?
Only eligible CFTPA members can apply to be mentors. Eligible CFTPA members must fall under one of the following CFTPA categories: general member, service producer, broadcaster affiliate, or publicly traded.

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How do I become a CFTPA member?
Please visit our membership section to become a member or to obtain contact information for membership services.

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What do I have to contribute?
Minimum contribution amounts can be found with the information on each program. These amounts are minimums; mentors can offer a higher contribution to the intern stipend, and are encouraged to do so.

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Does the mentor company have to issue the intern a T4?
All interns should receive either a T4 or a T4A from the mentor company.

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If I apply unmatched how do I get an intern?
If the panel selects your application we will then go to the unmatched interns to find candidates that meet your criteria. We will forward their resumes and ask you to set up interviews. If you do not find a suitable candidate we will forward another selection. You choose the candidate that best fits your company’s needs. CFTPA Mentorship Program staff may participate in your interview process.

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