December 15, 2022 – Supported by the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation and the Sony Global Social Justice Fund, a new charitable organization, The Foundation of Cinematography, has been set up to reduce barriers to the film and television industry, especially those faced by marginalized and underrepresented communities.
“We’ve needed something like this for a long time,” says Paul Bronfman, Chairman/CEO Comweb Corp., Co-chairman/Senior Advisor, William F. White International Inc. and Chairman, Pinewood Toronto Studios Inc.
A stalwart supporter of the industry, who has a personal love for cinematography, Bronfman says, “We needed a way for philanthropy to be directed towards the essential education, training and outreach work needed to give young people from underrepresented communities access to the many hundreds and thousands of well- paying jobs that exist in the film and television industry, especially the camera arts.”
Many in the film and television industry are working on equity and access issues, but ways to contribute philanthropically have been limited.
“Sony is so proud to be part of the thriving Canadian camera arts industry and excited to support The Foundation of Cinematography through the Sony Global Social Justice Fund, as the Foundation creates new opportunities for students and organizations, particularly those in underrepresented communities.” says Mark Saddleton, Head of Country for Sony Electronics in Canada.
The Sony Global Social Justice Fund was created in June 2020 to support social justice, equal rights and anti-racist initiatives around the world, and is part of its commitment to support communities and help address structural inequality for lasting change.
The purpose of The Foundation of Cinematography is to advance education by providing workshops, classes, seminars, conferences, training programs, and educational aids, on subjects relating to cinematography and the camera arts, especially in underrepresented communities. It also provides, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance for students to attend further training in cinematography in the camera arts and gifts to qualified groups who are working to advance education in the camera arts. It will run its own programs as well as drawing on the expertise that currently exists in the field.
For more information about The Foundation of Cinematography, visit the website. If you would like to make a donation to the foundation, please visit Canada Helps.
For more information, please contact:
Gail Picco | gail@foundationofcinematography.ca | 416-799-1993
Paul Bronfman | paul@comwebmail.com
Mark Saddleton | Mark.Saddleton@sony.com