Narrative Shift

After a long period as a lawyer, Floyd Kane actualized his true calling to become the writer and producer he'd always wanted to be. In this episode, Floyd, creator of the acclaimed Diggstown series, describes how he overcame the roadblocks that have typically frustrated the careers of Black creatives and the factors and people that helped propel him forward. All too aware of the many people whose careers have been stymied by racism over many decades, Floyd also shares his personal commitment to opening doors and empowering others.Aspiring Black creatives and senior executives who want to support greater inclusion in film and television will gain much from Natasha and Floyd's frank and encouraging conversation.Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-06/ Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/ Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion Strategies Connect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to be inspired by Ella Cooper, award-winning filmmaker, photographer, community builder, and founder of ground-breaking Black Women Film! Canada. In this beautiful conversation with Natasha, Ella reflects on her own journey to filmmaking, the vision behind her photography, why she founded Black Women Film! and how the organization is changing lives. She also shares her creative and healing process, which is both intentional and open to receive from the universe. This conversation will move and encourage anyone who creates art in any form, as well as those who want to spur inclusive change through storytelling and creative expression.Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-05/Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/ Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion Strategies Connect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A trip to the UK in the early 1990s profoundly affected Prem Gill’s understanding of the power of storytelling and how it can shape and change identity. Since then, through her past work creating and launching Telus’ Storyhive Program and as CEO of Creative BC, she’s championed the development of pathways for many filmmakers from diverse communities to tell their own stories and build their careers. In this thoughtful and personal podcast, Prem shares her journey as a leader who both navigates and promotes culture shift within an industry in flux. She also describes her experience of being a racialized leader - including being told she was a diversity hire and having to outperform others’ expectations. If you are a creative industry leader, emerging or established, listen up and gain insights on today’s creative industries from Prem and Natasha, and find out what exactly happened on that UK trip.Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-04/ Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/ Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion Strategies Connect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, Indigenous activist Palexelsiya (Lorelei) Williams felt a deep calling to create a dance to honour Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirited people. That one-off dance sparked a partnership between Palexelsiya’s dance troupe Butterflies in Spirit and Julia Taffe’s Aeriosa Dance Society. This collaboration continues to heal and inspire — they describe their dances as more ceremonies than performances. This deeply moving episode honours all MMIWG2S, their ancestors, the power of creative collaboration, and these two remarkable dance groups. Palexelsiya’s aunt, Belinda Williams, is still missing. Her cousin Tanya Holyk was murdered in 1996. Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-03/ Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/ Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion Strategies Connect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natasha’s conversation with legendary Assistant Director Donald L. Sparks is a masterclass on how to be an inclusive leader. Don is a filmmaker who understands the value of respect, building trust, excellent communication and collaboration, and the importance of power sharing. Don, who has the perfect left and right brain mix to be a consummate AD, also shares the importance of pursuing every new learning opportunity – even after 30 years in the industry. If you want to build a successful and inclusive career in film, regardless of department, but particularly as an AD, tune into this episode of workplace wisdom.Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-02/Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/ Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion Strategies Connect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From an early age, Emmy-nominated Lillian E. Benson has been an acute observer of people and her surroundings. She brings that quality, and many others, to her remarkable work as an acclaimed film editor. Lillian was the first African-American female editor selected for membership in the American Cinema Editors. Her life’s mission has been to contribute to the world through telling authentic stories. In this episode, she shares her approach to storytelling with Natasha and how her experience as a Black working-class woman influenced her journey. This candid and wise conversation about Lillian’s journey in life and the art of editing offers important insights for every filmmaker.Show Notes https://elevate-inclusion.com/episode-01/Podcast page https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/Sponsored by Elevate Inclusion StrategiesConnect with Natasha on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.