WOMEN IN FILM CHICAGO MISSION:

Women in Film Chicago (WIF Chicago) is a nonprofit membership organization for all creative content

professionals. With a focus on driving the advancement of women in this industry, WIF Chicago provides a

dynamic network to facilitate the exchange of ideas and opportunities and builds a solid educational platform

to accelerate the professional development of our members.

THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:

The WIFC Mentorship Program nurtures emerging and transitioning talent by pairing these individuals with

established professionals and industry leaders.

WIFC believes these mutually beneficial relationships will assist in developing and stimulating the Chicago

production industry while furthering our educational mission.

Eligibility: Applicants must be current members of Women in Film Chicago at the time of the application and

maintain membership through the duration of the program. Additionally, applicants must fall into one of the

following categories.

Emerging Talent:

You are considered Emerging Talent if you

• Are a student graduating from a college or university by December 31, 2011

or

• Have been working in the industry less than 2 years as of the Application Deadline

Transitional Talent:

You are considered Transitional Talent if you

• Have worked in the industry 2-10 years and want a mentor in your current career path or

• Are looking to change career direction and can show serious prior effort to prepare for that change.

After reviewing the applications, the WIFC Mentorship committee will schedule in-person interviews with

the most promising applicants. Once selected, each mentee will be introduced to a carefully selected mentor1,

and the two should then arrange to meet monthly for 6 months.

The goal of the Mentorship Program is NOT to provide jobs. It is to give promising people in the industry

access to advice and guidance. Mentees can expect to gain a general knowledge of what their mentor does,

how she (or he) got started in the industry and learn general tips on navigating the industry.

The WIFC Mentorship Committee will periodically check in with participants to offer assistance and gather

feedback.

Every effort will be made to find an appropriate Mentor, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2011

Applicant Interviews: Date to be determined

Final Selection and Introductions: Date to be determined

A P P L I C A T I O N F O R M E N T O R S H I P P R O G R A M

The application must include:

• Your Contact Information • Your Resume

• Statement of Interest • One letter of Reference

Your application may include:

• Sample of your work (e.g. non-returnable portfolio, demo reel, or writing samples)

Website links are acceptable

• Requests for specific Mentors, include contact information if available

( Name someone in the media industry, and we will attempt to reach them on your behalf.)

Please complete every section of the online application and email reference letters to: mentorship@wifchicago.org