RBC and RBC Foundation have been longstanding partners of the CFC, generously supporting the CBC Actors Conservatory and Norman Jewison Film Program through RBC Emerging Artists.

We are so grateful for their continued commitment to Canadian creators, and for investing in the next generation of Canadian storytellers through their support of these important programs. Learn more about RBC and RBC Foundation and their support of the CFC in this spotlight.

Answers provided by Stephanie Lupinacci, Senior Manager, Sustainability & Social Impact, RBC and RBC Foundation.

RBC and RBC Foundation have supported the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) since 1992, including the CBC Actors Conservatory since 2016 and the Norman Jewison Film Program since 2022. Why is it important for you to support organizations like the CFC?

RBC is committed to equipping the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future – that’s why it is so important for us to support organizations like the Canadian Film Centre, which empowers culturally diverse Canadian talent and advances opportunities for them in the screen industry. Emerging artists, such as film directors, writers, editors, producers and actors, need career launch support and easy access to professional training to navigate the industry. Calling card productions and “proof of concept” talent showcases, coordinated by organizations like CFC, are also critical for networking opportunities as these are supported, developed and produced collaboratively with screen industry professionals.

RBC and RBC Foundation have a long-standing commitment to supporting the arts. Why is supporting and empowering Canadian creators and content so important?

RBC has a long and demonstrated commitment to supporting the arts because we recognize the important role artists play in building vibrant communities and strong economies. Creatives are critical to cultural and artistic expression in countries where we do business. The arts also help to create employment opportunities, enabling equitable prosperity while advancing the development of key skills needed to compete and win in the global economy such as creativity, imagination and communication.

What are three qualities you think make for exciting and innovative entertainment/content?

That’s a difficult question as there are so many important aspects. If I were to boil it down, it would be:

1.   A good storyline is at the core of all great content creation, one that is relevant to our current climate and forces us to ponder and expand our thinking. A good storyline can lay the groundwork for a good script which then leads to a strong screenplay.

2.  Diverse and interesting characters and voices. When paired with proper casting, strong characters bring a story to life.

3.  Background score and music are a catalyst, helping to bridge the storyline and characters with the audience and their emotions. The right music can reflect the tone and feel of the scene in such a special and profound way. I often love a film or production due to its score or soundtrack.

Where do you think the screen-based entertainment industry is headed next?

Across all industries, we are closely watching the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it impacts, improves and changes our day-to-day lives. Although the intuitive and emotional human aspect of art cannot be replicated, it will be interesting to see how the development of AI will shift screen-based entertainment. There will certainly be an increase of digital interconnectivity, where various forms of media and entertainment technology will be integrated for richer experiences and exciting transformations. In many ways, this fusion of art and technology will serve to democratize art, generate more interactive experiences, data-driven personalization, and global connectivity. The bigger question is how this will affect creators, their careers, and the industry at large.

Share this post: