Swim Dock Studios

Swim Dock Studios DEI Policy 

PURPOSE:

Swim Dock Studios is committed to promoting and supporting Canadian talent and stories – opening up the world of Canadian Media to all. As a women-owned and led business, we believe strongly in the importance of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. 

CONTEXT:

We know that film and television has a long history of racism & exclusion.  As recently as 2017, the CRTC asked Canadians to rate their level of agreement with the statement: “Canadian television is becoming a mirror in which all Canadians can see themselves.” From coast to coast to coast, participants were more likely to disagree than agree with the CRTC’s statement. This data helps define our problem as an industry. 

As acknowledged by the CMF, “The longstanding systemic racism and other forms of discrimination in Canadian society, and in the screen industry, were fully exposed in 2020.” In Canada, it is critically important to also specifically acknowledge the past colonial harms towards Indigenous people and work towards reconciliation.

A conscious effort and policy must be in place to move forward while respecting the past and recognizing the long shadow of violence on this land. 

INTENT:

We know that we can make better content when everyone has a seat at the table. We aim to champion, uplift and embrace all voices. At Swim Dock Studios we are committed to ensuring:

  1. Our On-Screen approach to storytelling addresses under-representation in a meaningful, multi-dimensional, and non-stereotypical way.
  2. Our leadership team and crews reflect the diverse makeup of Canada; and industry-wide development of new crew through mentorship and paid-training opportunities. 
  3. Our shows are accessible to the widest possible audience and target new viewers to increase Audience Development, with quality captioning and visual description.
  4. Proactive Partnerships with organizations that work with under-represented communities within the Canadian media industry by supporting their work through intentional partnerships and financial contributions. 
  5. Specific support for Indigenous creators and forms of storytelling.

KPIs: 

As the Canadian industry works on creating an industry-standard DEI benchmark, we look to the BFI to create our targets and goals. We are also committed to ensuring that the overall make-up of the our project’s teams (in front and behind the camera) meets one, or more, of the following targets:

  • A 50-50 gender balance
  • 30% target for those identifying as belonging to an under-represented ethnic group
  • 10% LGBTQIA+ (including those outside the gender binary)
  • 18% target for those identifying as D/deaf and disabled* 

* Including those with a longstanding physical or mental condition and those identifying as D/deaf or neurodiverse.

Overall, we are constantly learning and growing and commit to evolve our DEI commitments and keep up with best practices. 

Last Updated: Dec 2023