Peter Smoczynski on independent filmmaking, risk, and the value of a freelancers’ union
by Rachel Sanders Peter Smoczynski says that joining the Canadian Media Guild’s freelance branch was a turning point in the production of his latest film. “I didn’t feel I was alone anymore,” he says. Although the Ottawa-based filmmaker has spent the majority of his 40-year career working independently, it was a relief to have […]
Online courses and workshops for activists
Do you have an interest in activism? Are you a member of CMG Freelance? Our members are eligible to apply for a couple of upcoming training courses and workshops. The first is a six-week online course offered by the Canadian Labour Congress. It’s designed to help young workers develop leadership and organizing skills and give them […]
Freelance Media Mixer in Ottawa January 14th
Ottawa freelancers, there’s a CMG Freelance Media Mixer coming up in your town next week. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. at 73 North (at 73 Sparks St.). The event is part of the CMG’s ongoing series of mixers and information sessions for freelancers and emerging workers in media, communications, tech, and creative industries. […]
Join The ‘Lancer email list for a chance to win a Samsung tablet!
Got freelancer questions, problems, advice or information to share? Have tips on gigs or potential collaboration? Looking for some freelancer conversation or camaraderie? Through The ‘Lancer, we can help… each other. CMG Freelance has launched a members-only email list where you can connect with other freelancers for mutual support. It will also be a place […]
CMG Freelance launches Freelancer Directory
The Canadian Media Guild has launched a freelancer directory that offers its freelance and temporary members a place to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. The database has space for members to highlight their publication credits, training, and education. Profiles also have space for work samples of all kinds — print, images, audio, and video. The CMG is holding a workshop […]
CMG Freelance to host health insurance info session
Freelancers who are considering extended health benefits will be interested in an info session organized by CMG Freelance next Monday, June 23rd from 2 to 4 pm Eastern Time. Freelancers in the Toronto area can attend in person in the CMG Boardroom at 310 Front St. West. The info session will also be webcast for those in […]
CMG Freelance launches series of drop-in info sessions
Are you freelancing or consulting as a media producer, artist, writer, researcher, instructor, translator, technician, communications or creative worker? Could you use some support toward better freelance opportunities and working conditions? The Canadian Media Guild is launching a series of drop-in info sessions (in Toronto only, initially) to spread the word about the new, voluntary […]
CMG Freelance holding fourth digital media mixer in Toronto
Toronto freelancers, CMG Freelance is holding another digital media mixer next week. Featured speakers William Wolfe-Wylie (Canada.com’s journalist-coder hybrid) and Sagan Yee (freelance animator and occasional indie game perpetrator) along with moderator, journalist Desmond Cole will discuss the new opportunities and challenges that exist at the intersection between storytelling and coding. The free event is at Media Bar (77 Peter Street) on Wednesday […]
CMG Freelance to hold digital media mixer in Vancouver
CMG Freelance is holding a free event in Vancouver later this month for workers in digital media. From writers to coders, digital workers all across the spectrum are finding it increasingly challenging to meet the diversifying expectations of employers. Media, tech, creative and communications workers are invited to come and meet colleagues, discuss these challenges, and hear about […]
CMG Freelance launches new website
The Canadian Media Guild has launched a new website for its freelance branch. Designed as “a 21st century commons for self-employed workers,” the new site offers news updates and professional supports that include information about education and training programs and extended health benefit packages. CMG freelance organizer Datejie Green says that although the site went live last week, there […]
