WIFT-T Announces Emily Bellavy as Winner Of The 2007 Alliance Atlantis Diversity In Broadcasting Internship

(TORONTO – Monday, November 5, 2007) Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T), in partnership with Alliance Atlantis, is pleased to announce Emily Bellavy as this year’s recipient of the Alliance Atlantis Diversity in Broadcasting Internship.

This national program offers one entry-level visible minority or Aboriginal woman the opportunity to gain broadcasting industry skills through experience in the Public and Regulatory Affairs department at Alliance Atlantis. The award will be presented to Bellavy at the Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on December 3, 2007 at the Fairmont Royal York.“As the broadcasting industry continues to evolve to reflect Canada’s rich cultural diversity, we are proud to play our part in nurturing new talent within the industry,” said Phyllis Yaffe, CEO of Alliance Atlantis. “We are pleased to partner with WIFT-T in this important program and to work with Emily.”

Bellavy credits her Native Canadian heritage for inspiring her to pursue a career as a journalist. Growing up in Tecumseh, Ont., Bellavy learned to appreciate the diversity of cultural and linguistic origins within Native peoples when she would attend the roaring Kettle and Stony Point powwows. She further explored her understanding of the Aboriginal community by completing a BA in journalism from Ryerson University. She has worked for The Windsor Star, The Beach Metro Community News and the Annex Gleaner.

The Alliance Atlantis Diversity in Broadcasting Internship is part of a comprehensive career development program that Bellavy will undertake in November 2007. As part of her three-month internship, she will assist in the co-ordination of CRTC documents and research information on regulatory affairs and Government policy. Bellavy will also travel to Ottawa to meet Government broadcasting regulatory leaders.

Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) is a leading internationally affiliated professional organization that recognizes, trains and advances women in screen-based media. WIFT-T offers a year-round slate of skills development, networking events and industry awards, providing the tools to succeed in Canada’s global entertainment industry. WIFT-T serves more than 3,000 women and men in Canadian screen-based media, connecting them to close to 10,000 leading film, television, and new media professionals worldwide.

Alliance Atlantis offers Canadians 13 well-branded specialty television channels including Showcase, History Television, HGTV, Food Network, Slice, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Health, Showcase Diva, Fine Living, IFC, Showcase Action, BBC Kids and BBC Canada that boast targeted, high-quality programming.

For more information, please contact:
Christine Amendola
Director of Communications and Business Development
Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T)
416-322-3430 ext. 228
camendola@wift.com
www.wift.com
www.canadianfilmmaker.com