Kathryn Emslie

As the CFC’s Chief Programs Officer, Kathryn Emslie's strategic leadership has delivered on key enhancements to its core training programs, the addition of several new programs, as well as international and marketplace initiatives designed to drive new business opportunities and cross-border relationships for Canadian talent and projects.

Most recently, she has been responsible for designing and launching the CFC/Slaight Family Music Lab, the highly touted Actors' Conservatory, the Bell Media Showrunner Bootcamp, the Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange, the NBCUniversal TV Series Exchange and The North South Marketplace, which includes the CFC’s partnership with the Tribeca Film Institute’s All Access Program. In addition to these initiatives, Emslie oversees the Cineplex Entertainment Film Program and Short Dramatic Film Program, the Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, and many of the CFC’s public/industry outreach events.

A member of the CFC’s executive team, she manages creative and strategic alliances with CFC alumni as well as its many national and international partners and key stakeholders.

Emslie has worked in the Canadian film and TV industry for 29 years and has participated in many festival/program juries, strategic committees and industry advisories. In 2004, she was presented with the WIFT-T Mentorship Crystal Award in recognition of her commitment to training and the significant role she plays within the industry, and acted as Interim Executive Director for the CFC in 2005.

Prior to joining the CFC, Emslie worked for and was mentored by acclaimed independent producer Peter O’Brian (My American Cousin, One Magic Christmas) before moving out West to work with international award-winning filmmaker Phillip Borsos (The Grey Fox, Bethune). She managed Phillip’s film/TV business for five years, including the development of many amazing projects such as John Irving’s The Cider House Rules, Frank Military’s The Piece and Hampton Fancher’s adaptation of A Canticle for Leibowitz.