Partnership will promote emerging recording artists and filmmakers

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, RBC and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (The Canadian Academy) announced their partnership on a new initiative called the Music Video Production Project (MVP Project). The MVP Project will support and promote emerging Canadian recording artists and filmmakers in the creation of music video content, increasing resources available within the national music community.

"RBC has worked closely with the music and film communities to create a program that specifically focuses on emerging artists, so they too have access to critical funding," said Matt McGlynn, Vice President of Brand Marketing, RBC. "We're thrilled to found the MVP Project alongside The Canadian Academy, which will boost Canada's music economy."

Established by RBCxMusic and the Prism Prize, the MVP Project will be administered by The Canadian Academy, aiming to enable Canadian creatives to explore their craft, hone their filmmaking skills, and encourage growth within their respective industries. In addition to today's announcement, The Canadian Academy has officially acquired the Prism Prize, which will be fully integrated into the national organization.

The MVP Project is open to recording artists and/or directors who identify as "Emerging Artists". Over two rounds of funding support for artists and storytellers will be offered through music video production grants valued between $5,000 and $15,000. Each round will also include a curated component, which aims to foster an existing director/recording artist relationship. In addition to the grants, successful candidates will receive mentorship and networking opportunities.

"Canadian music video directors are bringing into the world some of the most exciting, creative and genre-busting visual stories of our time," said Louis Calabro, Vice President Programming, The Canadian Academy and Founder of the Prism Prize. "We see an undisputed urgency and relevance to the work of music video and we could not be more excited to welcome these often-overlooked filmmakers into the Canadian Academy fold."

Applications will be assessed by a peer-based jury of music and media professionals with representation from all Canadian regions. Submissions for the first round of the MVP Project open October 1, 2018 and close November 1, 2018. The second round of applications will open in January 2019. Successful applicants will be announced eight to 12 weeks after the final application deadline for each round.

The new MVP Project is part of the RBC Emerging Artists Project, which helps artists bridge the gap from emerging to established, and supports organizations that provide the best opportunity to advance their career trajectory.

More information can be found at: www.mvpproject.ca.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada. We are dedicated to recognizing, advocating for and celebrating Canadian talent in the film, television and digital media sectors. Our more than 4,500 members encompass industry icons and professionals, emerging artists and students. Collectively, we deliver professional development programs and networking opportunities that foster industry growth, inclusion and mentorship.

For information on membership and programming, visit www.academy.ca.

SOURCE RBC

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