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PROJECT OVERVIEW

The 519 is a City of Toronto agency dedicated to the health, happiness, and full participation of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. It provides a wide range of programs and services, including community support, advocacy, education, and public events.

As The 519 celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2026 we want to capture the story and impact of the organization in a series of interviews with key figures in the organization’s history. We are seeking a director/producer to collaborate on a short-form documentary film about The 519 and its role as a vital community centre serving 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto.

This project will capture the organization’s impact, history, and ongoing relevance through a compelling, human-centered narrative. The film will serve as both a storytelling and engagement tool for audiences, partners, and stakeholders.

OBJECTIVE AND SUCCESS MEASURES

Primary Objectives:

• Celebrate and commemorate The 519’s impact, in the context of its 50th anniversary
• Raise awareness of its programs and services
• Highlight personal stories that reflect broader social and cultural themes
• Strengthen engagement with donors, partners, community members, and the broader public

Measuring success:

A successful project will:

• Capture a diverse range of voices and experiences
• Reflect the diversity and resilience of the communities that The 519 serves
• Present a clear, compelling narrative of The 519’s legacy, evolution, and impact
• Provide high-quality, versatile content for multiple platforms and uses
• Resonate emotionally with both community members, key stakeholders, and the broader public

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND CONTENT

We are open to creative interpretation and collaboration and welcome proposals that offer a distinct creative approach or visual style. Our initial vision includes:

• A short-form documentary (approx. 10–15 minutes)
• A story-driven approach, centered on individuals connected to The 519
• A tone that is authentic, joyful, and emotionally engaging

Content key elements:

The selected team will be expected to capture and integrate:

Key Interviews:

• Org. leaders, current and past staff
• Community and program participants
• Partners, advocates, and public figures

Archival Materials:

• Historical photos and video
• Organizational records and cultural artifacts

Event Capture:

• Footage from summer/fall 2026 events, as available, including Exhibition (Aug 15-22), Nuit Blanche (Oct 3)
• Attendee reflections/testimonials

PROJECT DETAILS

Deliverables:

• Final edited documentary film (8–15 minutes)
• Shorter cut versions of interviews for social media
• Trailer or teaser

Formats:

All deliverables should be suitable for:

• Digital platforms (web, social media)
• Event screenings
• Fundraising and stakeholder engagement
• Captioned for accessibility

Timeline:

• Pre-production: July to August 10
• Production (filming): August 10 to 28
• Post-production: September/October
• Final delivery: November 2026

Budget:

The working budget of $35,000-$50,000 (CAD) is inclusive of:

• director/producer fees
• production costs
• licensing fees
• honoraria

The final budget will be confirmed before filming begins.

EQUITY STATEMENT

The 519 is committed to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all of our work. As Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ multi-service organization, we recognize the importance of amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented in public art and cultural spaces.

We strongly encourage proposals from local and emerging artists who identify as 2 Spirit, queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, deaf, neurodivergent, newcomers, refugees, and people with lived experience of systemic barriers.

We value community-informed and culturally responsive artistic practices, and welcome diverse ways of storytelling, creation, and collaboration.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking a single lead vendor to:

• Lead creative direction and storytelling
• Manage production (scheduling, crew, equipment, filming)
• Oversee post-production (editing, sound, colour, graphics)
• Deliver final assets

Expression of Interest to include:

• Creative approach / vision
• Relevant work samples
• Proposed production plan and timeline
• Preliminary budget breakdown and team structure
• Maximum 3 pages

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to meet project deliverables, based on past experience
• Alignment with themes and values of The 519 and its work
• Budget and timeline alignment

HOW TO APPLY

Email your proposal by 9:00am on Monday, July 27 to:

Roxanne Duncan
Project Director, 50th Anniversary
RDuncan@The519.org

SELECTION PROCESS

Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by an Advisory Committee made up of artists, community members, and staff representatives of The 519. This is a two-stage process.

• Stage One: Creators submit an expression of interest outlining their qualifications and initial concept. A shortlist will be selected to advance to Stage Two.
• Stage Two: Applicants will be invited to develop a more detailed proposal. Stage Two applicants will receive an honorarium.

The final selection will be made based on artistic merit, feasibility, and alignment with project goals. The successful creator will work with The 519 staff to finalize the production plan before shooting the project and providing required edits.

GET IN TOUCH

Questions about the project and submission process can be directed to:

Roxanne Duncan (she/her)
Project Director, 50th Anniversary
RDuncan@The519.org

Accommodation: The 519 is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.