YOUR VOICE MATTERS

SASO National Screen Sector Survey

Understanding and Strengthening South Asian Representation in the Canadian Screen Sector

This survey is part of a national research initiative led by the South Asian Screen Office of Canada (SASO) — the first coordinated, evidence-based study of South Asian Canadian representation in Canada’s screen sector. Your responses will contribute to the first national dataset on South Asian Canadian screen professionals.

All responses are anonymous and confidential. Nothing will be attributed to you by name. You may skip any question you are not comfortable answering.

1. Demographic Profile (Layer 1)

1.5 Do you identify as a person with a disability? (Select all that apply)NoPrefer not to sayYes – Neurodivergent (e.g. ADHD, autism)Yes – Sensory disability (e.g. vision or hearing)Yes – Mobility disabilityYes – Learning disability (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia)Yes – Mental health disability or conditionYes – Another disability (please specify below)

1.7 Which of the following best describes your current status in Canada?Canadian citizen (born in Canada)Canadian citizen (naturalized)Permanent residentTemporary resident with work authorization (e.g., work permit or study permit with authorization to work)Temporary resident without work authorization (e.g., visitor or study permit without authorization to work)Prefer Not To SayOther (Please Specify Below)

1.8 What city do you primarily work in? (Write below)

1.10 What is your primary market experience? (Select one)Canada onlyPrimarily Canada with some USPrimarily US with some CanadaCanada and InternationalOther (please specify below)

1.12 What is your primary department or area of work? (Select one)DevelopmentProductionPost-ProductionSales and DistributionCommunications, Marketing, or Social MediaAdministration and OperationsEducation and TrainingFunding and Industry SupportOther (Please specify below)

1.16 Which best describes your typical production environment? (Select one)Mainstream Canadian production (broadcaster / streamer / studio / institutional funding)Co-production (institutionally funded / mixed financing)Independent non–South Asian-led productionsSouth Asian-led productions (diaspora/community-led)Self-funded / personal / community-based projectsNot applicableOther (Please specify below)

1.19 Are you the lead of your department in your current role or on most recent project?YesNoSometimes / It dependsNot applicable

1.20 Do you consider yourself a key decision-maker in your current role or on most recent project?YesNoSometimes / It dependsNot applicable

1.22 Do you have the authority to hire personnel in your current role or on most recent project?YesNoSometimesNot applicable

1.23 Does the person you report to most directly in your current role or on most recent project identify as South Asian Canadian?YesNoNot SureNot applicableI do not report to anyone — I am the lead or self-employed

1.24 Have you ever served on a funding jury, advisory panel, or board in Canada's screen sector?No — I did not feel these roles were accessible to meNo — I was never asked or consideredYes — onceYes — multiple timesNot applicable

1.25 Do you feel South Asian Canadian screen professionals have meaningful influence over commissioning, programming, and funding decisions in Canada?Very oftenOftenSometimesRarelyNot at allUnsure

1.35 Do you currently work in other sectors outside of screen sector to sustain your career in screen sector?Yes — regularlyYes — sometimesNoNo longer, but I did previously

1.36 Are you currently considering leaving Canada's screen sector?No — I am not considering leavingYes — I am considering leavingYes — I am actively planning to leaveUnsureNot applicablePrefer not to answer

2. On Screen and Behind the Camera Representation and Visibility (Layer 2,3)

2.1 Thinking about Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have watched, worked on, or are familiar with over the past 3 years, how frequently have you observed South Asian characters in lead or co-lead roles?NeverRarelySometimesOftenVery oftenNot sureNot applicable

2.2 Thinking about Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have watched, worked on, or are familiar with over the past 3 years, how frequently have you observed South Asian characters in supporting roles?NeverRarelySometimesOftenVery oftenNot sureNot applicable

2.3 Thinking about Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have personally worked on over the past 3 years, approximately what proportion of key creative leadership roles were held by South Asians?(e.g., Producer, Director, Writer, Showrunner, Director of Photograph, Heads of Department)None (0%)A few (1–10%)Some (11–25%)About one-quarter (26–40%)About half (41–60%)Most (61–90%)Nearly all (91–100%)Not sureNot applicable (I have not worked on any Canadian film, television, or streaming productions in the past 12 months)

2.4 Thinking about Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have personally worked on over the past 3 years, approximately what proportion of the behind-the-camera workforce were South Asian?(e.g., camera crew, lighting, sound, art department, wardrobe, makeup, production, post-production, and other crew and creative roles)None (0%)A few (1–10%)Some (11–25%)About one-quarter (26–40%)About half (41–60%)Most (61–90%)Nearly all (91–100%)Not sureNot applicable (I have not worked on any Canadian film, television, or streaming productions in the past 12 months)

2.5 Thinking about South Asian characters in Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have watched, worked on, or are familiar with over the past 3 years, how would you describe their portrayal in terms of cultural authenticity and nuance?Very inauthentic and stereotypicalSomewhat inauthentic or lacking nuanceMixed / inconsistentSomewhat authentic and nuancedVery authentic and nuancedNot sureNot applicable

2.6 Thinking about Canadian film, television, and streaming productions you have watched, worked on, or are familiar with over the past 3 years, how often have you observed South Asian stories being told without meaningful South Asian creative leadership (e.g., producer, director, writer, or showrunner)?NeverRarelySometimesOftenVery oftenNot sureNot applicable

2.7 Have you ever been offered a role or project that you felt was stereotypical or culturally inauthentic in its portrayal of South Asian Canadians?NeverRarelyOccasionallyOftenVery oftenNot applicable

2.8 How would you describe the range and diversity of roles available to South Asian performers in Canadian film, television, and streaming productions?Very limited, with performers predominantly typecast into stereotypical or culturally defined rolesSomewhat limited, with many performers typecast into culturally defined rolesModerately diverseSomewhat diverseVery diverse, with performers regularly cast beyond culturally defined rolesNot sure / No experienceNot applicable

2.10 Have you ever been the only South Asian Canadian person in a professional setting — writers' room, set, pitch, production meeting, or similar?NeverRarelySometimesOftenVery oftenNot applicable

2.12 In the past 3 years, has any of your screen content been selected or screened at major film festivals in Canada?E.g. TIFF, VIFF, Hot Docs, Etc.NoYesNot sureNot applicable

2.13 How would you describe the level of representation of South Asian screen content at major film festivals in Canada?E.g. TIFF, VIFF, Hot Docs, Etc.Not present at allLimited representationModerate representationStrong representationNot sure / no experience

2.14 Do you feel South Asian Canadian screen professionals are visible in key industry spaces — festivals, panels, pitch forums, award shows?No visibility at allLimited visibilityModerate visibilityStrong visibilityNot sure / no experience

3. Language Diversity and Variation (Layer 7)

3.1 In the past 3 years, in which language(s) has the screen content you worked on primarily been produced? (Select all that apply)EnglishFrenchSouth Asian language(s)English + French (bilingual)English + South Asian language(s)French + South Asian language(s)Multilingual (3 or more languages)Not applicableOther (please specify below)

3.2 How important is it for screen content to use language(s) that best reflect the characters, culture, and story being told, including the use of South Asian languages within English or French-language productions where relevant?Very importantImportantSomewhat importantNot very importantNot important at allNot sure / no experience

3.3 In your experience, how often are language choices (including South Asian languages) limited by funding, commissioning, or market expectations?Very oftenOftenSometimesRarelyNeverNot sure / no experience

3.4 Overall, which statement best describes how language is treated in screen productions in Canada?Full creative freedom is generally supportedLanguage use is mostly creative-led but influenced by industry expectationsLanguage use is often shaped by funding, commissioning, or market considerationsLanguage use is strongly constrained by institutional or market requirementsNot sure

3.5 How would you describe your level of interest in working with South Asian-language screen content in your current role or practice?Very strong interestStrong interestModerate interestLimited interestNo interestNot sureNot applicable

3.6 How well do you think the screen sector supports content in South Asian languages?Very well supportedSomewhat supportedLimited supportPoorly supportedNot supported at allNot sure

3.7 In your experience, how would you describe the potential of South Asian screen content from Canada within Canada?Very strong potentialStrong potentialModerate potentialLimited potentialNo potentialNot sure

3.8 In your experience, how would you describe the export potential of South Asian screen content from Canada in South Asian and international markets?Very strong potentialStrong potentialModerate potentialLimited potentialNo potentialNot sure

4. Funding and Resource Access (Layer 6)

4.1 In the past 3 years, which of the following best describes your experience with applying for screen sector funding or grants in Canada?I have applied 1 timeI have applied 2–3 timesI have applied 4–6 timesI have applied 7–10 timesI have applied more than 10 timesI have not applied for fundingNot applicable to my role or practice

4.2 If you have applied for screen sector funding in Canada in the past 3 years, how would you describe your success in securing funding?Very high success rateHigh success rateModerate success rateLow success rateVery low success rateNo successNot sureNot applicable

4.3 What types of funding or financial support have you accessed in the past 3 years? (Select all that apply)Development funding (writing, development, early-stage support)Production funding (shooting, post-production)Distribution / marketing / audience development supportFestival / travel / market participation fundingTraining / talent development fundingNo funding receivedNot applicableOther (Please specify below)

4.4 In your experience, how often have you received funding more than once from the same organization or funding program?Frequently (multiple repeat awards)Occasionally (more than once)Rarely (once only)Never (only applied or never received funding)Not sure / not applicable

5. Decision Making and Leadership (Layer 5)

5.1 In the past 3 years, have you participated in any of the following screen-sector decision-making roles? (Select all that apply)Commissioning, greenlighting, or content development role (e.g. broadcasters, streaming platforms, production companies)Programming, curation, or content selection role (e.g. broadcasters, streaming platforms, film festivals)Distribution, sales, rights, or acquisition decision-making role (e.g. distribution companies, sales agencies, exhibitors, streaming platforms)Funding jury or grant decision-making role (e.g. screen funding agencies, arts councils)Program selection or evaluation role (e.g. labs, residencies, competitions, talent programs)Advisory or governance role (e.g. advisory committees, boards, or governing councils responsible for policy, strategy, or organizational direction)Executive leadership role (e.g. CEO, Executive Director, Vice President, Head of Department, or other senior role with decision-making authority)No participationOther (please specify below)

5.3 How would you describe South Asian representation in screen-sector decision-making roles overall?Strong representationModerate representationLimited representationVery limited representationNot present at allNot sure / no experience

5.4 How would you describe South Asian representation in the following areas?

5.4 (a) Screen funding agencies / national screen agencies (funding decisions and program governance)

5.4 (b) Broadcasters (commissioning and programming decisions)

5.4 (c) Streaming platforms (commissioning and content development)

5.4 (d) Industry guilds, unions, or professional associations (leadership and governance)

5.4 (e) Film festivals (programming and selection)

5.4 (f) Distributors and exhibitors (sales, rights, distribution, and theatrical programming)

6. Career Progression, Pathways, and Access (Layer 4)

6.1 Please use the drop-down menus to rank the following activities based on the amount of time you have spent performing them throughout your career. Rank the activity you have spent the most time on as #1 and the activity you have spent the least or no time on last. The purpose of this question is to explore the activities that creatives of various identities use to build and progress a career in the sector.

6.1 (a) Ranked #1

6.1 (b) Ranked #2

6.1 (c) Ranked #3

6.1 (d) Ranked #4

6.1 (e) Ranked #5

6.1 (f) Ranked #6

6.1 (g) Ranked #7

6.1 (h) Ranked #8

6.2 Where did you gain your production experience and/or complete your training? (select all that apply)In CanadaI do not have production or training experiencePrefer not to sayNot applicableOther (please specify below)

6.6 Approximately how long did it take between your first screen-industry project and your second paid screen-industry project?Less than 6 months6–12 months1–2 yearsMore than 2 yearsI have not secured a second paid projectNot applicable

6.7 Approximately how long did it take between your first professional screen-industry credit and your first leadership role?Examples: producer, director, writer, department head, executive, showrunnerLess than 2 years2–5 years6–10 yearsMore than 10 yearsI have not held a leadership roleNot applicable

6.8 In the last five years, how often have you been rehired by the same employer, production company, broadcaster, streamer, festival, or institution?NeverOnceOccasionallyFrequentlyMost of my work comes from repeat hiringNot applicable

6.11 Have you experienced a point in your career where advancement stalled despite continued participation in the industry?YesNoUnsureNot applicable

6.16 To what extent have your memberships in professional organizations, unions, associations, or networks contributed to your career advancement?Significant positive impactSome positive impactLittle impactNo impactNegative impactNot applicable

6.18 In your experience, how accessible are mainstream Canadian screen-industry networks to South Asian professionals?Very accessibleSomewhat accessibleNeither accessible nor inaccessibleVery inaccessibleUnsure

6.19 Compared to five years ago, how would you describe your current career position in Canada's screen sector?Significantly behind where I hoped to beSomewhat behind where I hoped to beAbout where I expected to beAhead of where I expected to beSignificantly ahead of where I expected to beNot applicableNot sure

6.20 Do you believe South Asian professionals have equitable access to career advancement opportunities in the Canadian screen industry?YesNoUnsure

6.23 What kind(s) of formal training/ development have you participated in? (Select all that apply)I am ONLY self-taught (I have never participated in any formal development)Film/Television/Media program(s) at an educational institution (university or college)Workshops or other programs offered by sector institutionsWorkshops or other programs offered through festival(s)Workshops or other programs offered by non-profit organizations in the sectorWorkshops or other programs offered by unions / guilds / broadcasters in the sectorNot applicableOther (please specify below)

6.26 Which of the following best describes your current involvement in mentorship? (Select all that apply)I currently have a mentorI currently mentor someoneI currently have both a mentor and mentor othersI used to have a mentor, but I no longer doI used to mentor someone, but I no longer doI used to mentor someone, and would be willing to do it againI do not currently have a mentor, but I am looking for oneI do not currently mentor others, but I would like toI am not interested in having or being a mentor

6.27 To what extent have the following been barriers to your career in the screen-based industries?

6.27 (a) Workplaces that feel unsafe or unwelcoming

6.27 (b) Nepotism or reliance on personal connections

6.27 (c) Prevalence of racism, sexism, ableism, or ageism

6.27 (d) Lack of hands-on training or practical development opportunities

6.27 (e) Lack of support from industry organizations for South Asian creators

6.27 (f) Lack of South Asian representation among decision-makers and gatekeepers

Other (Please specify below)

6.28 Please indicate the extent to which the following statements related to access and resources reflect your experiences in the sector.

6.28 (a) I have had difficulty establishing credibility in the industry

6.28 (b) I have had difficulty accessing key decision-makers or building professional relationships

6.28 (c) I have faced barriers to career advancement

6.28 (d) I have had difficulty accessing funding, financing, or production resources (e.g., equipment)

6.28 (e) I have needed to work another job to support myself while pursuing a career in the screen industries

6.28 (f) I have been unsure how to navigate the industry (e.g., finding work or advancing my career)

6.28 (g) I have had difficulty finding a mentor

6.28 (h) I have had difficulty accessing internships, placements, or entry-level opportunities

Other (Please specify below)

6.29 To what extent have the following personal or relationship-building activities helped you secure work or build your career in the screen-based industries?

6.29 (a) Spending time outside of work with peers/ colleagues

6.29 (b) Developing similar hobbies/interests so I can connect more to people on a project

6.29 (c) Changing the way I look (clothes, hair, etc.) to ‘fit in’

6.29 (d) Changing the way I speak to sound more like my colleagues

6.29(e) Making a point to work with people who have different backgrounds and identities than me

Other (Please specify below)

6.30 To what extent have the following strategies helped YOU secure work/build your career in the sector?

6.30 (a) Doing unpaid / low pay work

6.30 (b) Finding a mentor

6.30 (c) Participating in an internship or apprenticeship

6.30 (d) Taking training/ development courses

6.30 (e) Participating in development labs/ programs tied to funding (e.g. Telefilm)

6.30 (f) Doing favours (e.g., filling in for someone)

6.30 (g) Sharing equipment or other resources

6.30 (h) Asking directly for referrals

6.30 (i) Building relationships over social media

6.30 (j) Cold calling/ emailing

6.30 (k) Asking questions and showing a desire to learn

6.30 (l) Participating in paid placements that accelerate my career development

6.30 (m) Attending / being an alumni of the right school/ educational institution

Other (Please specify below)

6.31 Please indicate the extent to which the following industry attitudes, beliefs, or narratives have created challenges for you while working or seeking work in the screen-based industries.

6.31 (a) Perceptions that funding decisions are biased or unfair

6.31 (b) Assumptions that South Asian creators lack the talent or experience needed for opportunities

6.31 (c) Narratives that equity-focused programs unfairly disadvantage other applicants

6.31 (d) Perceptions that South Asian creators do not need targeted supports or programs

6.31 (e) Hearing statements that diverse talent is difficult to find or recruit

Other (Please specify below)

6.32 Please indicate the extent to which the following workplace situations have created challenges for you while working or seeking work in the screen-based industries.

6.32 (a) Being excluded from meetings, discussions, or decision-making

6.32 (b) Unequal pay for similar work

6.32 (c) Feeling culturally isolated or excluded

6.32 (d) Harassment in the workplace

6.32 (e) Experiencing subtle discriminatory comments or behaviours (microaggressions)

6.32 (f) Negative assumptions about my skills or abilities based on my identity

6.32 (g) Feeling that I do not fit into the workplace culture

Other (Please specify below)

6.33 To what extent have the following supports been available to you and helpful in addressing barriers you have experienced in the screen-based industries?

6.33 (a) Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives

6.33 (b) Formal South Asian mentorship programs

6.33 (c) Networking events that connect South Asian creators with industry professionals and decision-makers

6.33 (d) South Asian-focused training or professional development programs

6.33 (e) South Asian-focused funding opportunities (e.g., grants, fellowships, awards)

6.33 (f) Employment or leadership initiatives that increase opportunities for South Asian professionals

Other (Please specify below)

6.34 To what extent do you agree or disagree that existing industry data collection and reporting practices adequately capture the experiences, contributions, and representation of South Asian screen professionals?Strongly agreeAgreeSomewhat agreeNeither agree nor disagreeSomewhat disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeNot sure / no experience

To what extent do you agree or disagree that existing equity programs were designed with the needs and experiences of South Asian Canadian creators in mind?Strongly agreeAgreeSomewhat agreeNeither agree nor disagreeSomewhat disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeNot sure / no experience

6.36 To what extent do you agree or disagree that South Asian creators would benefit from greater visibility and recognition as a distinct community within Canada’s screen industry?Strongly agreeAgreeSomewhat agreeNeither agree nor disagreeSomewhat disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeNot sure / no experience

6.37 To what extent do you agree that dedicated South Asian-led screen sector organizations in Canada, whose primary mandate is to support South Asian creators and screen storytelling, are necessary and an important part of a healthy and inclusive screen sector ecosystem?Strongly agreeAgreeSomewhat agreeNeither agree nor disagreeSomewhat disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagreeNot sure / no experience

7. Your Voice and Perspectives (All Layers)

7.1 What strategies have been most helpful in allowing you to remain working in Canada's screen sector? Open response

7.2 What is the single most important structural change that would improve South Asian Canadian representation in Canada's screen sector? Open response

7.3 Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a South Asian Canadian screen professional that was not captured in this survey? Open response

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