WarnerMedia Expands Access Canada Team

WarnerMedia has expanded its Access Canada team with the appointment of two new hires: Erika Kumar and Luisa Alvarez Restrepo.

Kumar will serve as program manager, while Alvarez Restrepo will serve as associate project manager. They join Executive Director Deanna Cadette and Program Director Melanie Nepinak Hadley on the WarnerMedia Access Canada team, which is focused on connecting experienced, mid- and entry-level talent from underrepresented communities with global opportunities in above- and below-the-line roles.

As program manager, Kumar will lead the team’s below-the-line efforts, aimed at addressing systemic barriers and meeting the growing demand for labor and inclusive crews in a rapidly expanding industry. Prior to joining WarnerMedia, Kumar was a business analyst at Creative BC, where she managed direct funding programs. As associate project manager, Alvarez Restrepo will help drive the design and delivery of the programs’ suite of initiatives, with a special focus on film festivals, games and opportunities at the intersection of creativity and tech. She joins WarnerMedia from the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was senior coordinator of festival programming.

The team has already launched its inaugural talent activation with the WarnerMedia Access X Canadian Academy Writers Program, designed to champion experienced mid-level Canadian writers, provide them with access to WarnerMedia executives and creatives, and accelerate their advancement into decision-making roles. Finalists for the program will be announced in June.

Deanna Cadette said: “We are excited to grow our team, as well as our efforts and output, with the addition of Erika and Luisa. Their roles are highly specific, and they each bring unmatched expertise and industry experience. They also bring a genuine personal commitment to building a vibrant industry where Canadians of all backgrounds are valued and have the unfettered opportunity to achieve success. With our new colleagues, we can double our focus not only on delivering specific programs but also on building a sustainable, long-term talent pipeline between WarnerMedia and the exceptional creatives, artisans and technicians who have long been present but unrecognized in this country.”

Kumar said: “WarnerMedia has proven their commitment to creating pathways into the industry with their suite of programs. While many of the current initiatives for underrepresented groups in Canada support above-the-line talent development, the Access to Action Program will focus on below-the-line job creation. Bringing about transformative change and meeting the industry’s expanding need for top-quality crews includes diversifying film and television roles. We need to ensure that all Canadians feel represented both in front of and behind the camera and can participate in this growing industry.”

Alvarez Restrepo said: “As a filmmaker and creator myself, I am aware of the barriers underrepresented communities face in this industry, so I’m beyond excited to now be in a position to create pathways for all voices to see themselves represented on screen while bringing authentic stories to the screen that represent the diversity of Canada and celebrate different types of storytelling.”