Black Nights Discovery Campus is the educational and talent development platform of the Black Nights Film Festival, organised within Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE) in collaboration with a range of prestigious international partners. Bringing together several internationally recognised training programmes, it offers emerging film professionals opportunities to develop their skills, expand their international networks, and advance their careers.
The Discovery Campus comprises the following programmes: Script Pool, Black Nights Stars, Music Meets Film, Black Room, Frame Within a Frame, Breaking into the Industry, and Tallinn Industry Academy.
Black Nights Discovery Campus is the educational and talent development platform of the Black Nights Film Festival, organised within Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE) in collaboration with a range of prestigious international partners. Bringing together several internationally recognised training programmes, it offers emerging film professionals opportunities to develop their skills, expand their international networks, and advance their careers.
The Discovery Campus comprises the following programmes: Script Pool, Black Nights Stars, Music Meets Film, Black Room, Frame Within a Frame, Breaking into the Industry, and Tallinn Industry Academy.
Breaking Into the Industry: Mentorship Program for Aspiring Producers is a unique initiative tailored for Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, guided by the distinguished industry veteran Katriel Schory.
With over 40 years of experience in the international film industry, Katriel will assist participants in crafting project presentations that resonate with various funders. He will provide guidance on nurturing producer-director relationships, how to develop film projects, and create personal career and company strategies. Katriel's wealth of knowledge and expertise presents an invaluable opportunity for emerging producers, and he wholeheartedly welcomes questions from those eager to learn.
Blending plenary sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and interactive industry events, the program covers various aspects of being a creative producer – from sourcing compelling stories to mastering the development process and refining leadership strategies.
The program is an in-person workshop that takes place from November 16 to 20 in Tallinn. November 16 and 17 are full-day workshops, November 18-20 are combined workshop sessions with other Discovery Campus groups, participating in Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event general sessions, one-on-one mentorships with Katriel Schory (available on demand), film screenings, networking, and other parts of the ITBE programme.
The core focus of the program is addressing the critical question every professional in the field faces: how to strategize, sustain, and scale up your company (and yourself) in a highly chaotic and constantly changing industry. The program aims to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to achieve these goals.
The workshop is intended for young professionals at a crossroads who have been working in the industry from 1 to 5 years, preferably in the production department. You may be an independent producer or still working in a larger company or on set (as a junior producer, production assistant, line producer, 1st AD, or similar), but you are eager to have your own stories and voice heard. If you have worked in other areas of film production (e.g., as an actor, director, DOP etc) but wish to transition into producing, or producer-directors teams are also welcome to apply.
The official language of all Discovery Campus and Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities is English. Participants are therefore expected to have a good command of both spoken and written English and to actively participate in all sessions.
Applicants must fill out the Application Form and provide all requested information and documents by the deadline of September 14, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The final selection of participants will be announced by October 20 at the latest, both directly to the participants and publicly via the festival/industry press. Submission of the application will be considered acceptance of the special conditions.
Once selected, participation is subject to payment of a non-refundable Participation Fee of 175 euros, including 25€ administration fee. The Participation Fee includes accreditation to Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, mentorship, accommodation for up to six nights (in twin rooms), lunches on the main days of participation, film screenings at Black Nights Film Festival, and the opportunity to take part in other Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities. Participation in the program is compulsory from November 16-18; the rest is subject to your personal availability.
Ukrainian professionals are exempt from the Participation Fee; only administration fee 25€ applies.
Please note that round-trip airfare is to be paid by the participants and is not included in the Participation Fee. Participants are encouraged to contact their local film fund or institute for assistance with transportation costs.
We believe in making our workshop accessible to all aspiring producers, regardless of financial circumstances. To support this commitment, we are pleased to offer two Participation Fee waivers (only the 25€ Administration Fee applies) for individuals who may require financial assistance. These spots are intended for low-income professionals, individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, or anyone facing financial barriers to participation.
If you would like to apply for this waiver, please write a motivation letter to marge.liiske@poff.ee. We encourage you to reach out without hesitation if you feel this opportunity would enable your participation.
For additional information about the workshop, please get in touch with Marge Liiske, marge.liiske@poff.ee
All properly completed applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee, composed of experts appointed by the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management. The main selection criteria are professional background and motivation for career development. Up to 14 international participants will be selected to participate in the programme.
Each applicant chosen to participate in the programme is required to cooperate with the employees and persons of responsibility at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event throughout the entire course. If the participant violates any of their obligations stated in the Rules & Regulations, which they accepted by submitting the Application Form, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management may disqualify the participant from further participation in the event.
Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event as the industry platform of the Tallinn Black Nights Festival is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and programmes. We believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that values diversity and promotes mutual respect and understanding. We promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including the planning, organization, and delivery of events and activities, and believe that diversity is a strength and that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities.
We expect all participants in our events and activities to behave in a respectful and professional manner, and to refrain from any behaviour that is discriminatory, harassing, or offensive. This includes but is not limited to behaviour that is based on a person's gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics. We will not tolerate any behaviour that violates our policy and reserve the right to take appropriate action, including expulsion from the event.
The Applicant guarantees that all the presented information in the submitted application is correct. Regarding all matters not expressly settled by these Regulations, the current regulations of Estonia and its entities and good business practices are to be applied. Any amendments and supplements to these Regulations shall be made by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management. By submitting an Application, the Applicant agrees to all provisions of these Regulations. These Regulations come into effect from the day of their publishing on the webpage https://industry.poff.ee/, and are effective beginning from August 3, 2026.
Approved by Marge Liiske,
Head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event