Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Media Founder and Leader with a 25-year track record of driving massive results. -for over 25 years, I have served as both a casting director and head of production, collaborating with studios, broadcasters, and independent producers to deliver film and television content for global audiences and the festival circuit; -as a creative department head and production leader, I bring a deep understanding of packaging, casting, talent relations, and production workflows; -I manage strict budgets and act as a fiduciary for production volumes in excess of $4M to date; -I advocate for best practices across all aspects of in front of and behind the camera -my company is built on the values of inclusivity working actively to uncover unconscious bias and create hiring processes that reflect the diversity of the world we live in. 🛠️ Key Strengths & Skills Raise capital • Head of Production • Packaging & Talent Strategy • ACTRA & Union Compliance • Contract & Rights Negotiation • Budget & Timeline Management • Inclusive Hiring & Best Practices • Force multiplier • Verbal & Written Communication • Creative Problem Solving • Leadership & Team Collaboration • High Discretion with Confidential Information
I am currently President of Nicole Hilliard-Forde, CSA where I oversee the casting department for television producers, showrunners and broadcast executives creating content for the world stage, as well as independent film producers producing feature films headed for the festival circuit. A strong, creative head of department with a demonstrated ability to manage strict budgets, source talent, employ best practices of the casting industry, negotiate on behalf of producers with agents, managers, solicitors, guilds, collective bargaining units, studio/broadcast partners, and effectively deliver ACTRA administration compliance, within specific, tight deadlines and according to federal and provincial Canadian content rules, in an ever-changing environment. My company values workplace inclusivity, uncovering unconscious bias, promoting positive mental health, gendered intelligence and best practices for working with Minors and performers who are asked to perform nudity and intimacy on-set. Demonstrated abilities: research talent; assist in maintaining and updating talent databases; track and drive completion of key deliverables and follow up on outstanding items; excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; creative problem-solver; high levels of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information; high attention to detail; proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously; multi-tasking; strong motivation and ability to take initiative with little direction; strong organizational and communication skills; team-oriented philosophy; ability to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as senior management, peers and outside vendors.
Motel Pictures Inc. is founded and headed by Nicole Hilliard-Forde, where she is responsible for planning and overseeing the development and production of content for film, and television. Nicole is an Emmy-nominated, independent casting director with over 20 years’ experience and is known for her work internationally as an industry programmer at Toronto International Film Festival in her previous role of Producer, TIFF Rising Stars, a talent accelerator which identifies six actors annually who are poised to break out. Nicole's relationships within the industry, ability to identify on-camera and literary talent, and her aesthetic sensibility, drive Motel's ability to produce inspiring, provocative, commercially-viable features, by up-and-coming directors. Motel's first feature-length production The Other Half is one of ten English-language national feature film projects selected by Telefilm Canada from its 2015 selective Production Program, written/directed by Joey Klein. Financed at $1.2M CAD, the critically acclaimed film received theatrical and Pay TV distribution in Canada (Mongrel), theatrical and VOD distribution (AMAZON) in the US (Brainstorm Media) and international distribution (AMBI Distribution). Investors include Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Harold Greenberg Fund, Tax Credits OFTTC, CFTC and Post House Urban Post Production. Motel’s second feature film We Forgot to Break Up is one of ten English-language national feature film projects selected by Telefilm Canada from its 2021 selective Production Program, written by Noel S. Baker and directed by Karen Knox. Financed at $2.4M CAD, the film is theatrically distributed in Canada by Northern Banner. Investors include Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Tax Credits OFTTC, CFTC and Post House Urban Post Production.
Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2019 Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2018 Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2017 Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2016 Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2015 Canadian Film Centre CBC ACTORS’ CONSERVATORY PRE-SELECTION COMMITTEE 2014
As a programmer with an eye on the development of new and emerging talent, recently Nicole was Producer of TIFF Rising Stars, a talent accelerator of Toronto International Film Festival . Launched in 2011, TIFF Rising Stars showcases new Canadian acting talent at the Toronto International Film Festival. Designed to find the next generation of Canadian actors poised for international careers, TIFF Rising Stars draws homegrown talent into the spotlight provided by the annual Festival. Alumnae include Sarah Gadon (Indignation), Keon Alexander (Tyrant), Sarah Allen (The Husband), Katie Boland (Gerontophilia), Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Connor Jessup (American Crime), Megan Park (The F Word), Charlie Carrick (Reign), Evelyne Brochu (Orphan Black), Johnathan Sousa (Kidnap Capital), Cara Gee (The Expanse), Alexandre Landry (Gabrielle), Julia Sarah Stone (A Worthy Companion), Shannon Kook (The Conjuring), Sophie Desmarais (Sarah Prefers to Run), Aliocha Schneider (Ville Marie), Deragh Campbell (I Used to be Darker), Karelle Tremblay (Les Etres Chers), Stephan James (Race, Selma), Jared Abrahamson (Travellers), Sophie Nelisse (The Book Thief), Somkele Iyaham-Idhalama (93 Days), Grace Glowicki (Her Friend Adam), Mylene McKay (Nelly), OC Ukeje (The Arbitration). This talent development initiative immerses six selected actors in a series of public events and private industry meetings at the Toronto International Film Festival. They receive intensive professional development with international casting directors, filmmakers, producers and development executives. Nicole was responsible for the selection process and for programming four days of professional development during Festival which included devising relevant programming modules, moderating panels, hosting events, increasing the exposure of the programme and participants, overseeing publicity, and securing sponsorship. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CO-HEAD: Cameron Bailey