RBC and the Toronto International Film Festival announced a $15,000 cash prize investment in the TIFF Talent Lab for young directorial talent, via the new RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition. The 25 filmmakers participating in this year’s Talent Lab will each receive a Sony high definition camera and $500 cash to develop a short film for the competition – with a focus on the theme ‘water.’

‘Our goal for the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition to assist emerging filmmaker’s at an early stage in their career when they need both recognition and financial support, while raising awareness of RBC’s commitment to the arts,’ RBC manager, sponsorship communications Jackie Braden tells MiC. Media planning and buying across TV, print and online for the ad campaign leveraging the sponsorship, was handled by M2 Universal with creative handled by BBDO.

Danny Boyle and Don McKellar are among the high-profile names that will shepherd up-and-coming filmmakers at this year’s Talent Lab. A jury of industry experts will pick the top five films, and the winners will be announced just prior to next year’s fest. The winner walks away with a $15,000 cash prize, while the honorable mention will receive $10,000 and the fan favorite $5,000.

Talent Lab runs from Sept. 9-12.

From Playback Daily