Ratings Unlimited

Karen takes an important issue and packages it into a practical, accessible, and inspirational seminar. She can just as easily address executives as those new to the industry. She speaks from her heart, but with an authority gained through years of experience. Doing diversity better can only be a good thing for cast, crew, and audiences alike. 

Praise for "VISAS for Success"

This workshop was very interactive and full of lots of laughter and support, I found many ideas. The activities were very practical and will be easy to start applying. 

I felt that the presenter was very engaging and approachable.  And it is always good to affirm to ourselves and each other that Acknowledgement, Validation and support should be a daily reminder in our jobs.

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1. My most pleasant surprise was seeing how much FUN everyone seemed to have.

I was hoping to learn new techniques to resolve unpleasant situations. Through the role playing techniques I feel that I was able to learn different was to speak to someone in difficult situations. 

I really enjoyed Karen King! I found Karen to be quite informative and her personality was absolutely over the top. The mini slide show at the end was fantastic. I really enjoyed this workshop. I was surprised by the amount of laughing we did.  

 It was a fun experience.  We were given tools to deal with situations of conflict and were able to practice them. 

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The workshop turned out to be informative, refreshing and fun.

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The exercises made me reflect and be more aware of my dealings towards other people.

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The workshop was informative, interactive and fun. Thank you for the positive experience .

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Karen is a great presenter, her smile and manner are very welcoming and put you at ease. Good Job!

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The most pleasant surprise was that the presenter was not preachy and gave real life examples. I really didn't know what to expect and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. 

 "I was recently at a conference and Karen King gave what I believe is the best presentation I have seen on integrating diversity in film and television. As a producer and owner of a successful production company working over 10 years in the business, I was skeptical about how useful the information would be. Karen's keen insight into how to work within the system to bring about desired results, is great. Karen is a naturally gifted speaker who broke things down in an easy to understand fashion, showing us all what I have always believed, that diversity is a benefit, not a burden. Broadcasters, funding partners, producers, you name it, they need to take this seminar!"

Gemini Award winning Writer/Producer Jen Holness, Hungry Eyes Productions     

“Having Ms. King speak at our inaugural Toronto Women of Actra Committee

(TWAC)during the recent ACTRA conference was an exciting opportunity to

see behind the scenes of production and from a producers’ and broadcasters’ viewpoint.

Generous with her information and keen insights, Ms. King helped to galvanize a room full of professional actors.”

tabby johnson 

 ACTRA counsellor, and Co-Chair of TWAC 

Karen King is a valuable member of the Beyond the Box™ family. She connects with our clients on a personal and individual way – putting them at ease – while tackling tough subjects. Karen inspires groups to be open and thoughtful in their answers. By the end of the workshop, they have enjoyed a renewed sense of their team – and have clearly benefited from the session. 

Lesley Meyers, Project Manager, Beyond the Box 

Drawing on her background as a Gemini Award winning producer, a producer at the National Film Board of Canada, and an executive Director of Independent Production at a major Toronto television station, Karen spoke eloquently and with insight and passion regarding diversity in the Canadian Film and Television Industry. Karen ably fielded questions from our audience and also provided some excellent film clips of her work at the National Film Board, which illustrated her commentary and delighted our audience. 

Stephen Byfield, Vice Chair, Visible Minorities Committee, Toronto North Tax Services Office, Canada Revenue Agency

It was a great presentation and provided excellent insights and strategies

from a seasoned pro! I think it would be very beneficial for all HR

professionals and specifically anyone working in the area of Diversity and

inter-cultural relations.

Paul de Silva

Executive Producer

A4One Media.

 “I am writing to say thank you so much for the Diversity work shop you lead at the NSI Totally Television boot camp. 

I have to admit at first I was confused and concerned with how I was going to include diversity into our project. 

 Your course enabled me to recognize not only the business benefit of including diversity in my tv series but the most exciting part is that I now realize the storytelling value increases tenfold.  By truly representing the amazingly diverse people that make up Canada we not only increase the audience that will be interested in a show but we also open up the creative process to take us on a journey and really explore the story we are trying to tell. I really didn't see that before I worked with you, I now understand the importance of giving each character an authentic voice true to their heritage and also the value of a diverse crew in helping ensure this authentic voice is heard.

 That all said it is exciting to think of all the possible combinations of people a production can bring together which will ultimately form great friendships!  These friendships will make everyones experience on the planet that much richer. 

 Thank you on so many levels and I also should mention I also realize there is still much more to learn!!”

Aubrey Arnason, Producer, Actor

Beyond the Box™ relies on Karen King to work with our valued clients. She upholds the high standard of facilitation we demand, whether working with managers to devise strategic leadership programs, or giving participants meaningful outcomes  in a safe and positive environment. Karen inspires! 

Thank you so much for speaking last night.  It was an honor to have you and I know the students (although they're a quiet bunch) felt the same.  That was certainly the most interesting, thought provoking and educational lecture we've had yet.

Kyle Muir, Seneca Writing Class  

 Thank-you for the enlightening and effective presentation on diversity that presented at this year's Totally Television bootcamp for the National Screen Institute. You gave our writers and producers the tools they need to incorporate diversity into their development projects. Your approach is helping them to develop their characters and environments. It also will be useful when it comes to casting  their series and staffing their writing rooms. The diversity plans that they are developing will also increase the marketability of their projects. Your professional and inspiring workshop and the critical feedback you¹ve provided each of the teams is deeply appreciated.  I hope we¹ll see you back next year and we look forward to including your workshop on other National Screen Institute programs.

Kit Redmond, Managing Partner

RTR Media Inc 

Program Manager Totally Television

National Screen Institute Program.

 “I wanted to thank you again for taking time out of your very busy schedule to walk our participants through the diversity strategy plan, and for giving them a step by step plan to help make that strategy a success. 

 I think your plan is brilliant and I absolutely admire your passion and commitment you’ve put into making accomplishing your goal.  I knew that diversity on-screen isn’t nearly as representative as it should be, however I had not realized that diversity behind the camera had as many problems and lack of representation as it does.  You made me realize that it’s going to take some (gentle) pushing and shoving on the front end to correct this.”   

Brandice Vivier, Manager, Development and Programs, National Screen Institute