Program Recap: Unscripted Producers Lab

May 14

Curious about what to expect from the Unscripted Producers Lab? Look no further. Here’s an in-depth recap of our program.

About the Program:

The BIPOC TV & Film Unscripted Producers' Lab is a unique career development initiative that mentors and trains mid-career Canadian professionals who aspire to develop and produce original unscripted series, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

Through a comprehensive and collaborative effort between program partner Bell Media and BIPOC TV & Film, the Unscripted Producers Lab offers a week of high-impact interactive workshops, panels, and case studies. These are led by producers, executives, and leading industry experts. They are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to produce an unscripted (factual, reality, competition) series from start to finish, ensuring their success in the industry.

The Lab is followed by a six-month mentorship, matching the participants with industry leaders to further their career goals and development and strengthen their network. Mentors for 2024 include Tina Apostolopoulos (Lark Productions), Joey Case (independent), Andrea Griffith (Sphere Media), Catherine Legge (Play Nice Productions), Cecilia Meija (American Documentary), Jennifer Pratt (Nikki Ray Media), Jessica Schmiedchen (CBC), Angela Shayer (Attraction), and Li Yeh (Bell Media).

5-day Intensive Recap:

Monday, May 6: Overview of the Showrunner or Unscripted Series Producer Role

Transforming & Decolonizing Your Leadership Practice - Kadon Douglas, Executive Director, BIPOC TV & Film
Meet and greet: Justin Stockman, the VP of Content Development and Programming, BELL MEDIA
A (Re)Introduction to Unscripted Content and The Role of the Showrunner - Andrea Griffith, VP of Content and Development – Kids and Family, SPHERE MEDIA

Tuesday, May 7: Series Development

Building the Vision For Your Series (unscripted storytelling, story structure) - Jennifer Pratt, Co-Executive Producer and Showrunner NIKKI RAY MEDIA
Development: Pitching and Packaging Your Unscripted Series - Andrea Griffith, VP of Content and Development – Kids and Family, SPHERE MEDIA
Case study & Guest Speakers - James Farr, EVP, Development CREAM PRODUCTIONS & Jeff Hirschfield, Producer, Writer, Story Editor CREAM PRODUCTIONS

Wednesday, May 8: Business Affairs and Financing

Meet and Greet: Bell Media Original Programming Team
Business and Legal Considerations for Unscripted Productions - Nicole Butler, Co-CEO and Executive Producer PIER 21 FILMS
Production Financing (tax credits, budgets) - Nicole Butler, Co-CEO and Executive Producer PIER 21 FILMS
Case Study and Guest Speaker - Li Yeh, Director, Strategic Planning, Original Programming BELL MEDIA

Thursday, May 9: Talent and Crew Management, Production Workflows

Case Study & Guest Speaker - Joey Case, Unscripted Showrunner & Development Executive UPPER CASE PRODUCTIONS
Casting and Working With Talent & Building Your Crew - Trevor Boris, Showrunner and Executive Producer CANADA’S DRAG RACE
Inclusive Hiring Practices - Kadon Douglas, Executive Director, BIPOC TV & Film
Production and Post-Production Workflows - Chris Perez, Executive Producer MEM & Nanci Maclean, COO MCGILLIVRAY ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA INC

Friday, May 10: Marketing and Audience Engagement

Case Study and Guest Speaker: E-Talk Presents Manny Groneveldt
Case Study & Guest Speaker - Jayde Tynes, Story Producer BIG BROTHER CANADA
Launching Your Series - Boman Martinez-Reid, Executive Producer, MADE FOR TV WITH BOMAN MARTINEZ-REID & Natalie Metcalfe, Showrunner + Executive Producer, MADE FOR TV WITH BOMAN MARTINEZ-REID
Wrap-up session: Panel and networking with BIPOC showrunners and story producers (Priyanka Desai, Vatsala Aron, Ozzy Quiroz, Jonathan Jude, Alexandra Lazarowich, Sabine Daniel)