Episodic TV Writers’ Lab
for emerging to mid-level episodic writers
The Episodic TV Writers’ Lab is a 4-month program designed to mentor and train BIPOC writers who are working towards getting their first job in a comedy or drama writing room.
This program is for Indigenous, Black and racialized writers who are ready to be staffed and need an extra boost to finalize their sample and accelerate their career.
This is not a how-to-write a TV script program. Writers will be workshopping a completed first draft of a half-hour comedy or one-hour drama series pilot in order to bring it to polish.
Participants get to experience a simulated writing room where they will learn the dynamics and unspoken rules of working in a writing room.
Each writer is paired 1:1 with an established writer mentor throughout the program.
Call for applications now closed.
Successful applicants will be notified by mid-October.
Eligibility Criteria
Identifies as Black, Indigenous or as a Person of Colour
Resides in Canada
Has a completed first draft of an original comedy or drama series pilot script
This is a professional development training and mentorship program designed to advance racial equity and inclusion in Canadian TV. Historically Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities have been underrepresented, excluded and exploited in the entertainment industry—and across all industries and sectors. This program is one of our many initiatives created to redress generations of harm and oppression.
Program Highlights
Experience a simulated writing room environment where you will learn the dynamics and unspoken rules of working in a writing room.
Get paired 1:1 with an established writer/showrunner mentor throughout the program.
Have a full-day writers' room experience dedicated to workshopping your script material.
Receive feedback for writing the 2nd draft of your script to help make it industry-ready.
Meet guest speakers and mentors from Canada and the US who are currently working in the industry as writers, producers and showrunners.
Up to 4 program participants will be selected for a paid 4-6 week Story Editor Trainee placement in the writing room of an existing series.
Testimonials
“I loved my mentor, and felt related/connected to her as she was an Indigenous woman in positions that I hope to be in. She was communicative, supportive, encouraging, helpful/informative and uplifting - and I couldn't imagine being paired with someone else. I loved being able to connect with her many times over the course of the program, as she made herself available, and I hope to continue my relationship with her beyond this program in some way.
I came into this with almost zero knowledge, and came out of it feeling like I could get hired tomorrow on a production and have all the baseline knowledge/tools I need to succeed. Very practical tips & tools on existing in the TV writing world, room; what different scripts look like / logistics of script writing; how productions and writing processes work; honest accounts of experiences being BIPOC in this world, how to navigate it and where to reach out for support; and most importantly, the affirmation & validation that I can actually exist in this world and write for television.”
2021 Participant, T’anchay Redvers
“I was initially nervous because my mentor was white while my story centred on Black queer people. However, the experience was rewarding as Bruce encouraged me to remain authentic to the story while challenging me to take creative risks. His guidance gave me the validation that my story mattered, which was a blessing.”
2021 Participant William Kone on mentor, Bruce Smith
William’s biggest takeaway: “There’s a chance to be seen among others that look like you. There’s an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. But more than anything, there’s value associated with our unique identities to ground a story on purpose. For that I’m truly thankful.”
FAQ
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The Episodic Writers’ Lab is scheduled kick off at the end of October 2022 and will run until early March 2023.
Workshops and sessions will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, ET.
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Tell us about yourself. Who are you beyond writing?
What types of stories do you want to tell?
Why is this program important to you? How would it help you?
What steps have you taken to advance your TV writing career?
How many other pilot scripts have you written?
What other writing programs have you applied for and been accepted and/or not accepted to?
What meetings, workshops or conferences have you attended?
How would the experience of working in a writers room benefit you?
What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from this program experience?
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You will need to submit your resume or CV, bio, pilot logline, series synopsis and a first draft of your pilot.
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Drama scripts should be 49 to 60 pages in length.
Comedy scripts should be 29 to 35 pages in length.
