Kids’ TV Writing Incubator
For emerging to mid-level writers
The Kids’ TV Writing Incubator is a 6-month intensive program designed for emerging to mid-level BIPOC screenwriters as they develop a pilot script for kids’ TV (preschool, ages 6-9, tween or YA). Participants are also introduced to other industry professionals to build and enhance their networks as they launch their writing careers in Children’s TV.
The program is designed to give participants an in-depth overview of the business and craft of writing for children’s TV. We cover story structure, standards and practices, buyers and genres, demographics, live-action vs. animation, pitching, how to take a meeting, general industry etiquette, and introduce participants to network executives and kids’ content producers from Canada and the US. By the end of the program, each writer will have a completed and polished spec script and an original pilot script in their portfolio.
Led by award-winning writer John May (The Magic School Bus, Sesame Street, 16 Hudson) and Nathalie Younglai (Dino Dana, 16 Hudson, The Magic School Bus Rides Again), participants get to experience real-world writing deadlines to prepare them for working in the kids’ TV industry.
For the 2020-2023 editions, 5 writers were selected annually for internship placements at Wildbrain in Toronto.
Eligibility Criteria
This program's cycle 5 (2022-23) was designated for Black and Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) writers only to address the poor representation of writers from these communities.
You must also be a resident of Canada.
We accept people with writing experience across genres and disciplines: screenwriting, playwriting, prose or short story, journalism, advertising or marketing copy, blogging, and comic book writing.
Your lived experience and unique voice carry significant weight in our assessment.
We’re seeking fresh, new voices that explore and illuminate a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
What you need to apply
A logline or brief description of the project you want to develop
A resume or CV
Letter of Interest (max. two pages) sharing why you want to participate in this program. Include the following in your Letter of Interest:
Why you want to participate in this program
Your top 3 current kids' TV shows you relate to and why
Your top 3 kids' TV shows you loved as a child or teen and why
You may also include additional information about the show you want to develop.
Testimonials
“Learning the process of making kids’ TV, and getting the chance to work with a wonderful mentor like Ben Joseph was an amazing experience! I ended up with a pilot script that I’m very happy with—and more importantly Ben was also happy with!”
— Ronaldo Dario, Participant
“This program launched my screenwriting career. I have taken so many of these programs, and this is the only one that I can say actually resulted in me getting paid work opportunities that directly resulted from it. This program should be the industry gold standard -- and all other programs should aspire to be like this one.”
— Rabiya Mansoor (2020) | Writer, Producer
“Through a dedicated community, the BIPOC TV & Film Children's Media (Kids' TV) Writing program helps to uncover authentic self-expression through the written word, and stories that will become the catalyst for change and transformation.”
— Christopher Bernard (2019) | Writer
“Before the program, I was full of wonderful ideas and a vivid imagination. After the program, I was able to turn those ideas into wonderful stories and vivid images through written words. It quite literally helped me to take my dreams and make them a reality.”
— Kanja Chen (2022) | Writer, Puppeteer
Transforming our screens
In 2018, we hosted our first writing workshop for aspiring Kids’ TV content creators. Since then, over 125 Indigenous, Black and Racialized writers and content creators have completed the program. Our alumni have gone on to work on award-winning kids’ shows and create groundbreaking, entertaining, and inclusive stories for us all to enjoy!
Alumni Spotlight
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Rabiya Mansoor
2020 cohort
Writer, Producer
Select credits: Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City, Get Up Aisha, Layla is Relevant
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Kanja Chen
2022 cohort
Writer, Puppeteer
Select credits: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock
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Tyra Sweet
2020 cohort
Writer, Actor, On-screen Host
Select credits: Run the Burbs, Backyard Beats. The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy, The Parker Andersons/Amelia Parker
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Tony Tran
2020 cohort
Writer, Actor
Select credits: Momolu and Friends, Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe, Homeschooled, Short for Anthony
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Christopher Bernard
2019 cohort
Writer
Select credits: Luna, Chip & Inkie Adventure Rangers Go
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Srishti Jaiswal
2022 cohort
Writer, Editor
Select credits: Tiny and Tall, Mudder’s Hands, The Blaze Sessions - presented by Firecracker Department
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Ryan Singh
2020 cohort
Producer, Actor
Select credits: In Real Life: The Series, H.E.N.R.I., The Expanse, Designated Survivor
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Amal Samuel
2022 cohort
Line Producer, Production Manager, Compositor
Select credits: Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire,, Rick and Morty (season 5), Doomsday Brothers (season 1), Thomas and Friends (seasons 19 & 20), Paw Patrol (season 2)
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Celeste Koon
2020 cohort
Writer, Art Director
Select credits: Armadillo Avalanche, Ukulele U, Love Letters from Everest, Can You Imagine That!, Pretty Hard Cases, See, Private Eyes, Designated Survivor
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Christopher Yip
2020 cohort
Writer, Director
Select credits: 16 Hudson, Blynk & Aazoo, Denis and Me, Fish Boy, Streams Flow from a River
FAQs
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This program will run from late September 2022 to March 2023. From September to December, online sessions will take place twice per week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. There will also be writing assignments to be completed outside of the sessions.
From January to March, you will work with your mentor as you write your samples. You will also be invited to special guest speaker panels, talks, and online networking opportunities.
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No.
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Flexibility. Fun. You can write anything from sci-fi to educational to drama to comedy. You have the chance to shape how kids see themselves and each other - and change lives. And make money doing it!
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No.
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All the sessions will take place virtually on Zoom. So you can be in North Bay, Toronto, Iqaluit, Winnipeg, Vancouver Island or Halifax.
This program is only open to people who reside in Canada.
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You may submit a request to audit the program. An auditor can attend and observe the Tuesday session, but not actively participate. Auditors will not be assigned a writing mentor. If you wish to only sit in on select sessions (on Tuesdays), please send an email to programs@bipoctvandfilm.com.
