CBC-BIPOC TV & Film

Showrunner Catalyst

in collaboration with the Canadian Film Centre (CFC)

Creating the Next Generation of BIPOC Showrunners

The Showrunner Catalyst—presented by CBC and designed in collaboration with the Canadian Film Centre (CFC)— is a game-changing initiative designed for mid-career and experienced Indigenous, Black and Racialized (POC) writers or TV series creators who are ready to step into the creative leadership roles of executive producer, showrunner, or supervising producer. Whether you're attached to a series and gearing up for your leadership role or looking for a project to grow as a creative team leader, the program provides the tools, mentorship/coaching, and support needed to lead productions and bring underrepresented voices to the forefront of Canadian television.

2023 Fellows

  • Vance Banzo

    “My ultimate goal is to create an environment for Indigenous people to learn and mentor while ensuring they have the tools and skills to succeed professionally in this industry.”

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  • Nelu Handa

    “I love being a writer - breaking a season of stories, writing scripts, punching up, and contributing my point of view into the DNA of a show. I thrive on bringing my full self to the table, and having the chance to voice my opinion on matters of representation and advocacy.”

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  • Amanda Joy

    “I want to create spaces where people from all walks of life can have their voices heard, and their stories told.”

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  • JP Larocque

    “I’m at a point in my career where understanding every aspect of showrunning and obtaining more meaningful on-set production experience is vital to my future success. Gaining both skills can make the difference between me remaining a support player on other people’s projects versus me having the opportunity to lead my own shows. And I want to have the freedom to do both — a freedom enjoyed by generations of writers before me.”

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  • Robina Lord Stafford

    “I’m passionate about writing characters that I want to see, racialized people who’ve either been relegated to the margins, haven’t made it onto the page, or have been the standard stereotyped tropes. Daily, I’ll work diligently to achieve my writing and career goals, and once established in the industry, I’ll hold that still-elusive door wide open so my BIPOC sisters and brothers can also enter.”

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  • Shannon Masters

    “I believe showrunning requires patience and the ability to stick-handle a million different personalities and get them to work together harmoniously. It’s managing the doubts of others. More than simply having a creative vision, you’ve also got to be diplomatic while still having the ability to be the boss when you have to be, because, let’s face it, if the show fails, that’s on you.”

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Related Media

What You’ll Gain

As a participant in the Showrunner Catalyst, you will:

Elevate Your Career

Step into key leadership roles such as executive producer, showrunner, co-showrunner, or supervising producer, and gain the experience needed to lead your original series or contribute to existing productions.

Be Supported by a Mentor or a Coach

Receive personalized guidance from industry-leading showrunners and producers to refine your skills and navigate the complexities of leading a production.

Get Comprehensive Support

BIPOC TV & Film covers the cost of your mentorship/coaching, shadowing fees and travel expenses beyond the production’s budget, and a monthly wellness stipend to ensure you’re fully supported.

Be Invited to Exclusive Events and Workshops

Enhance your network and skills to confidently sustain your career growth and build a community of peers and collaborators. This may include market access and premium industry events.

Accelerate Industry Change

Join the movement to amplify BIPOC leadership in Canadian television, and help create authentic, diverse stories that resonate with global audiences.

Selection Process

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Selection Process *

Note: Participants are selected through a nomination process. We will accept nominations from current showrunners, producers, production companies, and broadcasters who have identified writers suitable to participate. A shortlist of nominees will be created and these nominees will be invited to write a letter of interest. If you are applying independently, please send us an expression of interest along with your CV, agent’s contact information, and a professional bio.. Questions? Contact us.

  • To be considered for the Showrunner Catalyst, nominees or applicants must meet these requirements.

    Note: We encourage nominations and applications from writers already attached to a series (being broadcast on a Canadian or US network) and those seeking new opportunities to accelerate career advancement.

    • Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

    • Be a Member-in-good-standing of the Writers Guild of Canada.

    • Have at least 3 episodes of "written by" credits on a 30- or 60-minute prime-time television or streaming platform production in the last seven years.

    • Have at least one producer (co-producer, supervising producer, executive story editor, etc.) credit in the last three years, or demonstrate equivalent experience.

    • A letter of intent (maximum 2 pages) stating how this program will support their career development and what professional skills they are looking to learn, identify and take away from the Program

    • A CV/resume indicating professional experience

    • Letter of commitment from a series in development or production on a Canadian or US-based broadcaster or network

2022 Fellows

  • Wendy MOTION Braithwaite

    Writer, Producer

    Akilla’s Escape, Revenge of the Black Bestfriend, Coroner, Diggstown

  • Ian Iqbal Rashid

    Writer, Producer, Director

    Sort of, How She Move, Touch of Pink, This Life

  • Andrew Burrows-Trotman

    Writer, Producer

    The Porter, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Utopia Falls

Additional Information

  • Already Attached to a Series?

    If you’re an experienced BIPOC writer already attached to a series, Showrunner Catalyst provides an unmatched opportunity to lead your project. By participating, you will receive hands-on mentorship, skill development in showrunning, and holistic support to step confidently into a leadership role such as showrunner, co-showrunner, or supervising producer.

    Producers and production companies attached to your series will also benefit, as BIPOC TV & Film will cover the cost of mentorship and additional support like shadowing fees, travel outside production budgets, and a monthly wellness stipend. This collaboration strengthens your creative leadership and contributes to inclusive and impactful storytelling in Canadian television.

  • The Showrunner Catalyst invites production companies to partner with us in advancing diverse leadership in the TV industry. By hiring a Showrunner Catalyst participant you gain a talented mid-career writer with proven credentials and experience in prime-time television.

    Productions are expected to cover the writer’s fees (negotiated with their agent), while BIPOC TV & Film provides support by covering the costs of:

    • Mentorship and coaching by top showrunners and producers.

    • Additional fees for shadowing and training beyond the scope of your production budget.

    • Travel and accommodation for work-based travel needs.

    • A monthly wellness stipend to support the writer throughout their leadership journey.

    This partnership allows your production to champion industry change, boost creative leadership, and bring new perspectives to Canadian TV.

Andrew Burrows-Trotman, 2022 Fellow

“A showrunner is both a teacher and student who inspires, instils confidence and trusts the brilliant artisans they hire to do their part to improve the show. My job is not just to create a hit show that lights up Twitter but to help my writing team see their showrunning dreams come to fruition. A high tide raises all boats. The greatest testament of a job well done is in the careers that we help launch.”

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