This full-time five-month program delivers a team-based approach to series writing, while nurturing individual voices and developing new series concepts. This program provides writers an opportunity to master the essential tools required to thrive as successful creators in the television industry.

Writers refine their creative process, expand their skillsets and portfolios, and establish strong creative and industry partnerships through the following:

Craft and Collaboration: The Story Department

Working in a deeply collaborative manner, the story room experience puts writers through the rigours and discipline of series development with real turnaround expectations.

The Executive Producer in Residence introduces the world of the show, the characters and stories, strategically building their concept and breaking stories with the writers working as a story department. Writers will write and rewrite non-stop balancing the demands of the story room, story editing notes, broadcaster feedback and potential production concerns. The executive producer works closely with the team of writers to reach solid third drafts of the scripts and puts them to the test with professionally cast actor readings.

Project Development: The Original Series Pilot

You will have the opportunity to develop your own fresh and original series idea through group and individual story editing sessions, rewriting and packaging assignments. Under professional mentorship, you will be constantly pitching, turning around written material, round-tabling it for feedback and rewriting and analyzing the work in terms of design, impact and feasibility. This process culminates in a professionally cast actor reading of the pilot script and the production of a promotional teaser.

Productions and TV Teasers

Writers have the opportunity to showcase series idea through a modest production component called TV Teasers, a simple three-minute, professionally cast and crewed snapshot of your original series. Teasers are condensed trailers based on the characters and stories in your original series material that are intended to act as a promotional tool for your talent and series ideas. These productions put into play the same creative, collaborative and pragmatic challenges inherent in any television production experience.

Business and Marketplace: Professional Development

The program focuses on building greater awareness of the business aspects of television; shaping the writer’s portfolio for the broadcast marketplace and developing long-term career strategies. In-depth workshops, case studies, and business and career planning sessions with key industry players will:

• Explore key aspects of the craft, including various processes and relationships
• Access detailed information about series development, financing, production and broadcasting
• Provide in-depth exposure to innovative and alternative TV models

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations please access our accessibility policy here or contact Deborah Fallows, CHRO, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

For questions and clarifications, please contact programs@cfccreates.com.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All application materials must be submitted electronically via our online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only required documents as listed will be reviewed. All items EXCEPT for original pilot and spec script must be uploaded in ONE PDF document. Please ensure that each file and document page is clearly labeled with your first and last name, as well as the title of the document. 

1. Letter of Intent (ONE PAGE)

This is our introduction to you. Please outline what you hope to achieve by attending the program, both within the program and after. Include your thoughts about your skill needs and how you plan to polish those skills within the program. Please also include at least a paragraph that details how and where your creative ideas come from, what you are inspired by and what you feel are the most important elements of any television series.

2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (MAX 3 PAGES)

A current and brief account of your previous work experience, education, and qualifications.

3. Filmography/ Writing Credits

Please include a list of all your writing credits to date. This should include work from film and TV, theatre, novels, short stories, etc. Please include the year the piece was written, as well as its development status.

4. Reference Letters (TWO REQUIRED)

Letters from individuals in the film/television industry familiar with your writing talent. The letters should emphasize your proven commitment to your craft, and be addressed to the ‘Prime Time Television Program Selection Committee.’ Letters can be uploaded with the application, or emailed directly by the referee to programs@cfccreates.com.

5. Top 10 TV List

A list of your 10 all-time favourite television programs, using criteria of your choice (please include a note on what criteria you used to determine this list).

6. Two Original Television Series Ideas (ONE PARAGRAPH PER IDEA)

List two original television series ideas you are interested in developing. Include a one-paragraph synopsis of each idea. Below each synopsis, please indicate the target audience and note what broadcasters you feel would be best suited to these series.

7. Spec Script

A spec script for an existing television series (half-hour or one-hour, comedy or drama). Please include an identifying title page, and ensure your name, title, and draft date are clearly labelled on every script page. Your spec script cannot be co-written.

8. Spec Script Synopsis (ONE PARAGRAPH)

9. Original Series Pilot Script

An original series pilot script (half-hour or one-hour, comedy or drama) that showcases your original voice. Please include an identifying title page, and ensure your name, title, and draft date are clearly labelled on every script page. Your pilot script cannot be co-written.

10. Original Series Pilot Synopsis (ONE PARAGRAPH)

SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICATION

Please review all application requirements in advance of submitting.

All applicants will be notified via email of their application status. *Due to COVID-19, the selection process for the 2020 program has been extended into August. 

Due to the high volume of applicants, feedback will only be offered to shortlisted applicants.

INTERVIEW

Short-listed applicants will be notified by phone of interview dates and times. The interview marks the final stage of the selection process and is intended to clarify each applicant’s expectations and to assist the selection committee in determining which candidates will best contribute to and benefit from the program’s design.

You will be notified of the status of your application shortly after the interview.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations please contact Deborah Fallows, CHRO, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

For questions and clarifications, please contact programs@cfccreates.com.