Bell Media Prime Time TV Program
2019 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program Showcase
Overview
PROGRAM DESIGN
APPLY
2020/2021 PROGRAM DATES
PROGRAM START: |
TBD |
PROGRAM END: |
TBD |
*2021/2022 program application dates are to be determined. To receive email notifications regarding key program dates, please SIGN-UP HERE.*
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Bell Media Prime Time Television Program is a 5 ½ month, full-time program. It offers complete immersion in episodic television writing and professional dramatic series development. It has achieved a high level of recognition and success within the industry as an impressive source for trained and professional series writers and newly developed projects for the television marketplace.
The program balances the collaborative work of the story department and commercial aspects of the television industry, with the nurturing of individual creative aspirations and the development of innovative television projects. The team-based approach to series writing is delivered under the mentorship of an experienced television Executive Producer. An evolving series of exercises, case studies, workshops, business and individual sessions enhance the "on the job" approach of the program, provide real exposure to practical issues, and help develop and package the writer’s own original series. These activities deliver the highest level of teaching, content development, professional advancement and entrepreneurial know-how.
- We develop a writer’s technical and collaborative skills, providing them with a thorough understanding of the tools required for episodic television, while refining and challenging them creatively in an intensely demanding and professional environment.
- We expose writers to a myriad of television practices and players, broadening their perspectives, creating a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and increasing professional relationship building.
- We provide writers with the tools and resources to help market their skills and establish themselves in the business.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to 6 talented writers/emerging TV creators per year from across Canada, entry into this program is extremely competitive. The CFC has a rigorous application and selection process which ensures a high calibre of writers while attracting and reflecting talent from diverse cultural, regional, creative, and business backgrounds.
This program is designed for writers who are deeply committed to expanding their craft and who are ready to tackle the rigours of working in a story room. We are looking for writers with unique, inspired voices, a strong understanding of TV and who are keen to collaborate.
To apply you must have:
- A spec script for an existing series
- An original series pilot writing sample (half-hour or one hour; drama or comedy)
- Several original series ideas to be developed
- A proven commitment to writing
- Some exposure to the film and television industry
Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
TUITION & FEES
Tuition for the 2020 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program is $8,000.00.
If accepted into the program, you may also be eligible to receive scholarship support up to the full tuition amount through a scholarship application process. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
Please note that there is a $100.00 application fee via PayPal for all Bell Media Prime Time TV Program applications.
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.
PROGRAM PARTNERS


About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada’s leading content creation company with premier assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, digital media, and more. Bell Media owns 30 local television stations led by CTV, Canada's highest-rated television network; 29 specialty channels, including leading specialty services TSN and RDS. Bell Media is Canada's largest radio broadcaster, with 215 music channels including 109 licensed radio stations in 58 markets across the country, all part of the iHeartRadio brand and streaming service. Bell Media owns Astral, an out-of-home advertising network of 50,000 faces in five provinces. The country’s digital media leader, Bell Media develops and operates websites, apps, and online platforms for its news and entertainment brands; video streaming services Crave, TSN Direct, and RDS Direct; and multi-channel network Much Studios. The company owns a majority stake in Pinewood Toronto Studios; is a partner in Just for Laughs, the live comedy event and TV producer; and jointly owns Dome Productions Partnership., one of North America’s leading production facilities providers. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. Learn more at www.BellMedia.ca.
2019 BELL MEDIA
PRIME TIME TV SUPPORTERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS


PROGRAM PATRONS


PROGRAM SPONSORS






PROGRAM MEMBERS


DENIS MCGRATH BURSARY AWARD
THE COMWEB/WHITES JAY SWITZER INDIGENOUS CREATOR AWARD
THE DARYL DUKE & WILLIAM VINCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
CREATIVE BC
PROGRAM FRIENDS
JORDAN CHRISTIANSON BURSARY & THE CHRISTIANSON FAMILY | BFL Canada Risk & Insurance Services Inc. | Casting Workbook | Chubb Insurance of Canada | CMU College of Makeup Art & Design | STOHN HAY CAFAZZO DEMBROSKI RICHMOND LLP | WHITES Location Equipment Supply | Eastern Script Inc | Total Two Way | TIFF
ORIGINAL MUSIC THANKS TO
THE CFC/SLAIGHT FAMILY CANADIAN MUSIC FUND

CFC SPECIAL THANK YOU
NELLIE LINDNER
ANNE MARIE MURPHY
THE CITY OF TORONTO
OUR APPRECIATION GOES TO:






The CFC would like to acknowledge the co-operation of the Toronto Performers Branch of the ACTRA Performers Guild.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 PROGRAM MENTORS
Bruce Smith | Executive Producer In Residence
Amy Cameron | Original Series Mentor
Al Magee | Professional In Residence
Tom Third | Teaser Music Mentor
David Ostry | Teaser Filmmaker Mentor
Original Series Consultants
Sean Reycraft
Naledi Jackson
Nicolas Billon
Damon Vignale
Noelle Carbone
Tassie Cameron
Casting Directors
Stephanie Gorin
Millie Tom
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 PROGRAM GUESTS
Adam Higgs
AJ Mendez
Amy Stulberg
Andrew Kelly
Anne Carey
Aubrey Nealon
Beth Iley
Brent Sherman
Carl Liberman
Caroline Habib
Chad Maker
Chris Bell
Chris Kelley
Christina Jennings
Daegan Fryklind
David Leyes
Dennis Heaton
Diana Cafazzo
Drew MacKenzie
Dustin Alpern
Elina Levina
Elise Cousineau
Emily Allen
Esta Spalding
Floyd Kane
Fraser Ash
Glenn Cockburn
Gosia Kamela
Harold Gronenthal
Helen Asimakis
Ilana Miller
Isabel Gomez-Moriana
Jane Maggs
Jay Horwitz
Jeff Alpern
Jennifer Hollyer
Jessica Shadlock
Joseph Kay
Julia Holdway
Julian Geneen
Julie Lacey
Julie Strifler
Kate Ashby
Kathleen Meek
Katie Blodgett
Kerry Appleyard
Kerry Ball
Kevin Kirkst
Kirk Comrie
Laurie Finstead
Lesley Harrison
Lisa Hamilton Daly
Liz Szinessy
Lynn Kamm
Mackenzie Lush
Melissa Williamson
Michael MacLennan
Michelle Daly
Michelle Lovretta
Mitch Geddes
Natalie Urquhart
Nolan MacDonald
Paige Haight
Pam Davis
Paul Reynard
Ralph Zimmerman
Rebecca Addelman
Rena Zimmerman
Samantha Driscoll-Way
Sandra Richmond
Sarah Fowlie
Shanika Samuels
Sheri Elwood
Shernold Edwards
Susan Alexander
Tara Woodbury
Tina Horwitz
Tom Hastings
Zach Marcovici
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.