TORONTO – As Bell officials argue that a bigger Bell will be better for all Canadians at CRTC hearings this week in Montreal, Bell Media announced it will sponsor the Canadian Film Centre’s (CFC) flagship TV program that supports emerging writers for the next three years.
Now called The Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, it’s designed to help train writers and develop new projects for the television marketplace.
"Simulating the story room experience, the Bell Media Prime Time TV Program offers new talent the ultimate mentorship, the chance to learn from the best in the business," said Corrie Coe, Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, and Bell Media in a statement. "The Prime Time TV Program at the CFC has provided invaluable training to many of Canada's top television writers, and has been critical in helping our industry grow and mature.”
Bell says graduates of the Prime Time Program have been involved in more than 100 television series internationally, including Bell Media programs such as Degrassi: The Next Generation, Flashpoint, The L.A. Complex, The Listener, Sanctuary and Saving Hope.
Bell Media's SPACE recently greenlit the sci-fi series Orphan Black, created by CFC alumni Graeme Manson and John Fawcett. Orphan Black was developed through the Prime Time TV Program by Graeme and the 2008 writer residents. The first season, produced by Temple Street Productions, will begin production in Toronto this fall with CFC alumni Karen Walton, Alex Levine and Chris Roberts in the story room.
"This collaboration with Canada's premier multimedia company will help us build even more momentum for talent coming through our doors and undoubtedly expand their opportunities for work," said Slawko Klymkiw, CFC's Chief Executive Officer.
The 2012 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program will be led by Executive Producer in Residence and alumna Shelley Eriksen, a creator, writer and showrunner with experience in prime time drama, comedy, mini-series and movies-of-the-week. Having staffed over 200 episodes of television, Eriksen's career spans from Traders, through showrunning Show Me Yours, and most recently has written on Bombgirls, Flashpoint and Continuum.
