TORONTO — The Banff World Media Festival and Corus Entertainment announced Wednesday the submission process is underway for the 2020 Corus Writer’s Apprentice Program. Applicants have until March 17 to apply.
Attracting a wide range of writers from across Canada each year, the Corus Writer’s Apprentice Program offers exclusive training and insights into the demands of writing successful television programs, says the news release.
New this year, the program is focusing on voices from underrepresented groups and will look to choose candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds with unique and diverse stories to tell. Applicants are required to submit an original series concept or script.
Selected candidates will receive:
- A full-access pass to the Banff Festival (June 14-17) and a travel stipend of $1,200
- An exclusive meet and greet with industry development executives while at the Festival
- Extensive networking, pitching and business-building opportunities while at the Festival
- Opportunities to interact with showrunners, agents, producers and funders from leading broadcasters from North America and around the world
- A two-week internship in the story department of a Canadian primetime series following the Festival
“As commissioners of content, nurturing up-and-coming talent by supporting original storytelling not only fuels our industry with fresh new ideas but also gives a voice to unique perspectives,” said Lisa Godfrey, vice-president of original programming for Corus, in the release.
“The Corus Writer’s Apprentice Program was not only an opportunity to learn, but it allowed me to expand my network in Canada and the U.S.,” said Heather Taylor, writer and 2019 Program recipient. “Banff had incredible and informative panels, and the attending writers, showrunners, producers were excited to meet with me. Having two weeks in The Hardy Boys writers room this summer, not only gave me more experience in the room pitching and giving notes, but also forged new relationships with writers that I hope to continue to work with throughout my career.”
Past recipients have included Jordan Hall (co-creator and lead writer, Camilla: The Series), Tara Armstrong (creator and writer, Mary Kills People), Gemma Holdway (story editor, Cardinal) and Marsha Greene (story editor and writer, Private Eyes, Mary Kills People and Ten Days in the Valley).
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