TORONTO – The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has announced a new, three-year, $600,000 sponsorship initiative with CBC Television to help foster emerging Canadian television talent.
The advanced training program, to be known as the CBC Prime Time Television Program, is considered to be an essential source of trained writers and newly developed projects for the TV marketplace.
“The CBC is recognized as the major leader in producing and broadcasting Canadian episodic drama, while the CFC has a proven track record of developing successful television writers/creators,” said Slawko Klymkiw, CFC executive director and former CBC Television programming chief, in a statement.
“We’re proud of this collaboration with Canada’s world renowned public broadcaster. Their support for this program will ensure a strong foundation for the country’s television industry.”
“As the country’s national public broadcaster and the focal point of Canadian prime time content, the CBC has an enormous interest in ensuring the success and vitality of the Canadian television industry,” said Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC Television. “Working together with the CFC, we will help create the next generation of excellence in this wonderful business.”
Graduates of the Prime Time Television Program have been involved in more than 100 Canadian TV series from coast-to-coast, including CBC Television programs such as Little Mosque on the Prairie (Rob Sheridan), This is Wonderland (Joseph Kay), Snakes and Ladders (David Fraser, Michelle Lovretta) and the upcoming program The Border (Denis McGrath).
Since the program was introduced in 1999, the CBC has been an active participant. This past year, under the guidance of show runner/executive producer Barbara Samuels and the eight writers in residence, a four-part miniseries, The Box, was developed and picked-up for development by CBC Television as a movie of the week.
The CBC Prime Time Television Program provides a team-based approach to TV series development for writers. Residents will master the tools required for working in a story department, developing dramatic series material, and surviving as a successful writer in the television marketplace. Alumni have garnered numerous national and international awards for excellence in television.
