TORONTO – The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) and CTV have come together on the CTV Diverse Screenwriters Program, allowing emerging and mid-career writers the chance to hone the skills that they need to become successful professional screenwriters.
The program will offer up to eight writers a one-week intensive workshop in Toronto next Spring. And one writer will come out of the program with a paid internship at a CTV conventional television or specialty service series.
“The most important thing for any screenwriter is their unique voice. That’s where story comes from”, said WGC president Jill Golick, in the announcement. “By finding, encouraging and nurturing new writers from diverse backgrounds, we’re ensuring that the next generation of Canadian stories have a vibrancy and vitality and draw on a wellspring of experience that reflects the true wonder and breadth of Canada.”
Featuring lectures, guest speakers and screenings, the workshop will launch the writers’ development of their original script. After the workshop, each writer will partner with an experienced screenwriter mentor to hone their script and pitch, finishing the program with a polished calling card to the industry. In addition, one writer will be selected by jury for a paid internship in a writers’ room on a CTV conventional television or specialty service show.
“CTV is a champion of home-grown talent and prides itself in forging relationships with established and emerging writing talent across Canada", said Paul Sparkes, EVP of corporate affairs for CTVglobemedia. “The establishment of the CTV Diverse Screenwriters Program represents an important stride in CTV’s continuing efforts to discover and nurture talent as diverse as our audience. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Writers Guild of Canada on this very worthwhile initiative.”
The CTV Diverse Screenwriters Program presented by the WGC is made possible through the CTV-CHUM tangible benefits. Click here for more information on the program.
