The Screen Nova Scotia Screenwriter Internship Program, presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of Canada and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, is a television writing training program designed to help emerging/mid-level screenwriters expand their network, sharpen their professional skills, and bring new perspectives and ideas to the writers’ rooms of television series in Canada.
This new program will connect Nova Scotian writers with some of Canada’s top showrunners and screenwriters through two-week internships in the writers’ room of Canadian TV series. Through participating in these rooms, NS writers will gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge to help them advance as writers of compelling scripts for Canadian television. Their experience will also make them ideal candidates for local producers who are looking for talent to develop projects here in the province.
The first available writers’ room is a TV drama series based in Toronto, from August 20th to 31st. As more rooms are confirmed, we will re-open the call for applications to a maximum of three NS participants in 2018. You may reapply to every call for applications, as they become available.
Program Format: Applicants will be selected on the basis of the following materials:
1) A resume/CV that includes credits as well as relevant education and training;
2) A writing sample;
3) A letter of interest and intent;
4) A letter of reference.
Selected writers will be paired with a writers’ room in Toronto for a two-week internship, which allows them to gain invaluable screenwriting experience, as well as facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a screenwriting career.
Screen Nova Scotia will cover the following costs of the internship:
1) Return airfare ($500)
2) Two weeks hotel accomodation ($150/night)
3) Per diem ($50/day)
Selected participants will be required to pay a $500 participation fee.
Eligibility Criteria: Emerging and mid-level screenwriters can apply to the program with a writing sample for an original, English-language concept for a television series suitable for broadcast. Only concepts in the genres of drama, comedy, and children’s and youth programming are eligible. Projects may be 1/2-hour series, 1-hour series or mini series, in either live action or animation. The following are ineligible: Feature films, talk shows, game shows, reality-based series, documentary series, news, stand-up and sketch comedies. While the program welcomes and encourages stories that include diverse perspectives, themes, and characters, this is not a requirement.
Eligible applicants must:
1) Not be enrolled in any full-time school or university program;
2) Demonstrate ownership of all underlying rights to their original concept;
3) Be a member of Screen Nova Scotia (Not a member? Join HERE);
4) Demonstrate in the support material an understanding of the fundamentals of television screenwriting, such as story arcs and character development;
5) Commit to the two-week, full-day intensive writers’ room internship.
Submission Requirements: In addition to completing the online Application Form (HERE), entrants must include the following attachments in an email:
1) A letter of interest and intent describing why you believe this program is right for you, based on your background and career objectives.
2) A resume/CV that includes credits as well as relevant education and training.
3) A current letter of reference (2017-2018) from a recognized industry professional.
4) A writing sample: One script for either a 1-hour or 1/2-hour TV series. Note: not eligible are feature film scripts, co-written scripts, and spec scripts for existing television series.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, July 29th. Please save all support materials in .PDF format and send to: info@screennovascotia.com with the subject line “SNS Screenwriter Internship Program”. Be sure to submit your online Application Form at the same time, so all materials are received together!
More information on this program — including a helpful FAQ — can be found on on our website HERE. If you have any other questions, please contact Melanie Solomon, Industry Services & Locations Manager:melanie@screennovascotia.com / (902) 229-1499.