Deadline: April 29, 2022
Screen Nova Scotia Screenwriter Internship Program 2022–2023 | Canada Only
Best Screenplay – Screen Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the call for applications for the first virtual writers’ room of the 2022–2023 Screenwriter Internship Program. Now in its fourth year, this Netflix-sponsored television writing training program is designed to help emerging to mid-level Nova Scotian screenwriters grow their network, sharpen their professional skills, and bring new perspectives and ideas to the writers’ rooms of established television series across North America.
The selected participant for this round will be joining the virtual writers’ room of a new one-hour female-focused mystery series based out of Toronto. The series is being produced by eOne and Bell Media. The two-week internship will take place in mid-May (exact dates TBD).
Participation in these two-week internships will offer local screenwriters training, industry insight, invaluable experience and practical knowledge to help them advance as writers of compelling scripts for television. Their experience will also make them ideal candidates for producers who are looking for talent to develop projects and writers’ rooms within Nova Scotia.
Please note: Due to the current COVID-19 situation, we expect the majority of writers’ rooms will continue to take place online, with selected NS participants joining virtual rooms. This is currently the industry standard across North America, however, we are still looking for available in-person rooms for later in the year.
Thank you to Netflix for signing on as a presenting partner in 2020, allowing us to expand the program and connect Nova Scotian writers with some of North America’s top showrunners and screenwriters. Read the full press release HERE.
Program Format: Applicants will be selected on the basis of the following materials via a competitive application process.
- A resume/CV that includes credits as well as relevant education and training;
- A writing sample;
- A letter of interest and intent;
- A letter of reference.
Selected writers will be paired with a writers’ room for a two-week internship, which allows them to gain professional screenwriting experience, as well as facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a screenwriting career. There is no fee to apply.
Benefits
- Participation in these two-week internships will offer local screenwriters training, industry insight, invaluable experience and practical knowledge to help them advance as writers of compelling scripts for television.
- Their experience will also make them ideal candidates for producers who are looking for talent to develop projects and writers’ rooms within Nova Scotia.
Eligibility Criteria:
Please note that this program is designed as a professional screenwriting training program, not an introductory course. An emerging screenwriter has experience in or has completed basic education and training in screenwriting, film and television production, film studies, and/or any field related to narrative and story structure.
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:
- Be a resident of Nova Scotia;
- Not be enrolled in any full-time school or university program;
- Demonstrate ownership of all underlying rights to their original concept;
- Demonstrate in the support material an understanding of the fundamentals of television screenwriting, such as story arcs and character development;
- Commit to the two-week, full-day intensive virtual writers’ room internship (please ensure you are available for the required room dates before applying, as these are not flexible).
- Be a member in good standing of Screen Nova Scotia (Individual Professional Members / Producer Members).
Submission Requirements:
In addition to completing and submitting the online Application Form HERE, entrants must send SNS the following documents:
- A letter of interest and intent describing why you believe this program is right for you, based on your background and career objectives;
- A resume/CV that includes credits as well as relevant education and training;
- A current letter of reference (2020-2022) from a recognized screen industry professional;
- A writing sample: One script for either a 1-hour or 1/2-hour TV series. Not eligible are feature film scripts, co-written scripts, and spec scripts for existing television series.
When submitting, please save all support materials in .PDF format and send them to: [email protected] with the subject line “2022 Screenwriter Internship Program: Room 1”. Be sure to submit the online Application Form at the same time, so all materials are received together.
If you applied to rooms in the past, you are welcome to reapply for this room but will need to update and resubmit your application accordingly.
