Screen Nova Scotia announces the call for applications for the next writers’ room of the 2023/24 Screenwriter Internship Program. Now in its fifth year, this Netflix-sponsored television writing training program is designed to help to emerge 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.
Worth of Award
- The selected participant will be joining a virtual Los Angeles writers’ room for a one-hour CTV drama series.
- The program will start in late April/early May (dates are currently flexible). It’s also important to note that applicants must be available to fulfil the needs/hours of the writers’ room in Pacific Standard Time.
- 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.
Applicants will be selected on the basis of the following materials via a competitive application process.
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.
Eligibility
- 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:
1) Be a resident of Nova Scotia;
2) Not be enrolled in any full-time school or university program;
3) Demonstrate ownership of all underlying rights to their original concept;
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 virtual writers’ room internship (please ensure you are available for the required room dates before applying, as these are not flexible).
6) Be a member in good standing of Screen Nova Scotia (Individual Professional Members / Producer Members).
How to Apply
In addition to completing and submitting the online Application Form HERE, entrants must send SNS the following documents:
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 (2021-2023) from a recognized screen industry professional;
4) 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.
Important information: When submitting, please save all support materials in . PDF format and send them to: [email protected] with the subject line “2023 Screenwriter Internship Program”. Be sure to submit the online Application Form at the same time, so all materials are received together.
Deadline: Friday, April 14, 2023.