Writing for Series Television
January 19 to 30, 1996
Banff Centre for the Arts, Banff, Alberta
Workshop Leader: Donald Martin
Purpose
Although the production of series television has been booming in Canada,
Canadian writers have been unable to secure a significant proportion of
the resulting writing contracts. To improve this situation the Television
and Film Institute for Screenwriters (TFI) is partnering with The Banff
Centre for the Arts to offer a 12-day workshop led by professional
writer/story editor Donald Martin.
Objective
This training workshop is designed to assist intermediate and senior level
professional writers in developing the credentials they need to qualify
for work on Canadian series television. In addition to specific skills
development and the creation of a writing sample, the course will also
improve each writer9s potential in the labour market through personal
interaction with a professional series writer/story editor who is
currently working on series television produced in Canada. To ensure each
participant receives maximum benefit from their contact with the story
editor, this workshop is limited to eight people.
Improved Employment Opportunities for Course Participants
For the most part, hiring decisions in series television are based on
personal relationships and evaluation of a body of work which indicates
ability in the specific genre to be produced. Unfortunately, even
established Canadian writers lack experience in series television. And,
many Canadian writers have not had the opportunity to establish the
relationships with story editors, script consultants and series writers
that will lead to jobs.
This training workshop will address both issues. Trainees will finish the
workshop with a suitable writing sample and will have worked with a story
editor capable of giving an evaluation of their ability to potential
employers.
Method
This 12-day training workshop will run from January 19 to 30, 1996. Prior
to the workshop, participants will receive a bible from an existing or
recent television drama series. They will be expected to prepare two or
three 3pitches2 suitable for that series. On the first day of the workshop
they will present their pitches. In concert with the story editor they
will refine one pitch which will form the basis of an outline and draft
script which will be developed over the course of the next twelve days.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have a writing sample
suitable for submission to those who make decisions regarding employment
on series television.
Workshop Leader
Donald Martin has written and has had produced episodics, mini-series and
numerous films, including the Gemini Award-winning television movie,
"Coming of Age;" the internationally acclaimed AIDS drama, "No Blame,"
starring Helen Shaver; and "The Phone Call." Recent projects include the
movie-of-the-week "Spenser: A Savage Place," starring Robert Urich, and
the feature film "Pocahontas: The Legend," which he wrote and produced.
Series credits include "Side Effects" (CBC), "Street Legal" (CBC) and
"Secret Service" (NBC). Martin is currently producing the series
"Everywoman9s Money" and the film "Loss of Faith." He serves as script
consultant to film and television producers across the country. He created
and coordinates the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television9s
Understanding Story Workshop, and ran their successfull National Story
Editor Training Program.
Selection Criteria
Applicants for this training workshop will submit a curriculum vitae and a
writing sample in television script format. A team of professional script
readers will evaluate the script submissions. These script readers will
make recommendations to the selection panel, who will determine admission
based on a combination of the readers9 reports and curriculum vitae
analysis.
Cost To Participants
The fee for this workshop is $700, plus a $48 application processing fee.
Additional costs to each workshop participant are travel, plus room and
board while at The Banff Centre.
The workshop fee for each participant has been reduced substantially
through financial assistance from the Television and Film Institute for
Screenwriters, The Banff Centre9s Media and Visual Arts Department, the
Canadian Film and Television Production Association, the Writers Guild of
Canada, and the Training Initiatives Program of the Cultural Human
Resources Council.
Additional financial assistance may be available through local Canada
Employment Centres or provincial Student Finance Boards.
Fees do not include the Goods and Services Tax (GST - presently 7%). GST
does not apply to program fees, shared accommodation, or a meal plan of
more than four week9s duration. All programs, dates and fees are subject
to change without notice.
Application Requirements
All applicants must:
1. Complete the application form; be sure to include your full name with
complete contact information.
2. Enclose a non-refundable application processing fee of $48 Cdn (or $42 US).
3. Enclose a writing sample of no more than 10 pages, to demonstrate your
familiarity with television drama.
4. Enclose a brief overview of how you will benefit by attending this workshop.
5. Include the name, address, and phone number (both home and business)
of one reference person who can support your application.
The completed application form, along with the non-refundable application
processing fee and supporting materials must be forwarded to the Office of
the Registrar by October 31, 1995. Successful applicants will be notified
the week of November 20, 1995.
The Banff Centre for the Arts
Office of the Registrar
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Box 1020 - Stn 28
Banff, Alberta
Canada T0L 0C0
Tel.: (403) 762-6180
Fax: (403) 762-6345
Email: [log in to unmask]
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