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] ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]