Through the Develop BC program, the PSP provides one week’s funding support to showrunner-executive producers who have a pre-network, scripted series that needs further development, while at the same time creating opportunities for emerging writers.
“The Develop BC program was hugely helpful to me. It covered the cost of a week-long writing room with two fantastic writers who helped me break my pilot story for a new project.” – Jennica Harper, Showrunner
Increasingly, buyers from conventional television and streaming platforms are looking for a deeper level of project development to take place before they commit to a project. This program pays the weekly fees of two BC-based Emerging Writers to work with a Showrunner-EP for a week, to further develop a series to demonstrate its viability.
For 2026, the PSP will support three projects in total. Two projects will be those of BC-based Showrunner-EPs and one project will be that of a Showrunner-EP who is based elsewhere in Canada and who identifies as BIPOC. The development rooms need to take place between 5 January 2026 and 15 May 2026.
New This Year:
- The PSP will supply limited Business Affairs support for the preparation of WGC contracts and to ensure that fees and remittances are appropriately paid. Please note: the Showrunner-EP’s company remains the engager.
- One week of development will be awarded to a Showrunner-EP who identifies as BIPOC and who is not BC-based, with the aim of promoting greater representation and inclusivity in the program.
- Priority will also be given to one BC-based Showrunner-EP who identifies as BIPOC.
- The Emerging Writers will be selected by the Showrunner-EP after funding is confirmed; the selection will need to be approved by the PSP to confirm eligibility.
Applications
Now Closed
Info Session
The PSP will cover the cost for two Emerging Writers, including the fees and contract fringe costs, for their one week in the development room. Funding is available to support three Showrunner-EPs, each for one week of development.
If a project is selected, a contract will be drawn up between the PSP and the Showrunner-EP, outlining the agreed terms. The Showrunner-EP will put forward two Emerging Writers for PSP approval, and a Business Affairs Consultant will support the Showrunner-EP in the contracting process.
Funds will be provided to the Showrunner-EP at the end of the development room period, after proof of payment to the Emerging Writers has been supplied. If the project moves ahead into production, the PSP must receive a credit for participating in the project’s development.
The Emerging Writers must be engaged as Story Editors on WGC contracts; they will earn $1,500 per week minus any writer deductions remitted to WGC. The Emerging Writers must be BC residents; they should still be working towards, or have no more than two WGC/WGA writing credits on scripted shows (including WGC development rooms). All engagements must comply with WGC requirements. The Emerging Writers do not have to be PSP program alumni; however the PSP is happy to recommend some of our graduates to showrunners when the time comes.
The development rooms need to take place between 5 January 2026 and 15 May 2026. The rooms of the two BC-based Showrunner-EPs must take place in person and the PSP will assist with finding a location. It would be preferable for the non-BC-based Showrunner-EP to hold their room in person also, but a virtual room is acceptable.
Support is not available for work that takes place before the application is submitted or before the PSP’s support is confirmed. Any additional costs that are not covered by the PSP are the responsibility of the Showrunner-EP. At the Showrunner-EP’s discretion, this might include additional writers in the room, for example, or an assistant.
The intention of this program is to encourage the creation of small scale development rooms in BC which would not otherwise take place, and to create opportunities for emerging screenwriters to work on and contribute meaningfully to projects.
Please note, the criteria are slightly different for BC and non-BC Showrunner-EPs.
▸ BC-based Showrunner-EPs
For BC-based Showrunner-EPs, applications must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- The Showrunner-EP must be a resident of British Columbia and a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
- The Showrunner-EP should have a track record of creating scripted episodic content in a WGC or WGA environment that has been broadcast as a series on network television or VOD platform, including credit as executive producer and either showrunner, co-showrunner, or creator;
- The Showrunner-EP must have a registered Canadian business which will receive the funding and pay the writers involved; this could be a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation;
- The Showrunner-EP’s business must become signatory to the WGC Independent Production Agreement for the purposes of this project and all writers hired must be on WGC contracts;
- The Showrunner-EP must be a WGC member in good standing;
- The Showrunner-EP may not have received funding from this program previously;
- The writers room must take place in-person and in British Columbia;
- The project must be of scripted episodic content, written in English, intended for broadcast as a series on network television or VOD platform. Excluded genres include, but are not limited to, pornography, talk shows, news, live sports events, game shows, reality television, documentary and branded content.
▸ Non-BC-based Showrunner-EPs
For non-BC-based Showrunner-EPs, applications must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- The Showrunner-EP must identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour. Additionally, they must be a resident of Canada and a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
- The Showrunner-EP should have a track record of creating scripted episodic content in a WGC or WGA environment that has been broadcast as a series on network television or VOD platform, including credit as executive producer and either showrunner, co-showrunner, or creator;
- The Showrunner-EP must have a registered Canadian business which will receive the funding and pay the writers involved; this could be a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation;
- The Showrunner-EP’s business must become signatory to the WGC Independent Production Agreement for the purposes of this project and all writers hired must be on WGC contracts;
- The Showrunner-EP must be a WGC member in good standing;
- The Showrunner-EP may not have received funding from this program previously;
- The writers room may take place virtually; in-person in BC would be ideal, but the program does not have travel funds available for this expense, so it is not mandatory;
- The project must be of scripted episodic content, written in English, intended for broadcast as a series on network television or VOD platform. Excluded genres include, but are not limited to, pornography, talk shows, news, live sports events, game shows, reality television, documentary and branded content.
▸ Emerging Writers
If a project is selected, the Showrunner-EP will need to choose two Emerging Writers to work with who meet the criteria below:
- They must be residents of British Columbia and Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents;
- Via their CV, they need to show a track record of writing experience and a commitment to enhancing their screenwriting skills;
- They should have not yet earned WGC or WGA Story Editor credits on more than two scripted shows (including WGC development rooms), although very occasionally exceptions may be made at the PSP’s sole discretion;
- Their participation must be approved by the PSP prior to engagement.
The selection of Emerging Writers from historically under-represented communities is encouraged. The Emerging Writers do not need to be in place at time of application to the program; names etc. will not be requested in the application process.
Interested applicants are welcome to contact us at info@pacificscreenwriting.com if they are uncertain about their eligibility.
Applications will be accepted via our online portal for a two week window from Weds, 5 November (10am PT) to Weds, 19 November (4pm PT), 2025.
In addition to submitting their contact information, the Showrunner-EP applicants will need to upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Project Summary (log line, development stage, prior funding, details of any market interest and/or attachments)
- Development room details (scope of work/goals, dates etc.)
- CV of the Showrunner-EP
The applicant will also need to accept the PSP’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Following the application intake deadline on 19 November, all applications will be reviewed to confirm that they qualify. Then, three projects will be selected as follows:
All qualifying applications will be sorted into three groups:
- those submitted by BIPOC showrunners living outside BC
- those submitted by BIPOC showrunners who are BC residents
- those submitted by non-BIPOC showrunners who are BC residents
Using a lottery, one project will be selected from each group. If there are no qualifying applications from either groups one or two above, then additional projects will be selected from group three.
The decisions of the PSP regarding selection are final.
In early 2025, as part of the Develop BC pilot program, the following rooms took place:
- Sonja Bennett developed Social Movement with Jackson Chow and Jordan Hall.
- Ken Craw developed REM with Kim Senklip Harvey and Norman Li
- Jennica Harper developed Comeback Road with Helene Taylor and Tammy Tsang
- Brad Wright developed Reentry with Ken Kabatoff and Christopher Nash.
We received the following feedback from the Showrunners involved:
“This is a fantastic program. I’m beyond thrilled with what we were able to achieve in five days.”
“A week was just the right amount of time to develop what I started with into a strong pitch, asking ourselves the tough questions we were likely to get from potential buyers.”
“The PSP Develop BC program was invaluable for me in pushing this project forward with the help of two very talented emerging writers. The work we accomplished in a week has put me in a better position to get this project to market far more quickly.”
Some answers to frequent questions.
▸ Is this program compliant with WGC agreements?
Yes, the WGC is aware of the program and has worked with the PSP to ensure compliance.
▸ Can my development room take place virtually?
In-person rooms allow for greater relationship development, and increased learning for the Emerging Writers, which is one of the goals of the program, so the BC showrunners must hold their rooms in person.
For the non-BC showrunner, an in-person room would be ideal, but we will allow virtual rooms. For these showrunners, a plan to hold the room virtually as opposed to in person will not impact the selection process.
▸ I am a showrunner who is not based in BC, can I still apply?
For 2026, in addition to this program being open to all BC showrunners, BIPOC showrunners based elsewhere in Canada may also apply.
▸ Do I have to hire additional people for the room, or can it just be me as the Showrunner-EP and the two Emerging Writers?
No, you do not need to hire anyone else. If you choose to do so, those expenses and WGC contracting requirements are your responsibility.
▸ How do I contract the Emerging Writers? Will someone help me with the paperwork?
They will be on WGC agreements as Story Editors, and the PSP will engage a Business Affairs Consultant to assist with preparing the contract paperwork.
▸ Who owns the IP?
The Showrunner retains IP ownership. The Emerging Writers will be hired on WGC Story Editor contracts.
▸ Do I get paid as the Showrunner-EP?
As both engager and a contracted story editor, you can set the terms for your own payment. The Develop BC program does not provide funds for your fees.
▸ Does the PSP supply a physical space for this writers room to take place in?
We will do our best to supply one. Our partner Peliplat will most likely be able to offer a meeting room in their Mount Pleasant office. We have also assembled a list of industry companies who are willing to provide a writers room if they have one available. If your application is approved, once your agreement is in place and your dates are confirmed, we will do our best to line up a space.
▸ As the Showrunner-EP, do I need to submit a script sample as part of my application?
No, a script sample is not required. In addition to your C.V., we just need:
- Project Summary (log line, development stage, prior funding, details of any market interest and/or attachments)
- Development room details (scope of work/goals, dates, the names of any other participating writers)
▸ Why is the selection process by lottery?
We are of the opinion that experienced showrunners have a strong sense of market needs and show viability. Therefore, instead of evaluating the proposed projects, we are setting a relatively high bar for applicant eligibility, on the understanding that those who meet that threshold will have the necessary expertise to identify and develop a potentially viable project. This also allows us to select projects quickly and efficiently and place trust in the showrunners’ expertise.
▸ I have a producer attached to my project, can I still apply?
Yes, but as explained earlier, the intention of this program is to provide an incentive to create development rooms that would not otherwise occur.
▸ If I receive funding, can a production company or producer be the contracting entity for this development work?
No. The way this is designed and will be contracted, the Showrunner-EP must be the contracting entity. If the Showrunner-EP is not able to demonstrate this at the end of the development room, they will not receive the funding.
▸ I have a broadcaster/streamer currently attached to my project, can I still apply?
No, this program is for developing scripted series that do not currently have a commitment from a broadcaster.
▸ If my project was previously developed by a broadcaster/streamer, but they are no longer involved, can I still apply?
Yes, but in describing your plans for the development room, please tell us what work you have done on the project in the past and what additional goals you have for this further investment and why.
▸ If a project gets funded, are there specific deliverables for the development period?
No, this is your development time to use as you see fit. We want to see projects advance so that they subsequently get optioned, developed and produced. We hope you will keep us in the loop as your series progresses.
▸ Do I have to be committed to producing my show in BC if it gets picked up?
No. However, once you work with emerging BC writers and get to know the talent here, we think you’ll want to produce your show in BC!
▸ How are "BC resident" and "resident of Canada" defined?
For the purposes of BC-based Showrunner-EPs and all Emerging Writers participating in this program, “BC resident” is defined as: being resident in British Columbia for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application and having filed income tax in the province of British Columbia within the past fiscal year.
For the purposes of BIPOC-identifying Showrunner-EPs who live outside BC, “resident of Canada” is defined as: being resident in Canada for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application and having filed income tax in Canada within the past fiscal year.
▸ My development room has already taken place, can I apply for funding retroactively?
No, you must apply and receive confirmation of funding before the room takes place.
▸ I am an emerging writer, how do I get involved?
We encourage you to continue to build your network of working showrunners and writers in order for an applying showrunner to consider working with you. Unfortunately, the PSP is not in a position to facilitate introductions for emerging writers who have not completed our programs.
You can build your network and profile by:
- joining the inkcanada Facebook group
- attending inkdrinks events and other industry events, panels, conferences etc and meeting new people
- entering reputable screenwriting competitions
We are also fans of the industry tips and tricks that Carole Kirschner shares on Instagram. Take a look at our Advice for Emerging Writers page for more information.
▸ I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact: info@pacificscreenwriting.com
Supported by:
