Scripted
series
lab
scripted series lab
At the core of the Pacific Screenwriting Program is a full-time 15 week curriculum that polishes and prepares candidates for an entry-level writer position on a series.
Every year, up to six committed writers receive the necessary support to expand their portfolio and pursue opportunities in the evolving TV marketplace. Throughout the program, participants hone their craft, strengthen their collaboration and presentation skills, and obtain a deeper understanding of BC’s television industry and how to market themselves within it. Through workshops, events and mentoring, candidates will also be connected with key industry professionals, including senior screenwriters, producers, and agents.
2024 Scripted Series Lab
Applications open Aug 1 – 31 2023.
Program runs:
January – April, 2024
Fees
Application Fee: $25
Program Fee: $1,500
Online Info Session
About
Weeks
1–10
Story Room
For the first 10 weeks of the program, participants will work as a team to develop an original series concept brought to the team by an established showrunner. In a collaborative story-room environment led by the showrunner and following a story room’s rigorous schedule—the writing team will build out the concept, ultimately arriving at a fully developed series package that is ready to present to broadcasters.
Weeks
11–15
Original Series & Business of Writing
For the final five weeks of the program, working one on one with an experienced mentor, participants will further develop their own original scripted television pilot. During this time, participants will also continue to learn more about the business side —preparing their project pitches and meeting with industry professionals.
Your Journey
Selection Process
All complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of industry professionals.
Applicants who are not chosen to advance to the interview stage will be notified by email. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to confirm their interview date and time. We will make every effort to conduct interviews in person; where this is not possible, interviews will take place via video call. After all interviews have been conducted, the selection committee and attached Showrunner will determine which candidates will be best suited to the upcomming lab, and will notify all remaining candidates of their decision.
Need-to-knows
▸ Your Application
Please include the following, in PDF Format:
- Writing Sample: An original series pilot script (half-hour or one-hour comedy or drama), properly formatted (cannot be co-written)
- Paragraph synopsis of the original script you are submitting
- An original series synopsis for another TV idea not yet developed. You may submit more than one [up to two] synopses at a maximum length of two pages each.
- A letter of intent outlining what you hope to achieve by attending the program, both during the program and after
- A letter of reference from an industry professional
- Your resumé
- Completed application information
- A signed copy of our Release Form
- $25 application fee (paid in the application form below with Stripe)
▸ Eligibility
- You must be 19 years or older
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- You must be a resident of British Columbia (meaning a resident in BC for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application and you have filed income tax in the province of British Columbia within the past fiscal year)
- You must have completed some post-secondary training or have some work experience in the craft of writing. (This includes everything from a journalism degree to creative writing workshops.)
We encourage applications from writers from all backgrounds, including those from equity-seeking communities, including those who have faced marginalization due to ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and physical or neurological differences.
Successful applicants who show proof of financial need may be eligible for tuition scholarships.
The 2024 Scripted Series Lab
Open Applications:
Applications will be accepted Aug 1 – 31, (11:00pm PT) 2023. Follow us on social for updates!
Program runs:
January – April, 2024
Fees
Application Fee: $25
Program Fee: $1,500
Application checklist
- Your writing samples
- Your letter of intent
- Your letter of reference
- Your resume
- A signed Release Form
- $25 entry fee (paid online in the form below via Stripe)
The SSL Faq
▸ How do I submit my application?
Upload the requested writing samples and documents, and complete the $25 application. Please ensure you read and accept our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
▸ What happens after I submit my application?
A selection committee, composed of industry professionals, will review applications and shortlist candidates. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview (in person or via Skype/video call). Final selections will be determined after these interviews.
▸ What are you looking for in an application?
Well written samples demonstrating strong voice, fresh ideas, an understanding of structure, and a talent for dialogue. We are also looking for evidence of your commitment to a writing career.
▸ How should I format my script?
Scripts should be submitted as .pdf documents. Format the script as closely to the industry standard as possible, demonstrating a professional approach and an understanding of the TV medium. Our jurors will not read handwritten scripts.
▸ How much experience do I need to be accepted?
This program is for writers who are serious about a career in writing for television. You will need to have some writing experience, either through post-secondary training, or work experience, and a strong working knowledge of television structure demonstrated in your sample script.
▸ Who should I get to write my reference letter? What should it say?
We recommend you ask someone in the writing and/or film industry who you have worked with or studied under. The reference need not be long or complicated. It’s just to affirm that you have some experience writing either as a student or
▸ I have written for theatre/film/magazines/novels/etc., but not for TV. Can I still apply?
Absolutely! If you have previous creative writing experience in areas other than TV, we welcome your application. That said, this program assumes that successful applicants will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the craft of writing specifically for television, as demonstrated in their pilot script sample.
▸ I’m currently developing a show with a co-writer. Can we apply as a team?
We are not accepting writer teams into the program. Please submit a script that you have developed on your own.
▸ Does my pitch script have to be set in BC or Canada?
No, it does not.
▸ I have a show in development with a producer. Can I submit that as my application script?
No. Applicants are asked to submit a script that has not yet been optioned by a producer so that you can make the best use of your time revising and pitching the yet-to-be optioned script if you get into the program
▸ I know/have worked with the showrunner for this year’s program. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply.
▸ How many hours a week is the course?
The program runs full-time (approximately 9:30 am–4:00 pm) from Monday to Friday for the first ten weeks of the program, (the showrunner-led portion). The following weeks, (the mentorship portion) are self-directed but participants will also need to be available to join online meetings and/or training most days at various times within the hours listed above.
▸ Do I need to stay in Vancouver even for the mentorship portion of the program?
Yes. Even though the program’s hours become more flexible for the final five weeks, participants will be expected to be available during this time, and to attend the final “PSP Scripted Summit” showcase event.
▸ Is the program eligible for Canada student loans?
This program is not eligible for Canada student loans.
▸ Can I have a job while enrolled in the program?
Due to the intensive, full-time nature of the program, this program is not compatible with working full time, but prospective applicants can contact the office to discuss individual situations.
▸ If I have prior commitments, can I start the program a week or so late or leave early?
No, for your benefit and the benefit of your fellow participants, you must be physically present for the entire duration of the course.
▸ If I don’t get accepted into the program, is my application fee refundable?
No, the $25 application fee is non-refundable.
▸Will I receive feedback on my submitted script?
No. Due to the volume of applications our jury does not provide feedback on individual work.
▸ Can I apply again using the same script I submitted previously?
While there is no rule against applying again with the same script, we strongly recommend applying with a new script. Successful TV writers have the willingness and ability to develop a portfolio of multiple original scripts so here is a chance to show us that you have what it takes!