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THE WRITERS LAB CANADA

​COMING SOON!

Presented by

Firecracker Department & Female Eye Film Festival

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The Writers Lab (TWL),

now celebrating its tenth year, is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script and career development for women and nonbinary writers over the age of 40. The New York-based not-for-profit contest and incubator is supported by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.

Firecracker Department

is a hit podcast and a vibrant international community of women and nonbinary artists empowering each other to take creative action by building platforms for our voices and stories. Working together to go further and change the world!

Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF)

is a competitive international women directors’ film festival established in 2001, as a not-for-profit organization. Voted “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine for 12 consecutive years (2013–2024).

The Writers Lab Canada (TWL Canada) Intensive

is devoted to script development for Canadian women and nonbinary film and TV writers 40 years of age and over.

 

During this three-day, in-person Intensive in Toronto, a small group of selected writers will engage in individual script work, one-on-one mentor meetings and group sessions aimed to develop their scripts and elevate their craft.

Official Launch

At the Female Eye Film Festival we’ll be in conversation with The Writers Lab (NYC) Co-founders, Elizabeth Kaiden and Nza Wilon as part of FeFF’s BEST IN THE BIZ TRIBUTE, HONORARY MAVERICK series on

JULY 20th, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at TIFF Lightbox

 

Join us at the TWL Screenwriters Masterclass 

led by Honorary Mavericks, Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon.

JULY 21st, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 

Tickets $25.00 (available on-line soon)

VIP and All Access Pass Holders (Free)

Program details here

Firecracker Department and the Female Eye “TWL Canada Intensive” official launch and further details will be announced at the Female Eye Film Festival 

JULY 18 to JULY 21, 2024

Overview

  • The Intensive is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are women and nonbinary script writers 40 years of age or over.

  • All scripts must be in English and submitted WITHOUT the writer’s name and contact information, in order to maintain anonymity in the judging process.

  • Submitted scripts must be professionally formatted.

  • Narrative scripts only: feature film screenplays (80 to 120 pages), half-hour TV pilots (22 to 44 pages) and one-hour TV pilots (45 to 75 pages).

  • TWL Canada Intensive Application Fee: $65-$85 USD

  • Submit here:  TWLCanada

  • If accepted, TWL Canada Intensive Fee: $1200 CAD

  • ONLY 8 in-person participants will be selected.

  • Scripts will be submitted via Coverfly. You will need to create a free account in advance.

Jun 03 - Jul 18

Script Prep Sessions (optional support offered by Firecracker Department)

Jul 18 - Jul 21

22nd Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF)

Jul 18 - Aug 01

TWL Canada Intensive Regular Submissions - $65 USD

Jul 20

FeFF In Conversation with TWL Co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon

Jul 21

FeFF Masterclass with TWL Co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon

Aug 01 - Aug 08

TWL Canada Intensive Late Submissions - $85 USD

​Oct 16

Winners Announced and all applicants notified

Nov 08

Deadline for selected participants Intensive Fee - $1200.00 CAD

Dec 05 - Dec 07

TWL Canada Intensive in Toronto, Canada

Important Dates

Firecracker Department Script Prep Sessions

Liesl Lafferty, Head of the Firecracker Writing Department, offers optional story consultations and script coverage. To apply click here Script Prep Form or contact firecrackerwritingdepartment@gmail.com

Liesl is a Jessie award-winning director, a Jessie-nominated scriptwriter, producer and dramaturg, focusing mainly on developing and creating new works. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. As Head of the Firecracker Writing Department, she runs twice annual Scriptwriting Workshops and much more.  www.liesllafferty.com @liesllafferty

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