ABOUT
The Scripted Digital Series Incubator is an intensive four-day program that introduces emerging content creators to the key aspects required to ensure the successful development of an original scripted digital series.
A small number of projects, represented by an individual or teams consisting of a producer and a writer, will be selected to participate in this program.
FOCUS AREAS
- Script development
- Audience development/discoverability
- Pitching
- Financing
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- Create a more polished and marketable script with stronger characters and a narrative arc that is ready for the next stage of funding applications.
- Gain the knowledge needed to create a strong funding application and learn about available funding options.
- Build a marketing and audience engagement strategy.
- Strengthen your industry network.
This program will be delivered in person @ 150 Eglinton Ave East, 3rd Floor (FlexSPACE)
POST PROGRAM EVALUATIONS
It is mandatory that you complete a post program evaluation as a program participant.
On the last day of the program, you will receive an email link to an anonymous program evaluation form. The information we gather through these evaluations is extremely important as it is used in sponsorship and funding applications to highlight the validity of our programming and its value and relevance in our industry and community.
DATES
Tuesday June 18 - Friday June 21, 2024 (inclusive)
EXTENDED! Deadline to apply: Sunday June 2, 2024 (11:59pm EST)
Deadline to apply for scholarships: Sunday May 26, 2024 (11:59pm EST)
2024 REGISTRATION & PROGRAM FEES
Application Fee: $25.00 + hst
Program Fees (only applicable to those who are accepted into the program)
WIFT Toronto Members: $500 + hst
Non Members: $650 + hst
NOTE: the fee allows for a team of up to two participants per project. Contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, with any questions.
Click here to apply for the scholarship information for this program.
ELIGIBILITY
The Scripted Digital Series Incubator is recommended for screen-based professionals with a minimum of five years’ experience in the film, television or digital industry who meet all other requirements as noted in the guidelines. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming.
NOTE: Participants should be in attendance for all four days. Please note the dates of the program prior to applying.
ELIGIBILITY
Projects - either represented by individuals or teams consisting of a producer and a writer - will be selected to participate in this program.
Producer and Writer (both) applicants must have:
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status
- At least one digital series in development
- Production experience demonstrated by produced credits in at least one of these formats: feature film, television movie, television series, television one-off, original short-form digital/web series, documentary OR two short films
- Ability to attend all four days of programming plus post-program session (to be announced)
Producer applicants:
- Must be an independent producer
- Must submit the application on behalf of the team
- Cannot be the sole writer of the project with which you are applying
- Must provide Chain of Title documentation that expires no earlier than December 31, 2022 (NOTE: if your project is an original idea that you conceived, a short document indicating this is sufficient)
Writer applicants:
- Must have signed agreement with producer to participate in program
Successful candidates must be prepared to submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and provide a testimonial upon completion of the program.
WIFT Toronto members and non-members can apply, providing they meet overall eligibility.
Not sure if you are eligible? Contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming, with any questions.
2024 SESSIONS & INSTRUCTORS
The Scripted Digital Series Incubator is comprised of four consecutive days of in-classroom learning led by industry practitioners chosen for their expertise in each subject area. In addition, guest speakers will share practical tips and best practices through case studies that highlight their experience in digital series production.
Peer-to-peer learning among program participants will be encouraged and facilitated by group exercises and group critique/feedback.
SESSION 1
Script Development
What you'll learn:
- Further understand how to create a more developed theme
- Focus on character development
- Gain a greater understanding of the implementation of plots and subplots, and how they work in tandem to build character dimension
Instructor: Karen Walton
KAREN WALTON is a screen and television writer/creative executive producer whose body of work champions society’s underdogs and outliers. Best known as the writer of cult horror classic Ginger Snaps, her decades of television credits include celebrated episodes of Orphan Black, Queer As Folk and the true-life rape culture saga, The Many Trials of One Jane Doe. In 2007, Karen founded the public online community known as inkcanada - Canadian Screenwriters & Their Sketchy Friends; a Facebook Group dedicated to fostering free access and open exchanges between Canada’s professional storytellers, and those who aspire to telling their own stories — no matter who they are or where they live. Now in its 10th year of amazing conversations, inkcanada features the distinct voices of over 5,000 members in Canada, and around the world.
Karen’s dedication to fair representations of gender, gender equity, racial and cultural diversity in entertainment continues, onscreen and off.
SESSION 2
Budgeting and Financing
What you'll learn:
- Available funding options for short format content creation;
- Non-traditional funding (crowdfunding, crowdsourcing);
- Budgeting (creating breakdowns and schedules; understanding how tax credits fit in; and gaining more insight on cash flow, insurance, bank financing, and more);
- Reporting requirements; and,
- Overview of federal and provincial regulations.
Instructor: Lucy Veale (Co-President, Bizable Media)
With a wealth of experience and relationships in the film and television industry, Lucy leads clients through the business aspects of development, financing, corporate organization and production with expertise and efficiency. Prior to her promotion to Vice-President, Lucy held the position of Director of Business Affairs and Production at Bizable for nearly four years. Lucy has also served as Business Affairs Analyst in the entertainment group at Dentons Canada LLC, Business Affairs Coordinator at Shaftesbury, and Director of Development and Associate Producer at Accent Entertainment. Lucy is credited on some of Canada’s most high profile award-winning series and films. Following completion of a Bachelors in Radio and Television Arts, Lucy worked in Los Angeles at a boutique talent management company that specializes in bringing Canadians to L.A. She is an active member of WIFT-T and in 2022 completed the Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law. She is also a perpetual volunteer - sitting on two student councils, an equity and inclusion committee, and multiple mentorship programs. Lucy prefers her music analog, and has an ample vinyl and cassette collection.
SESSION 3
Marketing & Audience Discoverability
What you'll learn:
- Learn the importance of social media community-building and the major platforms involved;
- Explore audience engagement strategies and the role of influencers
- Create and implement a discoverability plan
Instructor: James Woods (Senior Content Manager, Innovate By Day)
"I have been creating and managing social media content for the entertainment industry for over 10 years. My background is in theatre and I have a keen interest in graphic design and typography.
I believe in upholding a brand’s voice and visual identity while mindfully developing customer relationships through strong, well-informed, thoughtful community management.
I look at projects from unique angles, identifying patterns in audience behaviour and current digital marketing and social media trends. I look for ways to make brand content that feels native to its surroundings yet stands out from the crowd.
I’m a copyediting wizard who champions plain language as the key to clear communication.
I believe that service is the key to great customer relationships. Social media should be focused on the customer, and community managers are the front line managers of customer relationships. I would like to be able to help drive that kind of culture shift in our society."
SESSION 4
Persuasive Pitching
In this intensive, full-day session, we will lead the participants through key persuasive modes of packaging and pitching - from the "how to position marketing" to "attracting the decision makers and key talent" to "learning the fetaures & benefits of a verbal and written presention". Participants can expect to learn in-depth information through case studies as well as enjoy an interactive presentation session. Step up your pitching skills to get closer to the YES!
Instructor: Marina Cordoni | Producer, Executive Producer
Marina Cordoni is the Founder and Producer of MCE Inc., a Toronto-based production company and film sales agency. In the nineties, Cordoni worked for various entertainment companies including the film division of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, where she handled pre-sales and completed picture sales in various foreign territories on major independent hits including '4 Weddings and a Funeral', 'Dead Man Walking', 'Fargo' and 'Sleepers'. She was also instrumental in building a feature film production and foreign sales division at Toronto-based Breakthrough Entertainment between 2008-2013.
Recent Producer credits include the latest feature from Gail Harvey, ‘Never Saw It Coming’ (based on the Linwood Barclay novel) and The Butler Brothers: ‘First Round Down’ (which hit number 5 at the Canadian Box Office).
Her Executive Producer roles include ‘Blood Honey’ from filmmaker Jeff Kopas (released in fall 2017) andJason Priestley’s feature directorial debut: ‘Cas and Dylan’.