Second Draft: Screenwriting for TV Series

This four-day program will see participants bring their scripts through the process of development via instruction, workshopping, as well as group and one-on-one mentorship opportunities. This program will prepare the participant to bring in other stakeholders and move their project forward as a business opportunity.

After finishing this workshop, participants will have:

• developed characters, their dramatic conflicts and emotional needs, and worthy antagonists
• a sharpened understanding of screenplay structure, worldbuilding, theme, tone, conflict and dialogue
• an understanding of dramatic structure and the key dramatic question in their script
• an understanding of how to give and receive constructive criticism and move their script forward

This course is an introduction to the techniques of screenwriting with an emphasis on dramatic structure, visual language, and character development. This workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of screenwriting through speaker-led instruction, case studies, exercises and class-led workshopping of participants’ work.

This program will be held IN PERSON ONLY.

There is a bursary for this workshop. Learn more about the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary here.

Deadline for applications is Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Deadline for the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary is Thursday, August 14, 2025

PROGRAM DATES:

Tuesday September 16, 2025

Tuesday September 23, 2025

Tuesday September 30, 2025

Tuesday October 7, 2025

*All days run 9:30am - 4:30pm*

2025 Registration Fees

WIFT Toronto Members: $525 (+ hst)

Non-Members: $675 (+hst)

Once your application has been approved, you will be sent a link to process your payment.

This program will be held IN PERSON ONLY at:

Centre for Social Innovation (192 Spadina Ave).

To be able to take full advantage of this program, you should have writing experience and be able to come to the program with at least one (hopefully two) sample script(s) from your series project with which you are applying.

This program is designed to be a safe space for all in which to share and contribute ideas amongst each other.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact Jody Anderson, Program and Special Events Coordinator at janderson@wift.com.

Offered annually over the next three years, the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary will award one (1) recipient with a full scholarship to participate in Second Draft: Screenwriting for TV Series, a flagship four-day professional development program from WIFT+ Toronto, that will take place from September 16 - October 7, 2025. This Program is Presented by Neshama Entertainment. The Bursary application deadline is Thursday, August 14, 2025 (11:59 pm).

In addition to full tuition for the program, the bursary includes:

• A $500 honorarium
• A TIFF Industry Pass
• Two tickets to the WIFT+ Toronto Reception@TIFF
• A one-year WIFT+ Toronto membership
• A one-year Final Draft license

This bursary is established in memory of Melissa Crozier, founder of Techno Medic Ltd. Melissa’s love for film, especially screenwriting, drew her into the industry and inspired the creation of Techno Medic. Today, Techno Medic is proudly run by Melissa’s family, who have continued the business in her memory, and have established this bursary to support and uplift the next generation of screenwriters.

This program blends and expands upon writing components from other WIFT+ Toronto programs.

Sessions Breakdown

You and Your Story

• Get comfortable talking about yourself and your project
• Why are you the best person to tell this story? Why is now the best time? Who is your audience right now?
• What do you love about this idea you have?
• How can you move your project forward from here, and what help (creative and financial) do you need?
• Understanding the elements of your bible and pitch (ex. title, synopsis, logline, format, genre, tagline) to help “paint the picture” and engage potential stakeholders

Themes and World Building

• What is your genre or style?
• Identifying who else might be interested
• What do we respond to as humans? How can you make that work for you?
• How will you be loyal to your audience?
• What makes your story work within this theme?
• Establishing rules within your world
• World descriptions and comparisons
• Visual language

Dramatic Structure

• Understanding overall three-act dramatic structure
• Understanding the concept of beats
• Scene construction

Character Development and Dialogue

• Character descriptions and identities
• Building out your characters with creative, full and vibrant descriptions
• Creating characters with values and direction
• Character arcs and transformations to drive the story
• Creating a character’s backstory and world views (i.e. “where they come from”)
• Beginning characters’ relationships
• Casting considerations or influences

Plot Design and Story Engines

• What will move your story forward (sewing seeds and setting expectations)?
• What will impact upon your characters and force them to action(or inaction)?
• How does this influence your story? How does it drive you to your denouement?
• Wrapping up your loose ends in a fulfilling way
• Building and sustaining tension

Playing Well With Others

• Feeling comfortable workshopping with others
• Team building (when you haven’t chosen your team)
• Learning about trust, confidentiality, and transparency (and how they work together)
• Delivering and accepting constructive criticism

Instructor: Ian Malone, Vice President, Development & Production at Neshama Entertainme

Ian Malone is the Vice President, Development & Production at Neshama Entertainment, where he oversees a slate of original films and series for a variety of streaming services. He has worked as an Executive Producer for programs in partnership with Netflix, The CW, Tubi, CBBC, Nickelodeon, and the CBC, among others. His credits include Canadian classic Degrassi: The Next Generation, BAFTA Award-winning The Next Step, and films The Manny, Twisted Neighbor, and The Marriage Pass. He was nominated for a Writers Guild Of Canada Award for his work on Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil. He lives in Grimsby, Ontario.