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. This program is presented by Ontario Creates.

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.

2026 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.

Offered annually over the next three years, the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary will award one (1) recipient with a full bursary to participate in Second Draft: Screenwriting for TV Series, a flagship four-day professional development program from WIFT+ Toronto, that will take place from October 8 - October 29, 2026. The Bursary application deadline is Sunday, September 13, 2026 (11:59 pm).

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

• A $500 honorarium
• Two tickets to the 2027 WIFT+ Toronto Reception@TIFF
• A one-year WIFT+ Toronto membership

*WIFT+ Toronto will facilitate the delivery of all prizes.

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.

Session 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 (sowing 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