Toronto, ON — July 14, 2025 — Women in Film & Television Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) and the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto are proud to announce the launch of the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary, a new initiative designed to support emerging screenwriters in the Canadian screen industry.
Offered annually over the next three years, this bursary will award one 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. The program, delivered in partnership with Neshama Entertainment, provides writers with the tools to refine their scripts, understand industry expectations, and move their projects forward as viable business opportunities. In 2025, this program will be facilitated by Ian Malone, Vice President, Development & Production at Neshama Entertainment.
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., an organization that provides professional on-set medics, water rescue teams, lifeguards, and firefighters to film productions and the broader entertainment industry.
Melissa’s love for film, especially screenwriting, drew her into the industry and inspired the creation of Techno Medic Ltd. Today, Techno Medic Ltd. 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.
“We are honoured to offer the Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary in memory of our beloved daughter and sister. Melissa had a deep passion for film and storytelling, and this bursary is a meaningful way for us to support emerging writers while celebrating the legacy she left behind.”
— The Crozier Family
“It’s a privilege to carry forward Melissa’s legacy through this bursary. Her passion for storytelling and dedication to the screen industry embody the spirit of WIFT+ Toronto. This initiative not only celebrates her remarkable contributions but also ensures her impact lives on by empowering the next generation of screenwriters.”
— Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT+ Toronto
Applications for the bursary are now open until August 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm, and will be reviewed by members of the WIFT+ Toronto Programming Advisory Committee. Interested applicants must submit a bio, a CV, and a letter of intent explaining why Second Draft is important to them and why this is the right time in their career to participate in the program, as well as outlining the access barriers (e.g. financial, etc.) that they are currently facing.
For more information on the Melissa Crozier Writing Bursary and Second Draft, visit our website at wift.com.
To learn more about Techno Medic Ltd. and its continued work in film safety and production support, visit technomedic.ca.
Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the education, engagement, and empowerment of all individuals at every stage of their careers in the screen-based media industry. It is WIFT+ Toronto’s mission to build and advance the careers of its members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WIFT+ TORONTO
The Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto raises funds to enable the organization to carry out its mission of building and advancing the careers of WIFT+ Toronto members by providing memberships, professional development, peer support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We provide training to the industry in the greater Toronto area to enhance the skills of members of the Canadian screen-based media industry. We are proud to be a leader in building an equitable, inclusive, and accessible space where individuals can safely learn and grow their careers. Please consider making a donation.
For more information, please contact:
Sora Chung
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
WIFT+ Toronto
647-895-3351
