The Banff World Media Festival, with Shaw Media, has launched the 2012 edition of the Global Writers Apprentice Program, offering emerging Canadian writers the opportunity to gain significant experience, with access to the Banff World Media Festival, June 10-13, as well as the opportunity to complete an internship in the story department of a prime-time series. The program is open to individual writers as well as to established writing teams who have a track record together.

The successful applicants will:

• Be invited to attend the Banff World Media Festival on a full access pass, including flights and accommodation. 
• Have the opportunity to gain significant experience by completing a four-week internship in the story department of a prime-time series.
• Enjoy networking, pitching, and business building opportunities at various Banff sessions.
• Have the chance to meet with showrunners, agents, broadcasters, and funders.

Qualifications:

Applicant Requirements

• Applicants should be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate an expertise in dramatic screenwriting.
• Preference will be given to those individuals who have at least a half hour of produced drama.
• Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate an expertise in dramatic screenwriting.

Submission Requirements:

• A complete application form
• A cover letter that outlines why they should be considered for this position
• A spec script of an existing series (hour or half-hour, drama or comedy)
• A series pitch (hour or half-hour, drama or comedy) that will form the basis of their pitching at the BANFF Festival.
• A resume and two letters of recommendation from Canadian film and television industry professionals. References should be familiar with the candidate's work and be able to comment on the candidate's ability to become a writer for series television.   

Successful candidates will be notified of their participation mid-April. 

For more information, please contact:
Emma Norton
Associate Producer, Awards & Market Access Programs
enorton@achillesmedia.com