*Submissions are now closed. Stay tuned for an annoucement of the recipients in the coming weeks.

Calling all producers, directors, and story editors in reality and factual television! The Banff World Media Festival is delighted to announce that this year's Shaw Media Showrunner Training Program will focus solely on reality and factual programming, providing four days of training and development for budding Canadian showrunners:

• Gain face-to-face time with top development executives and find out how to make that all-important network deal
• Attend master classes with seasoned showrunners behind some of the biggest hits in television
• Learn how to find the characters that make that character-driven hit a smash success

The Program will provide up to 5 experienced Canadian reality and factual producers, directors, and story editors, the opportunity to participate in an instructive training program at the 2012 Banff World Media Festival. Intimate sessions and workshops will provide insight into the demands of producing a hit reality and factual TV show from some of the best in the business, both in Canada and abroad.

Successful applicants will:

• Be invited to attend the Banff World Media Festival on a full access pass, including flights and accommodation.
• Get to pitch at Banff and develop their reality or factual series during the course of the program.
• Take part in private sessions with renowned reality and factual showrunners attending BANFF.
• Have the opportunity to attend master classes featuring Canadian, U.K. and U.S. broadcast executives.
• Attend sessions on casting, finding production partners, the role of agents, budgets and financing.

Qualifications:

Applicant Requirements

• Applicants should be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate an expertise in reality TV production
• Preference will be given to individuals who have worked for at least two seasons on a reality or factual series and have between six and eight episodic credits

Submission Requirements

• A complete application form
• A cover letter that outlines why they should be considered for this position
• A full series pitch (hour or half-hour reality program, including objectives, profile, and a full description of the tone and world of the show) that will form the basis of their pitching at BANFF.
• A resume and two letters of recommendation from Canadian series television professionals. References should be familiar with the candidate's work on series television and their ability to take on the duties of a showrunner.

Successful candidates will be notified of their participation in April.

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