The Writers Lab Canada 2024

December 4 - 6, 2024 in Toronto, ON, Canada

presented by

Firecracker Department and Female Eye Film Festival

 

The Writers Lab Canada (TWL Canada) Intensive is devoted to script development for Canadian women and nonbinary film and TV writers 40 years of age and over.

During this three-day, in-person Intensive in Toronto, a small group of selected writers engaged in individual script work, one-on-one mentor meetings and group sessions aimed to develop their scripts and elevate their craft. 

2024 Mentors

Allana Harkin - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Nesting

Carolyn Taylor - Baroness von Sketch Show, I Have Nothing

Jessie Gabe - Workin Moms, Mr.D

Morwyn Brebner - Allegiance, Coroner

Nathalie Younglai - Essex County, Coroner

Shannon Masters - Allegiance, Coroner

Wendy Litner - Run the Burbs, How to Buy a Baby

With Ambassador

Nia Vardalos

Academy Nominated Screenwriter and Actor

2024 Writers

Penny Eizenga


Andrea Martinez Crowther


Ashleigh Rains


Dorothy Raffo


Eisha Marjara


Jennifer Wigmore


Vicki So


Leah Cameron

​​The Writers Lab (TWL), now celebrating its tenth year, is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script and career development for women and nonbinary writers over the age of 40. The New York-based not-for-profit contest and incubator is supported by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.

https://twlstories.org/

Firecracker Department is a hit podcast and a vibrant international community of women and nonbinary artists empowering each other to take creative action by building platforms for our voices and stories. Working together to go further and change the world!

www.firecrackerdepartment.com

Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) is a competitive international women directors’ film festival established in 2001, as a not-for-profit organization. Voted “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine for 12 consecutive years (2013–2024).

www.thefemaleeyefilmfestival.com

Partner Organizations

We greatly appreciate the support of businesses and organizations across Canada who have helped contribute to this program. Thank you.


Support Partners

DGC Ontario

Community Partners

Canadian Artists Network

Film Fatales International

GEMS Vancouver

inkcanada

WIFT Atlantic

Women in the Director’s Chair

Women In View

Production Companies

Blue Ant Media

Cameron Pictures

Darius Films

Vortex Productions

  • Overview

    • The Intensive is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are women and nonbinary script writers 40 years of age or over.

    • All scripts must be in English and submitted WITHOUT the writer’s name and contact information, in order to maintain anonymity in the judging process.

    • Submitted scripts must be professionally formatted.

    • Narrative scripts only: feature film screenplays (80 to 120 pages), one-hour TV pilots (45 to 75 pages), and half-hour TV pilots (22 to 44 pages).

    • TWL Canada Intensive Application Fee: $65-$85 USD

    • If accepted, TWL Canada Intensive Fee: $1200 CAD

    • ONLY 8 in-person participants will be selected.

    • Scripts will be submitted via Coverfly. You will need to create a free account in advance.

    Important Dates

    • Jun 03 to Jul 18 - Script Prep Sessions (optional support offered by Firecracker Department)

    • Jul 18 to Jul 21 - 22nd Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF)

    • Jul 18 to Jul 31 - TWL Canada Intensive Regular Submissions - $65 USD

    • Jul 20 - FeFF In Conversation with TWL Co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon

    • Jul 21 - FeFF Masterclass with TWL Co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon

    • Aug 01 to 08 - TWL Canada Intensive Late Submissions - $85 USD

    • Oct 16 - Winners Announced and all applicants notified

    • Nov 08 - Deadline for selected participants Intensive Fee - $1200.00 CAD

    • Dec 04 to 06 - TWL Canada Intensive in Toronto, Canada