The Writers Lab Canada 2024

presented by

Firecracker Department and Female Eye Film Festival

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

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 will engage in individual script work, one-on-one mentor meetings and group sessions aimed to develop their scripts and elevate their craft.

Official Launch

At the Female Eye Film Festival, there will be a discussion “In Conversation with The Writers Lab Co-founders (NYC)” and a “Masterclass”. The Firecracker Department “TWL Canada Intensive” official launch and further details will be announced at the Female Eye Film Festival July 18 to July 21, 2024. www.thefemaleeyefilmfestival.com

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

Firecracker Department Script Prep Sessions

Liesl Lafferty, Head of the Firecracker Writing Department, offers optional story consultations and script coverage. To apply click below or contact firecrackerwritingdepartment@gmail.com

Script prep session form

Liesl is a Jessie award-winning director, a Jessie-nominated scriptwriter, producer and dramaturg, focusing mainly on developing and creating new works. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. As Head of the Firecracker Writing Department, she runs twice annual Scriptwriting Workshops and much more. www.liesllafferty.com @liesllafferty