Overview

The Reelworld Emerging 20 (E20) Program is a six-month professional development program for emerging screenwriters seeking to advance their skills and develop scripts for film or television.

The program supports 20 writers annually through two streams: Film (10 participants) and Television Series (10 participants).

Participants receive guidance from an experienced story editor to strengthen their scripts through structured development and feedback. The program also includes workshops led by Canadian screen industry professionals, providing participants with practical knowledge of the industry and the professional development process.

The program is delivered remotely. Applicants must be available to attend all scheduled sessions. Applicants must be able to take part in all sessions. Workshops will run from February to June 2027, with pitching events taking place later in the year and at the Reelworld Summit.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE on Dec 16th at 2pm ET.

Program Requirements:

Participants must be available for a virtual orientation
Participants must be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for regular sessions, normally between 11am EST and 4pm EST
Participants must have a first draft of their script concept

FAQ:

Does my draft need to be complete?

No, your draft can be a work in progress

What is Access Reelworld and how do I get a link?

Access Reelworld is our database for BIPOC filmmakers, writers and more. You can sign up at https://www.accessreelworld.ca/checkout/3

Can I apply with an unscripted project?

No, for the purpose of this program all projects must be scripted.

Can I submit a webseries?

Yes, webseries are eligible for the program

Access Reelworld

In order to start your application, you must be a member of Access Reelworld. If you do not have a profile, please create one and share the link to your profile below.

Access Reelworld Profile Link

Personal Information

First Name

Last Name

Country

City

Province / Territory

Age Range

Status

Demographic Information

What gender identity describes you best?

Please Specify

What is your Sexual Orientation?

Which of the following best describes you?

Definition: Individuals who self-identify as racialized persons / persons of colour are persons who are non-white in race, regardless of place of birth or citizenship.

Industry Experience

Have you previously been an E20?

YesNo

If yes, what year(s)?

Describe any previous Reelworld involvement

Profession / Talent (Scroll down and press CTRL/CMD to select multiple)

Other (if not specified above or to elaborate, e.g. "Gaffer" )

Years of Industry experience

Describe your Industry experience

Describe your previous writing experience

Biography (50-75 word only)

IMDb link (if available)

Project Details

Logline (1-2 Sentences, 50 words)

A logline is a one (or occasionally two) sentence description that boils the story down to its essential dramatic narrative in as succinct a manner as possible.

Project Title

Is your project for

FilmTelevision

Project Type (Film)

Narrative FeatureNarrative ShortN/A

Project Type (Series)

Half-Hour ComedyOne-Hour DramaWeb SeriesN/A

Project Genre

Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Suspense, Other, etc.

Approximate Runtime

Project Stage of Development

Describe any prior or current development (or pre-development) related to this

project

Project Description

Write a 250-word story synopsis. Please include the key characters, conflict and

location(s).

Write a 50-word description of the theme and relevance of the story you want

to tell.

NOTE: You will be evaluated based on the quality of your writing.

Supporting Documents

Please include a Google Drive link with the following:

The first draft of the project you are submitting
A one-minute video explaining why you'd like to be an E20
A high-res colour photo of yourself labelled with your name and “E20 2027” [e.g. “Femi Johnson - E20 2027.jpeg”]
Your resume
Any additional support documents (pitch deck, previous scripts etc)
A letter of intent (500 words max). Be sure to include what you would like to achieve as a writer in the program.

Please include your Google Drive link here. *Make sure it is accessible to anyone with the link. If we are unable to access your work, your application will be disqualified.

If you clicked Other, please specify below