Series Incubator

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Series Incubator

Applications are now open for the second edition of the National Screen Institute’s Series Incubator program.

NSI Series Incubator is a 12-month, in-depth training program for four producer/writer teams from underrepresented communities* to develop a scripted series with support and guidance from industry professionals.

In this four-phased, in-person and online program, participants will engage in workshops, presentations and masterclasses to further skills in their field and receive support through targeted, one-on-one mentorship.

Participants will finish the program with a series proof-of-concept (trailer, teaser, scene, short film, web series episode, etc.), be equipped with the skills needed to bring their story to life on screen, and feel empowered in the industry.

Cost: $100 non-refundable application fee per project; $500 tuition per participant, due upon selection.

Apply now, application deadline is July 17, 2023.

This training is for you if you:

  • Identify with one of the following underrepresented communities: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres (Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal), regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
  • Have an idea and preliminary treatment for a series.
  • Possess the rights to the idea.
  • Have some demonstrated experience as a writer or producer.
  • Producers — have production or craft experience, or business affairs/legal experience, or marketing/distribution experience, or some combination of these.
  • Writers — can demonstrate storytelling ability with past works (ie: short film, short story, journalism or another creative writing endeavour).
  • Can commit the necessary time to complete the training and deliver your project by the deadline.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, aged 18 or over.
  • Identify with one of the following underrepresented communities: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres (Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal), regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
  • Maintain creative and financial control over the project as well as technical ownership. This includes ownership of, or option on, all underlying rights (if any). The National Screen Institute reserves the right to disqualify anyone that does not fully own the rights in and to the project.
  • Not be a participant in any other training program that would conflict with your ability to commit to the NSI Series Incubator program.

If you feel you would benefit from the program despite your experience level (lack of, or wealth of) please include a letter explaining why the selection committee should consider you for the program. This letter is in addition to the required ‘letter of expectation.’

This program is aimed at writer/producer teams who wish to develop a fictional series and produce a series proof-of-concept (trailer, teaser, scene, short film, web series episode, etc.).

If you have questions about the program and how to apply, register now for our Q & A webinar on June 15, 2023, 10am MT.

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