BIPOC writers take note: here’s a great way to advance in episodic television.
The BIPOC TV & Film Showrunner Training Bootcamp is a 4-day workshop-style intensive for mid-level to senior writers. Led by writer and executive producer, Anthony Q. Farrell, along with special guest instructors and panellists, the workshop will train up to 50 writers on best practices in managing and staffing their writing rooms, managing production and post-production schedules, and working effectively with production companies and broadcasters.
Farrell says:
“A nice thing about the Canadian Entertainment industry right now is that more doors are opening for BIPOC creators. It’s a beautiful thing. What I’m noticing though, is that many of those creators are being thrown into showrunning without any real preparation or support. The goal of this program is to get mid and upper-level writers ready for the jump to showrunning, demystify elements of the role that are new to them, and to inspire them to take creative control of their series. We’ll go through the nuts and bolts of the job so they’re mostly ready for the opportunity if and when it arises.”
The Showrunner Training Bootcamp is open to Canadian writers who are Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized (Persons of Colour). To be eligible you must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You have or had a show (web or TV) in development with a Canadian broadcaster or with a production company; or,
- You have attained a producer-level credit on at least one season of a Canadian TV or web series; or,
- You have a story editor credit on an animated series.
Here’s the program:
Week 1 (October 16): Managing and staffing your creative team
- What to look for when hiring, where to find your writers
- How to cultivate a safe working environment
- How to communicate and delegate effectively
- How and when to promote junior writers
- How to work best with story editors/coordinators
- How to manage relationships and set realistic expectations with producers
- How to manage a co-showrunning relationship
Week 2 (October 23): Managing Schedules
Guest Instructor: Jim Corston
- Breaking down line producing and budgets
- Pitfalls for showrunners to avoid
- Determining budget realities and priorities
- Staying within your budget and production schedule
- Special session on notes; who gives them, when, pushing back, communicating them to writers
Week 3 (November 6): Production & Post Production
Guest Instructor: Dave Huband
- Post production workflow from day one to delivery
- Tracking dailies
- Working with editors (giving and taking notes)
- What to look for at the mix and in colour correction
Week 4 (November 20): Managing Relationships + Wrap-up
Guest Panellists: Marsha Greene, Floyd Kane, Vera Santamaria
- Building and managing relationships with your writers, actors, crew, non-writing producers, broadcasters
- Panel featuring showrunners from Canada and the US
Apply by September 19, 2021 here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCjxsiHG0GN0bqQb9EPhk3N8A5ar78eIaMb2gzX4JnmKVO4Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
My take: Ana de Lara, this is for you!