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

*Submissions are currently closed.*

How many scripts can I apply with?

Writers may submit up to three (3) complete scripts. Each script requires a separate completed application, and a separate non-refundable application fee. We encourage you to submit only your best work.

Can writing partners apply?

Yes. Both writers must meet eligibility requirements (See Eligibility Requirements section below). Please designate one writer as the primary contact/potential attendee, and list that writer first in the writing credits on the application. Or, we will do our best to accommodate both writers. The Intensive fee for co-writers is $1800 for both people.

Is it possible to submit an updated draft after I’ve applied?

No, sorry.

Is it true that when you enter a contest late, your script doesn’t have a chance?

False! You might have heard that the judges get tired of reading, or the winners have already been chosen. Quite the opposite. Every submitted script is read multiple times with the same care and rigor. Our readers are paid for their work and are eager to find talented writers and exciting projects.

Should I have industry contacts call or email with references?

No thanks. Our decision is based on the material alone. Your work will speak for itself.

How will I be notified about acceptance?

All TWL Canada notifications will be made via email. You will hear from us, whether you are selected for the Intensive or not, on or before October 16, 2024.

I haven’t received notification about my acceptance, but I know others who have. Why is that?

Notifications may be made on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made and sent out on or before October 16, 2024.

Why do you charge an application fee?

We use application fees to pay our independent readers, who carefully evaluate hundreds of scripts, through multiple rounds. 

Why does the Writers Lab Canada cost $1200 when the American one only requires transportation?

TWL flagship lab has a funding source that isn't transferable to regional TWL labs. Firecracker Department is running the TWL Canada Intensive workshop. We are not funded this year, but we have big sights on future possibilities. It’s always our goal to make our events and programs accessible. We currently have two scholarships to offer to selected participants and are actively working on raising more funds. We're really excited to be working with TWL to produce this workshop in Canada and encourage more women and nonbinary artists to write scripts! More questions and thoughts - feel free to reach out firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com

What are the fees associated with attending the Intensive?

For the eight (8) writers selected for the TWL Canada Intensive, the fee is $1,200.00 CAD per person.

Writers are also responsible for travel to and from Toronto, and their accommodations while in Toronto. Breakfast and lunches will be provided during the three-day Intensive.

What if I can’t afford the workshop fees?

We hear you. This is our first year and we are working on engaging industry partners to help with scholarship contributions for those in financial need. To keep up to date subscribe to our newsletter at www.firecrackerdepartment.com, re-visit this space or our websites as we announce more scholarship contributions.

1. One full scholarship is provided by the Firecracker Department and will go to a selected participant in need.

2. The Female Eye Film Festival is providing a full scholarship to a selected participant who is a FeFF alumna of the festival.

3. We are optimistic there’ll be more to come.

We encourage you to look into bursaries such as the Director’s Guild Bursary and Canada Arts Council grants for artistic development and travel.