The Reel Asian TV Writing Program is a national professional development initiative supporting Asian Canadian writers developing original scripted television series.

This program supports emerging and mid-career writers with a completed pilot draft who are looking to refine their scripts, strengthen their pitch materials, and prepare their projects for the Canadian television marketplace.

Designed for writers actively pursuing careers in scripted television, the program focuses on advancing projects that show strong creative potential and a clear readiness for professional development.

Participants will work closely with professional story editors and industry mentors while taking part in workshops and speaker sessions with established writers, producers, and development executives.

The program is national in scope, with online sessions and select in-person engagements in Toronto.

The program runs over several months and combines one-on-one mentorship, group learning, peer-to-peer feedback, and industry engagement. Writers will be fully immersed in development work, with structured deadlines and mentorship touchpoints.

Script Development & Story Editor Mentorship

Each participant will be paired with a professional story editor and experienced TV writer, who will guide revisions, pitch preparation, and provide career advice.

Workshops & Speaker Sessions

A small number of group sessions led by established writers, producers, and showrunners.

Industry Access

Reel Asian will facilitate curated meetings with broadcasters, production companies, talent agencies, and guilds, providing writers with introductions, feedback, and potential pathways to further development.

Note: These meetings are professional introductions and do not guarantee production deals.

Festival Table Read Showcase

The program culminates in a public table read at Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival:

• Scenes from participants’ scripts performed by professional actors
• Attended by industry guests and festival audiences
• A high-profile opportunity to showcase talent and script potential

Where possible, Reel Asian will explore opportunities for shadowing, room observation, or future hiring conversations to further support participants’ professional growth.

Throughout the program, participants will receive structured mentorship and development support to produce:

• A polished, industry-ready pilot script
• A series outline with episode breakdowns for Season One
• A professional pitch package (logline, series overview, characters, tone)
• A verbal pitch presentation suitable for producers, broadcasters, and funders

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Self-identify as Asian Canadian
• Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Approved Refugee Claimant (i.e. Protected Person) or have applications for permanent residency or citizenship pending
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have completed a first draft of an original scripted television pilot
• Hold the rights to the submitted project
• Have prior experience writing scripted narrative work (such as television, web series, short film, feature film, or equivalent narrative screenwriting experience) and demonstrate readiness to pursue a professional career in television writing
• Be available to participate fully in mentorship sessions (online), workshops (hybrid), and attend the November 2026 Festival showcase in-person 

Applicants are not required to have a producer attached.

Projects that were previously optioned are eligible if the rights have reverted to the writer.

Applicants must submit a completed first draft of an original TV pilot script.
If your pilot draft is not yet complete, you may still apply by submitting your most current draft along with an additional writing sample (minimum 10 pages) that demonstrates your screenwriting ability. 

Please note: This program is designed for writers who already possess strong foundational screenwriting skills and prior experience developing scripted narrative work. It is intended as a professional development opportunity.

Eligible Formats

Projects must be:

• Scripted television series
• 30-minute or 60-minute format
• Ongoing series or limited series

Ineligible Formats

• Feature films
• Short films
• Documentary projects
• Reality / lifestyle programming
• Unscripted formats
• Adaptations without secured rights

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit through the intake form:

Project Materials

• Completed pilot script draft (PDF)
• Series logline + short synopsis (maximum 1 page)
• Main character descriptions (maximum 1 page)
• Season One overview with episode breakdowns (maximum 1–2 pages)

Application Materials

• Short bio outlining previous writing experience, relevant creative work, and any writing credits or professional development experience
• Resume or CV. Include 1-2 email addresses of references that can speak to your professional and artistic credibility
• Personal statement (maximum 250–400 words or a personalized 2-3 minute video) addressing:
  • Why this project matters to you
  • Why you are applying to this program
  • Your goals in television writing
  • What you are hoping to strengthen through this program (e.g., structure, character, tone, pitching, series engine, career development)

Additional Uploads

• A sample of previous scripted narrative writing that demonstrates your screenwriting craft and experience (television, web series, short film, or feature film or other relevant writing piece)
• Written confirmation of availability for program dates

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Originality of concept
• Strength of premise
• Character development
• Story structure
• Demonstrated writing ability and readiness to advance toward a professional career in television writing

Due to volume, feedback cannot be provided.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of industry professionals and Reel Asian staff.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

Successful applicants will be notified by email.

Key Dates (2026)

Applications Open: June 10, 2026
Applications Close: July 6, 2026
Program Period: July 2026 – March 2027
Table Read Showcase: November 2026 (Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival)

Participants must ensure availability for mentorship sessions and festival events.

Accessibility

If you require accommodations at any stage of the application process, please contact:

Samir Ballou
Industry & Education Manager
Samir@reelasian.com

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

For questions or additional support please contact samir@reelasian.com

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