Corus Entertainment Launches 2020 Corus Writer's Apprentice Program in Conjunction with the Banff World Media Festival

Call for submissions to take place from February 12 to March 17, 2020

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TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, the Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) and Corus Entertainment announced that the submission process is underway for the 2020 Corus Writer's Apprentice Program. Attracting a wide range of writers from across Canada each year, this program offers exclusive training and insights into the demands of writing successful television programs. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by March 17, 2020.

New this year, the Program is focusing on voices from under-represented groups.  The Program will look to choose candidates from a wide range of backgrounds with unique and diverse stories to tell.  Applicants are required to submit an original series concept or script.  Selected candidates will receive:

• A full-access pass to BANFF and a travel stipend of $1,200
• An exclusive meet and greet with industry development executives while at BANFF
• Extensive networking, pitching and business-building opportunities while at the Festival
• Opportunities to interact with showrunners, agents, producers and funders from leading broadcasters from North America and around the world
• A two-week internship in the story department of a Canadian primetime series following the Festival

"This year, we are taking a refreshed approach to the Corus Writer's Apprentice Program and looking for   new stories and a diverse range of voices that will help augment the writers pipeline in Canada," said Lisa Godfrey, Vice President, Original Programming. "As commissioners of content, nurturing up-and-coming talent by supporting original storytelling not only fuels our industry with fresh new ideas but also gives a voice to unique perspectives."

"The Corus Writer's Apprentice Program was not only an opportunity to learn, but it allowed me to expand my network in Canada and the U.S. BANFF had incredible and informative panels, and the attending writers, showrunners, and producers were excited to meet with me," said Heather Taylor, writer and 2019 Program recipient. "Having two weeks in The Hardy Boys writers room this summer, not only gave me more experience in the room pitching and giving notes, but also forged new relationships with writers that I hope to continue to work with throughout my career. "

Past Corus Writer's Apprentice Program recipients have included Jordan Hall (co-creator and lead writer, Camilla: The Series), Tara Armstrong (creator and writer, Mary Kills People), Gemma Holdway (story editor, Cardinal) and Marsha Greene (story editor and writer, Private Eyes, Mary Kills People and Ten Days in the Valley).

For more information about the Corus Writer's Apprentice Program, please click here.

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About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world.  Engaging audiences since 1999, the company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 34 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a suite of digital assets, animation software, technology and media services. Corus is an established creator of globally distributed content through Nelvana animation studio, Corus Studios, and children's book publishing house Kids Can Press. The company also owns innovative full-service social digital agency so.da, and lifestyle entertainment company Kin Community Canada. Corus' roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY®, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX. Visit Corus at www.corusent.com.

About the Banff World Media Festival
The Banff World Media Festival is one of the world's most important gatherings of entertainment industry executives and creators, dedicated to content development, production, broadcast, and distribution within TV and digital media. BANFF provides a platform for the evolving media industry to develop its creative and business objectives. It serves as a leading destination for co-production and co-venture partners and is an unparalleled marketplace for over 1500 international decision-makers to connect with new partners, learn from industry leaders and execute new business deals. The 41st annual BANFF World Media Festival will take place June 14-17, 2020 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada. 

SOURCE Corus Entertainment Inc.

Magda Krpan, Lead, Sponsorship & Events, Corus Entertainment, 416.479.6054, [email protected]; Brian Boudreau, Account Manager, Banff World Media Festival, Tel: [phone] x 284, [email protected]