AccessCBC
AccessCBC is a national CBC initiative for Deaf and disabled creators developed in partnership with ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto that will provide training, mentorship and, on select projects, financing support to create scripted and documentary screen-based content.
This program’s understanding of disability embraces The Accessible Canada Act definition which is inclusive of visible and invisible disabilities, permanent, temporary or episodic in nature.
For more information on the individual programs, eligibility and submission requirements, please find details on the Scripted stream and Short Documentary stream below.
Deadline for submission is January 26th, 2022 for both streams. UPDATE: The deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, January 31st at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
SCRIPTED (DRAMA AND COMEDY) STREAM
THE PROGRAM:
This program will invite up to 10 Deaf and disabled creators to participate in a series of workshops. In these workshops, participants will:
- Gain practical pitch document writing experience
- Receive individualized feedback on written pitch packages
- Access coaching on how to ensure the pitch document best represents their drama or comedy series concept
- Learn more about marketing their project
- Network with other industry professionals at CBC and outside of CBC on how to best represent a series concept in a pitch document
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- Any comedy or drama series (either half hour or hour long in either category) with a strong concept that is ready to be pitched to the market.
- The series concept may or may not focus on disability narratives.
- Any writer, creator, or producer may apply as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria.
ELIGIBILITY
AccessCBC is open to creatives who are:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- 18 years of age or older
- Deaf and/or Disabled
- Interested in the media industry*
- Not currently employed by the CBC
*The eligibility criteria of “interest in the media industry” includes employment in any media industry position, internships, workshops, job shadowing, learning spaces, storytelling experience and more.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bio: Short paragraph that tells us about who you are.
- Work Sample: A piece of original storytelling that is directly related to your series concept. This sample can be a script (short film, television or feature), a short story, article, signed video, audio recording, or anything that represents your storytelling skill and helps us understand your project idea.
- Project Logline: 1 line that summarizes what your project is about.
- Synopsis: A brief paragraph summarizing your project.
- Bios of team (if applicable): If there are any other creatives currently attached to this project (writer, director, producer, executive producer, or any other applicable roles), please include their bios (1 paragraph each).
- Submission release: This is included in the application form and is necessary for CBC to review your submission.
To learn more about writing a project logline and synopsis, check out this resource
You must satisfy all application requirements to be considered for this program. There is no fee to apply. You may submit a maximum of one project.
COMMITMENT:
All participants will be expected to attend weekly virtual sessions to take place in or around March 2022. Scheduled sessions will be arranged in consultation with the selected participants.
Participants will be paid a stipend of $2500 for their involvement in the program and their creation of a pitch package.
CBC is committed to accessibility. Please let us know what we can do to make this program accessible to you in your application (e.g. closed captioning, ASL interpretation, alt formats and more).
How to Apply: Applicants may apply online via Google Form here. Alternatively, applicants may also email their application to info.accesscbc@gmail.com in written, spoken, or signed formats. Any questions regarding this workshop may also be directed to this email address.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How will you be evaluating projects?
We will be evaluating projects based on Writing (strength of written or video component), Originality of concept (world and voice) and market readiness. Years of experience in the industry will not impact the evaluation.
There will be a jury consisting of executives from CBC, ReelAbilities, and industry experts.
If I’m a writer, do I need a producer attached to this project to apply?
You do not need a producer or production company attached to apply.
Will CBC own my project?
No, CBC will not own any rights to your project.
Does this workshop mean I am in development with CBC?
This program is a workshop intended to create a pitch document, and is not a formal development deal with CBC.
Additional questions or concerns: Please contact info.accesscbc@gmail.com
SHORT DOCUMENTARY STREAM
THE PROGRAM:
The Short Documentary Stream is a development program that includes a paid development phase and mentorship for up to 10 selected filmmakers. At the end of an approximate eight week development cycle, one short doc will be selected for production.
By the end of the program, all filmmakers will leave with practical development experience including individualized feedback on their concept and coaching on how to best develop a documentary pitch.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Stand-alone short digital documentaries between 5 and 15 minutes in length that are engaging, character-driven, contemporary, and focus on a single, unified, strong narrative. We want you to hear the stories that only you can tell, revealing unique perspectives and using creative methods of storytelling. The films’ subjects and themes may or may not focus on disability narratives.
Below are some examples of previously produced short docs we love that can all be viewed on CBC Gem or the CBC Docs YouTube page. We’re looking for films that:
- Feature active and unfolding stories with clear stakes and a narrative arc – like Fast Horse, Sing Me a Lullaby, Finding Fukue
- Celebrate our diversity – like Nancy’s Workshop, Take Me to Prom, The Condom King of Newfoundland, Becoming Nakuset, In the Shadow of the Pines, A Sweet & Sour Christmas
- Provoke conversation – like Headdress, Road to Roxham
- Capture an important moment in time in a unique way – like Until Further Notice, Fatima in Kabul, Inendi
- Shed light on hidden worlds – like Hollie’s Dress, Dish Pigs
- Reflect the real world in an original way – like Snowbirds, Last Night at the Strip Club
- Take joy in the little details in life – like 100 & Counting, Big Men Small Dogs, A-Yi, Nude to Me, Rockin the Coffin
ELIGIBILITY
AccessCBC is open to creatives who are:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- 18 years of age or older
- Deaf and/or Disabled
- Interested in the media industry*
- Not currently employed by the CBC
*The eligibility criteria of “interest in the media industry” includes employment in any media industry position, internships, workshops, job shadowing, learning spaces, storytelling experience and more.
COMMITMENT:
CBC will choose up to 10 participants who will receive a $6000 development deal that may go towards writing, research, creating a more detailed proposal, shooting script and/or accessing clips of characters, etc. During this eight week long development stage taking place between March-May 2022, participants will be paired with a CBC project mentor who will support them in creating a budget and taking their pitch to the next level. At the end of this process, one of the films will be chosen to go into production with CBC support.
CBC is committed to accessibility. Please let us know what we can do to make this program accessible to you in your application (e.g. closed captioning, ASL interpretation, alt formats and more).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Biography: A list of relevant credits or CV or personal bio (short paragraph that tells us about you). If there are other members of your team (ie: writer, director) already attached, please include their CVs as well.
- Project Logline: 1-2 lines that summarize what your short documentary is about.
- Synopsis:Maximum 1 page summary of your short documentary.
- Submission release: This is included in the application form and is necessary for CBC to review your submission.
To learn more about writing a project logline and synopsis, check out this resource
You must satisfy all application requirements to be considered for this program. There is no fee to apply. You may submit a maximum of one project.
How to Apply: Applicants may apply online via Google Form here. Alternatively, applicants may also email their application to info.accesscbc@gmail.com in written, spoken, or signed formats. Any questions regarding this workshop may also be directed to this email address.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the $6000 for?
The $6000 is development funding for your documentary. Successful candidates will work with their CBC mentor to determine a development plan and budget, bespoke to each documentary. This may include hiring external writers or researchers, depending on the project.
Do I need a producer attached to this project to apply?
You do not need a producer or production company attached to apply.
Will CBC own my project?
No, CBC will not own any rights to your project. For more information on how the Business & Rights process works (and some helpful links to CBC’s One Stop Business Workshops) check out their page.
I have already filmed parts of my doc, can I still apply and use that footage in my film?
Yes, as long as you have the rights to the footage.
I’ve filmed some footage or developed my project using funds or grants from another organization/agency. Does this make my project ineligible?
It’s eligible as long as there are no restrictions on our creative input and licensing of the film for digital distribution. On your proposal, indicate any funds you’ve already received so we’re aware up front.
Do I need to have confirmation from my characters/subjects before I submit a pitch about them?
Yes! Please don’t pitch us an idea that revolves around a main character if you haven’t talked to them about potentially being part of your doc.
Additional questions or concerns: Please contact info.accesscbc@gmail.com