Pre-Development Writing Incubator
A development program for mid-career Manitoba screenwriters and creators working on an original television series.
Key dates
Applications are now open.
Application deadline: October 19, 2026, 12 p.m. CT
Review and selection: October 20–30, 2026
Participant notification: November 2–6, 2026
Program delivery: November 2026–March 31, 2027
About the program
The OSM Pre-Development Writing Incubator is a pilot program for five mid-career Manitoba screenwriters and creators developing original television series.
Over connected workshops, participants will develop the same project from beginning to end, strengthening its premise, characters, world and story engine through writing, professional feedback and revision.
Participants will receive professional project notes, revise their pitch materials, practise talking about their series and take part in All Access and other opportunities for industry access and professional connection.
Program structure
The development process will cover:
• character and world;
• the episodic story engine;
• season arc, episode possibilities and package development;
• receiving and implementing professional notes;
• individual project review and a substantive revision period; and pitch coaching, mock-pitch practice and industry-access activities. Participants will also receive individual project feedback and dedicated time to revise their work.
Participant commitment
Applicants must be available from November 2026 through March 31, 2027 and prepared to:
attend the required orientation, five workshops, project review, pitch preparation and industry-access activities;
complete writing and development work between sessions;
share work with professional facilitators and receive creative feedback; and
substantially revise and prepare their project for pitching.
Who it’s for
The pilot is for mid-career Manitoba screenwriters and creators developing an original television series at an early or intermediate stage.
We especially encourage applications from screen-sector professionals who identify as belonging to one or more Indigenous, Equity-Deserving and/or Regional Communities, as defined by the Canada Media Fund.
Project eligibility
Eligible projects include ongoing, limited, animated and digital/streaming television series at an early or intermediate stage of development.
French-language projects are welcome.
This program is focused on scripted television series, so documentary, factual and unscripted projects fall outside the program scope.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants must:
be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Manitoba;
apply as an individual; and
hold or control the rights required to develop the project.
A finished pilot, producer attachment, financing or broadcaster interest is not required.
Participation does not guarantee attachment, financing, broadcaster interest, sale or production.
Cost and membership
There is no cost to apply or participate. Applicants must be current On Screen Manitoba members when they submit their application.
Interested in becoming a member? Join On Screen Manitoba.
If cost is a barrier to OSM membership, please contact peter@onscreenmanitoba.com to discuss available options.
How to apply
Review the full program guidelines and confirm your eligibility and availability.
Prepare your project information and a screenwriting sample of up to 10 pages.
Complete the online application form and upload the required materials.
Submit your complete application by Oct. 19, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
For questions about the program, application or participation supports, please contact:
Peter Nielsen
Programs Coordinator
peter@onscreenmanitoba.com
204.927.5898
