The Writer’s Lab: Series Development Accelerator
Join us for an intensive two-weekend workshop designed to help emerging writers develop original series concepts from scratch and create a pitch-ready development package.
Led by experienced industry professionals Andrew Malabre and Tyson Caron, this program places you in a dynamic writing room environment where you’ll build structural tools, creative confidence, and receive mentorship to turn ideas into compelling stories.
Across four days of focused instruction, complemented by one-on-one mentoring throughout the week, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your project and begin shaping your first draft.
Plus, four respected industry speakers will share their creative processes and career journeys, offering valuable insights into navigating Manitoba’s screen-based storytelling landscape.
Workshop Details
Dates: This program is designed as a full two-weekend experience. To ensure the best outcomes for you and the group, selected participants must commit to attending both weekends in full.
Weekend 1: November 22–23, 2025
Weekend 2: November 29–30, 2025
Time: Full-day sessions (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Location: Creative Manitoba classroom, 4th floor, 245 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cost:
Application fee:
$0 for OSM members
$10 for non-members
If accepted, participation fee is:
$100 for OSM members
$200 for non-members
If cost is a barrier—particularly for individuals from underrepresented or equity-deserving communities—we’re happy to explore flexible payment options with you. Please contact Peter Nielsen at peter@onscreenmanitoba.com.
Limited to 8 participants to ensure a focused, high-impact experience. Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. CT, November 17, 2025.
Why apply?
Be one of the selected writers to receive:
Intensive training and mentorship from Andrew Malabre and Tyson Caron.
Access to four industry speakers sharing creative processes and career insights.
Tools and strategies to develop a unique series concept for any platform—streaming, web, or broadcast—from the ground up.
A development package that demonstrates your project’s potential to producers.
Who can apply?
Manitoba-based writers interested in creating original series for any platform
Must be 18 or older
Must submit with your application:
A short statement (1–2 paragraphs) about your interest in the program.
A sample of your scripted or prose writing (minimum 5 pages).
A resume
Three concepts you’re considering, each with a 1–2 sentence logline
Key Dates
Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. CT, November 17, 2025
Notification of Selection: November 18
Workshop Dates: November 22–23 and November 29–30 (in-person)
About the Instructors
Andrew Malabre
Writer / Producer – Instructor
Andrew is an accomplished writer, producer, and screenwriting professor with a deep background in film and television. A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre, his career includes writing for Nickelodeon and CTV, and teaching screenwriting at Humber College, George Brown College, and The Second City Training Centre. He also served as showrunner and director for six seasons of a true-crime series, in addition to producing roles on feature films.
Tyson Caron
Writer / Producer / Director – Instructor
Tyson Caron is a writer, director, and producer with a passion for personal, character-driven storytelling. He wrote and directed the feature Lovesick (Cinequest Audience Award) and produced Lucky Strikes (Crave). His credits include Burden of Truth (CBC/The CW) and the award-winning Truth Sharing Podcasts. Most recently, Tyson directed two Lifetime films: Woman With The Red Lipstick and I Have To Kill My Neighbor. A mentor and collaborator, Tyson is dedicated to championing the next generation of Canadian storytellers.
Featured Guest Speakers
Rebecca Gibson
Actor, writer, director, producer, series creator, and showrunner (Taken, H&G, Stevie and the Sacred Animals).
Jeff Beesley
Writer, director, and producer (Corner Gas, Dolan’s Cadillac, multiple Hallmark classics).
Jeff Peeler
Producer (Still Standing, Baroness Von Sketch Show), Supervising Producer (Acting Good).
Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers
Writer, director, producer, and actor (The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open, Kimmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy, Night Raiders).