(Via PRNewswire) The 2015 Banff World Media Festival is coming up on June 7th through 10th at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel there. One special feature will be the Shaw Media Market Access Programs — and what creator couldn’t use more market access? There are two mentorship programs on offer:
- The Shaw Media Drama & Comedy Showrunner Training Program
- The Shaw Media Writer’s Apprentice Program
Applicants accepted into the Showrunner Training Program will be invited “to attend BANFF on a full-access pass and benefit from the extensive networking, pitching, and business-building opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to meet with showrunners, agents, producers and funders from leading broadcasters from North America and around the world,” according to a festival/Shaw Media press release. You can read how to apply here.
The Writer’s Apprentice Program is all of the above plus “a two-week internship in the writer’s room of a current Canadian comedy or drama series.” The festival site’s page on this program seems to be down now (overwhelmed with hits?), but keep checking back if you’re interested. Competition is bound to be pretty intense.
Another opportunity is the TELUS Banff Fellowship program for “emerging creative talent, including producers, writers and directors.” This is meant for entry-level candidates rather than established professionals, and the festival site notes that “Applicants with demonstrated interest or experience in making content for community television will be given special consideration.” A fellowship includes full festival attendance and $500 travel money, among other privileges. You can get the full details at the festival site.