Reelworld E20 Program
About the Program:
Duration: 5 Months
Format: Remote & Part-Time
Producers in the program will receive a pass to the Reelworld Film Festival+Summit.
Timeline:
Program Start Date: February 2026
Program End Date: August 2026
Sessions: February - May 2026
Face2Face & Table Reads: August 2026
For any program-specific questions please reach out to programming@reelworld.ca
Now in its 25th year, the five-month Reelworld Emerging 20 (E20) Program is designed to help emerging screenwriters develop a finished, polished script. The program features two streams—Series and Film—with ten writers selected for each. Participants receive one-on-one story editing and advanced training in storytelling, character, structure, and pitch development to strengthen both their craft and their projects.
Throughout the program, writers meet with working screenwriters, development executives, and other industry professionals. Reelworld also curates targeted industry meetings to help participants secure letters of interest and support their project's potential path into development. The program concludes with a professional ACTRA table read and E20 Face2Face—an industry mixer that connects writers with producers, broadcasters, and key decision-makers.
Deadline to Apply is December 19th, 2025 (11:59PM EST)
"
The Reelworld E20 Program was a game-changer—each revision sharpened my script and craft, and the insights I gained will guide every project ahead. Truly transformative and career-defining.
"
- Amir Zargara
Producer
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the application requirements?
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A completed Access Reelworld Profile.
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Must be a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen.
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Must be Indigenous (including First Nations, Metis or Inuit), Black, Asian, or Person of Colour.
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High-resolution coloured headshot labelled with "First Name, Last Name-2026E20" [e.g. “Femi Johnson - 2026E20.jpeg”] .
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A 50-word bio.
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Letter of intent (500 words max). Be sure to include what you would like to achieve as a writer in the program.
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A professional CV.
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One-minute video explaining who you are, why you want to be in the E20 program, and your goals.
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A 10-15 page writing sample of your draft script:
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Film stream: First full draft of script
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Television stream: First full draft of pilot and season overview.
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Any additional support documents (pitch deck, previous scripts etc).
What are the goals of the program?
The goal of the Emerging 20 Program is to help emerging screenwriters strengthen their craft, refine their scripts, and build the industry knowledge and connections they need to confidently move their projects forward. It aims to equip writers with both creative and professional tools to advance their careers in film and television.
When do the applications open?
November 21st 2025. Subscribe to the Reelworld newsletter and follow Reelworld on social media to be notified.
When do the applications close?
December 19, at 11:59 PM ET.
When does the program start, and how long does it run?
The program runs for a duration of five (5) months. The sessions start in February and run until May 2026. Table reads and Face2Face will take place in August 2026.
Meetings with broadcasters are held in November
Is this a remote, hybrid or in-person program?
The program is remote with a 2-3 hour commitment per week.
Do I need a completed first draft?
Yes, the film stream will require a completed first draft.
Series stream will require a first draft for your pilot, as well as a season overview.