From Idea to Greenlight: Television Development Accelerator

Join us for a two-day immersive masterclass led by executives from Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company), one of Canada’s leading production companies, guiding Saskatchewan producers & creators through the complete television development cycle – covering both scripted and unscripted content - from idea generation to pitching to funding, budgeting, scheduling, and the path to production greenlight.

• The workshop will be led in the room by Insight Productions' executives Shannon Farr (Vice President & Executive Producer), John Murray (Vice President & Executive Producer), with Brett Hogg (Vice President, Business Affairs) appearing via Zoom.
• Participants will be invited to a small, casual industry networking event following Day One.
• At the end of Day Two, participants have the option of receiving a 1-on-1 review of their project by Shannon Farr and John Murray.*

• Limited to 25 people.
• $50 for ScreenSask members
• $100 for non-members
• Screensask members use promocode SCREENSASK for 50% discount

From the first spark of an idea to getting a broadcaster’s “yes,” development is where television dreams become viable projects.

This two-day intensive, presented by ScreenSask in partnership with Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company) — one of Canada’s leading production companies—demystifies every stage of scripted and unscripted television development, led by Vice Presidents and Executive Producers Shannon Farr and John Murray and Vice President of Business Affairs, Brett Hogg.

Across two interactive days, participants will explore:

• How to turn ideas into compelling story pitches and formats;
• What makes a strong pitch deck, one-pager and sizzle reel;
• Development funding and partnerships; and
• How to build a development budget and schedule

Participants will receive a practical assignment between sessions, feedback from the Insight team, and an exclusive opportunity to network with industry guests at a private reception. Whether you’re a writer, producer, or creative entrepreneur, this workshop will help you develop, package, and position your project for the next stage.

Day 1: Saturday, January 24:

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - From Spark to Pitch (Full Day)
• 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Industry Networking Event
• Participants will be given a homework assignment

Day 2: Sunday, January 25:

• Morning: Participants to complete Homework Assignment on their own
• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Homework review and open discussion
• 3:00 pm - Wrap - 1-o n-1 project reviews with Insight Productions (optional)*
  

• Understanding the development pipeline — from creative to business execution
• What makes a concept stand out?
• How to develop a clear premise and world
• Defining audience, format, tone & market position
• Creating a professional pitch package
• Anatomy of an effective pitch deck
• How to create a compelling sizzle reel
• Verbal pitching – how to structure and present for impact
• What executives and funders look for
• Navigating broadcasters, streamers, and funding agencies
• How to structure co-development and early-stage deals
• Understanding Canadian development funds and tax credits
• Chain of Title, Writer contracting
• Building a budget that reflects creative goals and financial reality
• Key cost categories and timeline planning
• How to align deliverables with funding and greenlight milestones

Participants will be given a Homework Challenge to prepare a budget using parameters provided to them.

*Participants who would like to receive a 1-on-1 project review with Shannon Farr and John Murray must complete an Insight Productions submission release form. A copy of the form will be sent to registrants prior to the workshop, and will also be available on the day.

Presented by ScreenSask in partnership with Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company)

Funding by: Creative Saskatchewan

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Host or Publisher Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association | SMPIA