CFC and Bell Media join forces to support emerging TV writers

BELL MEDIA ANNOUNCED AS BROADCAST PARTNER FOR CFC'S PRIME TIME TV PROGRAM

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - CFC (Canadian Film Centre) and Bell Media are pleased to announce a new, three-year sponsorship of the CFC's flagship TV program.  Now known as the Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, this critically acclaimed advanced program is recognized within the industry as an essential source of trained writers and newly developed projects for the television marketplace.

"Simulating the story room experience, the Bell Media Prime Time TV Program offers new talent the ultimate mentorship, the chance to learn from the best in the business," said Corrie Coe, Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. "The Prime Time TV Program at the CFC has provided invaluable training to many of Canada's top television writers, and has been critical in helping our industry grow and mature. We are delighted to be able to partner with the CFC to support this wonderful initiative."

Graduates of the Prime Time Program have been involved in more than 100 television series internationally, including Bell Media programs such as Degrassi: The Next Generation, Flashpoint, The L.A. Complex, The Listener, Sanctuary and Saving Hope.

Bell Media's SPACE recently greenlit the sci-fi series Orphan Black, created by CFC alumni Graeme Manson and John Fawcett. Orphan Black was developed through the Prime Time TV Program by Graeme and the 2008 writer residents. The first season, produced by Temple Street Productions, will begin production in Toronto this fall with CFC alumni Karen Walton, Alex Levine and Chris Roberts in the story room.

"Orphan Black is an excellent example of how successful this program is in training writers and delivering content for the marketplace," said Slawko Klymkiw, CFC's Chief Executive Officer.  "This collaboration with Canada's premier multimedia company will help us build even more momentum for talent coming through our doors and undoubtedly expand their opportunities for work."

The 2012 Bell Media Prime Time TV Program will be led by Executive Producer in Residence and alumna Shelley Eriksen, a creator, writer and showrunner with experience in prime time drama, comedy, mini-series and movies-of-the-week. Having staffed over 200 episodes of television, Eriksen's career spans from the acclaimed Traders, through showrunning Show Me Yours, and most recently has written on Bombgirls, Flashpoint and Continuum.

The Bell Media Prime Time TV Program offers a complete immersion in episodic television writing, professional series development and an in-depth understanding of the TV marketplace.  Following a rigorous application and selection process, eight writers have been selected to take part in the 14th year of the Prime Time TV Program, which begins on September 17th.  Since it was introduced in 1999, more than 130 writer alumni have gone on to garner numerous national and international awards for excellence in television.

About CFC
CFC accelerates the careers of the brightest talent in film, television, screen acting, music, and digital media. A charitable organization, CFC is committed to promoting and investing in Canada's diverse talent; providing exhibition, financial, and distribution opportunities, industry collaborations and creative partnerships for top creative content leaders. CFC makes a significant cultural and economic contribution to Canada by launching the country's most creative ideas and voices to the world. For more details, visit cfccreates.com

About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. With passion and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Bell Media entertains, informs and inspires Canadians. Bell Media owns 28 conventional stations, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and owns and operates 30 specialty channels, including TSN, Canada's #1 specialty channel and RDS, Canada's #1 French-language specialty channel. Bell Media also owns 33 radio stations, dozens of websites including the Sympatico.ca portal, and Dome Productions Inc. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. For more on Bell Media, please visit www.bellmedia.ca.

SOURCE: Bell Media