In partnership with ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto, CBC recently announced the launch of a new program, AccessCBC: A CBC Initiative for Creators with a Disability.

The pilot program provides training, mentorship and – on certain selected projects – financial support to Deaf and disabled creators to develop scripted and documentary content.

Ten creators will be selected in each of the following streams:

Scripted comedy/drama

• Creators attend workshops and receive practical experience writing pitch documents, individualized feedback and coaching on how to package/market their project as well as the opportunity to network with other industry professionals from CBC and across the industry.
• Participants will be paid a stipend of $2,500 for their involvement in the program and their creation of a pitch package.

Short documentaries

• This program includes a paid development phase and mentorship. At the end of an approximate eight-week development cycle, one short doc will be selected for production. By the end of the program, all filmmakers will leave with practical development experience including individualized feedback on their concept and coaching on how to best develop a documentary pitch.
• CBC will choose up to 10 participants who will receive a $6,000 development deal that may go towards writing, research, creating a more detailed proposal, shooting script and/or accessing clips of characters etc.

Submissions are open to creators with a demonstrated interest in the media industry who self-identify as having a disability.

Application deadline is January 26. Learn more about how to apply now. All enquiries regarding the program should be sent to in************@***il.com.