The Black Screen Office (BSO) is delighted to announce that applications for Round 4 of the Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund is now open. The fund is administered by the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF). Since its launch in 2021, the Rogers-BSO Script-Development Fund has been instrumental in fostering content creation by Black and racialized writers. The three previous rounds funded a total of 45 French and English projects. Successful outcomes include six writers entering writing rooms with broadcasters such as HBO and Netflix, three scripts optioned as a result of the program, and one writer signing a licensing deal.
Earlier this year we
announced that Rogers has committed to investing an additional
$900,000 over the next three years (a $1.65 million total investment since launch) to continue supporting the Rogers-BSO Development Fund. This funding empowers writers to develop pitch-ready content, including a one-sheet and the second draft of a pilot script; or a treatment and a 2-min teaser/character reel for documentaries. The initiative is further enhanced by a Mentorship Program, sponsored by
Warner Bros Discovery Access Canada, RBC and
TD.
The Fund also offers invaluable support from a writers retreat, mentors, story editors, script evaluators, a pitching coach, and opportunities for successful applicants to pitch their content to producers, networks, studios, and cable or streaming platforms in Canada and internationally.
To apply, please visit the
submission portal. The portal will remain open until
July 15th, 2024, at 8:59 PM PT / 11:59 PM ET.
PLEASE NOTE: Writers who have received funding in a previous round are eligible to apply for Round 4, however writers who have already received two rounds of funding are not eligible.
Stay connected with BSO and CISF:
For more information about the Rogers-BSO Fund, contact: Hoda Ali, BSO Programming Manager at
programming@bso-ben.ca
QUOTES:
“With the Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund, we are thrilled to continue supporting the innovative and powerful voices of these talented writers. This fund has already demonstrated its impact by propelling individuals into prominent opportunities within the industry. As we open applications for Round 4, we remain committed to nurturing the creativity and vision of these storytellers, ensuring their stories are not only told but celebrated on a global stage.” Joan Jenkinson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Screen Office
“Since its inception, the Rogers-BSO Fund has demonstrated the importance and meaningful impact of creating funds dedicated to Black and racialized writers to ensure equitable access to opportunities. Our talented recipients to date have made a meaningful impact in writing rooms, secured licensing deals, and are bringing their projects to screens here and abroad. We remain committed to helping remove barriers to support equity-deserving voices and storytellers.”Robin Mirsky, Director, Rogers Group of Funds
CISF Executive Director Sally Lee says, “Combined, Black, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and other racialized communities represent 9.6 million Canadians across the country. As the only national fund serving storytellers from all of these groups under a shared vision for a vibrant Canadian screen sector that is global in appeal and reach, CISF is pleased to be working closely with our colleagues at the BSO to offer this incredible opportunity for some of our country’s most talented writers, together with the support of our friends at the Rogers Group of Funds.”
in 2021, the Rogers-BSO Fund stimulates content creation by Black writers and writers from racially diverse communities. The $1,650,000 Fund is a partnership between the Rogers Group of Funds and the Black Screen Office, administered by the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF). It provides funding for selected writers to create pitch-ready content. The funding initiative is offered in conjunction with the TD Mentorship Program sponsored by TD Bank Group. The program includes additional support from mentors, story editors, script evaluators, a pitching coach, and opportunities for successful applicants to pitch their content to producers, networks, studios, cable and/or streaming platforms in Canada and internationally.
“The initiative is just one pathway that the BSO has forged to support Black and racially diverse Canadians to build thriving careers in the screen industries, and engage and inspire audiences globally with their stories,” says Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO. “The Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund injects significant financial backing into the system for traditionally underfunded Black and People of Colour talent to get their content in front of decision-makers who can meaningfully move their projects forward.”
“We are proud to continue investing in equity-deserving Black and People of Colour creators, in partnership with the Black Screen Office and Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators,” said Robin Mirsky-Daniels, Director, Rogers Group of Funds. “Together, we are committed to removing barriers to funding and helping to amplify BPOC voices, as these talented creators bring diverse perspectives and powerful stories that need to be heard here in Canada and around the world.”
