VANCOUVER, December 3, 2018 – The Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP) is pleased to announce that BC-based TV showrunner/writer/producer Sarah Dodd has been selected as the Showrunner for its first-ever Scripted Series Lab. This intensive training initiative will provide support and career-advancement opportunities for active and aspiring screenwriters from across BC. Combining real-world story-room experience, mentorship, boot camps, workshops and information sessions, the program equips writers with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to establish a sustainable career in the province’s dynamic screen industry. Petie Chalifoux, Shawn Tolleson, Todd Ireland, Michael Orlando, Kat Sieniuc and Corey Liu are the selected participants for the program. The Pacific Screenwriting Program is a collaboration between Netflix, CMPA-BC, the Writers Guild of Canada and Creative BC.

BC-based TV writer, producer, and showrunner Sarah Dodd will mentor the first group of aspiring screenwriters in the program. Currently, Sarah is an Executive Producer on the 6- part mini-series Cardinal (CTV/Hulu). She was an Executive Producer and Showrunner on Zixx: Level Three (Cartoon Network/YTV), and Head Writer and Producer on The Saddle Club (ABC/YTV).

“The Pacific Screenwriting Program is tremendously fortunate to work with Sarah Dodd as our mentor showrunner for our inaugural year,” said Brian Hamilton, Board Chair of the PSP. “Sarah is a passionate advocate for the local screenwriting community. Her credits and global experience place her in the top echelon of Canadian showrunners. As anyone who has worked with her can attest, she is insightful about the writing process and generous in her support of new voices. Sarah will provide an inspiring role model for our aspiring screenwriters.”

Sarah has written and produced hundreds of hours of television, both hour-long and half-hour, including: Ransom (CBS/TF-1/Corus/RTL), Motive (ABC/CTV), Arctic Air (CBC), Primeval: New World (SyFy/Space), Endgame (Showcase), The Border (CBC), Falcon Beach (ABC Family/Global), Blood Ties (Space), The Shoebox Zoo (BBC One), Beastmaster (Endemol/Tribune), Code Name Eternity (SyFy), and PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal (CBS/Global). Sarah has also worked

in film and has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and a BA in Creative Writing and History in Art from the University of Victoria.

“I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to develop a new drama series in collaboration with six extremely talented BC writers,” stated Dodd. “I can’t wait to see what we create together and also what each of these fresh voices brings to screens across Canada and around the world in the future.”

For more information about the Pacific Screenwriting Program individuals are encouraged to visit the program’s official website.

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For interview requests please contact: Lesley Diana – Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca| 604-726- 5575

ABOUT THE PACIFIC SCREENWRITING PROGRAM

The Pacific Screenwriting Program was established in 2018 with the goal of building a vibrant screenwriter community in British Columbia. Based in Vancouver, the not-for-profit organization provides training and support to BC-based TV film and television writers at all levels, with the aim of generating a deep and sustainable pool of local talent for BC-based series and films. For more information, please visit the Pacific Screenwriting Program website, or here on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

ABOUT THE SCRIPTED SERIES LAB

The Scripted Series Lab is the flagship training initiative of the Pacific Screenwriting Program. The full-time 14-week curriculum polishes and prepares candidates for an entry-level writer position on a scripted series. Beginning in January 2019, six BC-based, up-and-coming screenwriters will receive the necessary support to expand their portfolio and pursue opportunities in the evolving TV marketplace. Throughout the program, participants hone their craft, strengthen their collaboration and presentation skills, and obtain a deeper understanding of the global television industry and how to market themselves within it. Through workshops, events and mentoring, candidates will also be connected with key industry professionals, including senior screenwriters, producers, and agents.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Pacific Screenwriting Program

Raila Gutman | Raila@pacificscreenwriting.com | 778-998-8116