The Pacific Screenwriting Program announce the renewal of Develop BC, a program designed to stimulate the development of domestic IP and create work experience opportunities for emerging B.C.-based screenwriters, funded by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia.
Buyers from broadcasters and streaming platforms now expect a greater degree of development before committing to a project. Therefore, the Develop BC program funds two early-career writers to work alongside a Showrunner-EP for one week, advancing a series concept to better demonstrate its viability to prospective buyers. This advances domestic IP development and gives skilled emerging writers real-world experience.
Interim CEO of Creative BC, Laura Lightbown, said, “Canadian stories are an economic engine and integral to our cultural fabric. Develop BC helps showrunners advance original IP, compete in a global market, and keep the value of their work here at home; while giving B.C.’s early-career writers access to professional development and mentorship.”
In early 2026, for the second edition of the program, showrunners Simon Barry (Bet), Robina Lord-Stafford (Saint-Pierre), and Jonathan Lloyd Walker (House of David) all developed projects, which they are now taking to market. Of his experience, Simon Barry commented, “The Develop BC program was essential for getting this project developed to the point of being pitch-able with the help of two talented emerging writers…Having three minds working together exponentially speeds up the process and brings a greater level of texture, nuance and detail to all the creative materials.”
Full program details, including the eligibility criteria and the application process, are available here; the application window will be open from November 16 to 27, 2026.