The ISO x Paramount+ Rewrite Lab

The Rewrite Lab is an advanced script development initiative designed to support Indigenous screenwriters undertaking a focused rewrite process on television series projects.

The initiative recognizes that many projects complete traditional development processes yet would benefit from additional time, editorial support, and creative rigor before entering financing, production, or marketplace conversations.

Through dedicated story editor support, workshops, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities, participants will strengthen their projects while maintaining the creative voice and cultural integrity that make their stories unique.

The Rewrite Lab supports writers who have completed development on a television series project and are ready to engage in a meaningful rewrite process.

The initiative is administered by the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) and made possible through the support of Paramount Canada.

The Rewrite Lab seeks to:

• Strengthen Indigenous-led television projects through advanced script development
• Support writers at the critical stage between development and production
• Foster excellence in storytelling craft
• Provide access to experienced story editors and industry advisors
• Increase project readiness for financing, production, and global marketplace opportunities
• Create a supportive cohort environment that encourages peer learning and creative growth

Four (4) writers will be selected. Participants will receive:

• Dedicated story editor support throughout the initiative
• Two craft-focused workshops led by established industry experts
• One-on-one mentorship opportunities
• Strategic feedback from industry advisors
• Cohort discussions and peer exchange
• A participant polish fee

Participation in all initiative activities is mandatory unless otherwise approved by the ISO.

INITIATIVE TIMELINE
The timeline below is provided as a guide and is subject to change at the discretion of the Indigenous Screen Office and Paramount.

• Application window opens July 14, 2026
• Application deadline: August 21, 2026
• Assessment & Selection Process (reader scoring, internal review, and partner consultation): August 21 to Late October 2026
• Participant Notification & Contracting: Late October 2026
• Initiative activity and Rewrite period: December 2026 to March 2027

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be able to receive payment through a Canadian financial institution
• Be Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) and reside in Canada.
• Applicants may be required to demonstrate Indigenous citizenship, membership, community connection, or kinship in accordance with ISO policies.
• Applicants should demonstrate a professional commitment to screenwriting and television storytelling.

Priority may be given to writers who have:

• Previous professional screenwriting experience
• Participated in development initiatives, labs, or accelerators
• Worked with broadcasters, streamers, production companies, or development funders

Projects must:

• Be television series projects
• Be Indigenous-led (the project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three key members of the creative team (director, screenwriter, showrunner/creative producer) must be Indigenous)
• Be owned or controlled by the applicant writer
• Be beyond early development (has a bible and one script)
• Be ready for an intensive rewrite or intensive polish process

Eligible formats include:

• Drama
• Comedy
• Children’s & Youth
• Animation
• Limited Series
• Anthology
• Hybrid formats

Projects may be:

• Under option
• Attached to a production company
• Previously been supported by a broadcasters and/or streamers but no longer in active development
• Supported by a development fund
• Developed through another lab or accelerator
• Projects in active production are not eligible
• Feature films are not eligible

Projects submitted to the Rewrite Lab must meet the ISO’s principles of Indigenous ownership, control, and creative leadership.

Applicants must be the lead writer on the project and must demonstrate that the project remains majority Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-controlled.

Projects that are under option or attached to a production company may be eligible provided Indigenous ownership and control remain in place and participation in the initiative does not conflict with any existing contractual obligations.

The ISO reserves the right to request supporting documentation to verify ownership, control, and eligibility.

The Rewrite Lab is a writer-focused initiative. Producers may attend select sessions where invited by the initiative team. Producers participate as observers and supporters and will not be primary participants in story editor sessions, mentorship meetings, or rewrite discussions unless otherwise approved by the initiative.

All participant fees and stipends will be paid directly to the writer.

The Rewrite Lab will be delivered primarily in English. Workshops, mentorship sessions, story editing, and initiative communications will occur in English. French-speaking and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

The initiative may consider French-language projects depending on the availability of appropriate editorial and mentorship resources.

Applicants will need to submit the following required materials

• Current CV or résumé
• Professional biography
• Series overview
• Project synopsis
• Series bible or outline (if applicable)
• Current script draft or sample material
• Brief summary of project history
• Statement of rewrite (polish) goals
  • Why the project is ready for this stage
  • What challenges they are hoping to address
  • What they hope to achieve through participation in the Rewrite Lab

Applications will undergo a competitive assessment process and may be reviewed by:

• ISO staff
• External readers
• Industry advisors
• Program partners

The ISO prioritizes the participation of Indigenous assessors throughout the review process. Where appropriate, assessment committees may also include non-Indigenous industry professionals with relevant subject-matter expertise and demonstrated experience working respectfully with Indigenous creators, communities, and stories.

The deliberations of all assessors remain confidential.

Applications will be assessed based on:

Strength of the Project

• Quality of writing
• Strength of concept
• Clarity of vision

Readiness for Rewrite

• Demonstrated need for advanced development support
• Clear understanding of rewrite goals

Creative Voice

• Authenticity
• Distinctiveness
• Cultural specificity

Market Readiness

• Potential to advance toward production
• Audience potential
• Industry relevance

Commitment to the Program

• Ability to fully participate
• Openness to feedback and collaboration

My project is already attached to a producer. Can I apply?

Yes. Projects attached to production companies or producers remain eligible.

My project is under option. Can I apply?

Yes. Projects under option are eligible provided the writer remains the applicant and primary participant.

Can I apply with a feature film?

No. The Rewrite Lab is currently focused exclusively on television series projects.

Can I submit a project that has already received development funding?

Yes.

Can a producer attend sessions?

In some cases. Producers may be invited to attend select sessions as observers.

Do I need a completed script?

Not necessarily. Projects should demonstrate sufficient development to benefit from an intensive rewrite process.

Can I apply in French?

Yes. However, the initiative will be delivered primarily in English.

Will story editors rewrite my script?

No. Story editors provide feedback, guidance, and support. Participants remain responsible for all writing and creative decisions.

What happens after the initiative ends?

Participants retain all materials developed through the initiative and may continue advancing their projects independently.

I have more questions!

Great, email [email protected]!