CASE STUDIES IN DIVERSITY

VisionTV is setting an example for the industry with new initiatives designed to foster the development of original drama programs by visible minority filmmakers.

VisionTV appreciates the general need for more original Canadian drama programming, and recognizes the particular challenges facing visible minority writers, directors and producers who seek to create such programs. We have developed initiatives that address both of these concerns.

In 2003, VisionTV launched its first Cultural Diversity Drama Competition, which funded the development and production of three hour-long drama pilots reflecting Canada's diversity. The winning projects were completed and broadcast on VisionTV during the 2004-2005 season.

In 2004, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission awarded VisionTV an increase in its wholesale rate, the revenue from which will support new diversity drama programming initiatives.

We are adopting a phased approach to the development of culturally diverse drama. The first phase is a Script Incubator program.

VisionTV is inviting the submission of story concepts, and will select six writers to take part. In partnership with the National Screen Institute, we will provide a program of intensive training, offering the writers specialized instruction in everything from character and plot development to the pitching of their finished pilot scripts.

The best two or three of these scripts will be selected for the second phase of the initiative: package development. VisionTV will help the writers find production companies capable of developing their projects, and will offer guidance in matters such as casting, budgeting and creating a series bible.

Finally, one script will be selected for the final phase: production of a pilot episode.

Completion of the pilot is slated for 2007.