Indigenous Screen Office: ISO x Paramount+ Rewrite Lab

Deadline: August 21, 2026

Program Summary:

Presented by the Indigenous Screen Office in partnership with Paramount Canada. Honouring the voice. Elevating the craft. Where strong stories become undeniable.

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.

Initiative Objectives:

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

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

Eligible Projects:

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

In-Kind Value:

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.

Eligible Applicants:

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