#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE PRESENT COMEDY SERIES LAB

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC), with support from Presenting Program Partner Bell Media and Program Partner Blink49 Studios, is pleased to announce the new Comedy Series Lab, a full time professional comedy writing and series development initiative dedicated to fostering the next wave of Canadian talent. This ​high impact program​ balances the collaborative comedy story room work with the nurturing of individual creative voices and development of original new ​content that is ready ​for the marketplace. Applications can be made here.

Building off the CFC’s previously acclaimed Prime Time TV model, the Comedy Series Lab will offer four emerging to mid-level Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized writers in Canada with the opportunity to be immersed in a professional comedy writing room while developing a new series under the mentorship of a top Comedy Showrunner, establish strong collaborative relationships, and build confidence in their story room skills. This Lab will also see each writer develop their own original comedy series pilot, deliver on a produced TV teaser to promote their voice and series, and gain a greater understanding of the new creative tools and business considerations in this fast changing content landscape. The Comedy Series Lab will run from October 2025 to March 2026 and applications are now open here.

“We’re proud to offer this incredible opportunity for exciting, authentic comedy writers/creators to deepen their skills and expand their career opportunities through the Comedy Series Lab,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “We’re delighted to have Bell Media and Blink49 Studios on board as partners; together we’ll help usher a new wave of talent into the pantheon of legendary Canadian comedy creators.”

“We’re excited to team up with Bell Media and the CFC for the launch of this year’s Comedy Series Lab and support the next wave of comedic talent in Canada,” said John Morayniss, CEO, Blink49 Studios. “This partnership is a key part of our strategy to build a robust comedy pipeline across North America, following our recent acquisition of Pier 21 Films and our strategic investment in the digital comedy production studio, Stapleview. It reflects our shared commitment to bold, original storytelling that connects with audiences both at home and globally.”

“Supporting emerging comedic talent is at the heart of Bell Media’s mission to deliver innovative and engaging content,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “Building on our existing partnerships with Blink49 Studios and the CFC, this new collaboration on the Comedy Series Lab allows us to invest directly in the next generation of creators who will shape the future of Canadian comedy. We’re proud to be part of this exciting journey and look forward to the bold, original stories that will come to life through this program.”

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

About The CFC:
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.

About Blink49 Studios:
Blink49 Studios is a full-service independent studio developing, producing, and monetizing premium scripted and unscripted content for global audiences. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver, the company was launched in partnership with anchor investor and strategic partner FIFTH SEASON. With strategic investments in Front Street Pictures, as well as the recent acquisition of Pier21 Films, Blink49 has expanded its vertically integrated operations across Canada and the U.S. The studio’s content-first approach is driven by strong creative partnerships and a commitment to championing new and diverse voices.

Named Playback’s Producer of the Year (2024) and Dealmaker of the Year (2022), Blink49’s slate includes scripted hits like Wild Cards (CBC/The CW), Sight Unseen (CTV/The CW), The Trades (Crave), Late Bloomer (Crave) and Don’t Even (Crave/APTN), alongside unscripted titles such as Queen of the Castle (CTV Life), Beast Games (Prime Video), The Braxtons, and Toya & Reginae (We TV). Library series include Ride (The CW), Run the Burbs (CBC, The CW, Hulu) and The Beaverton (CTV).