CBC Television will contribute $600,000 over three years to the Canadian Film Centre’s training program for emerging TV talent, to be renamed the CBC Prime Time Television Program.

The program, introduced in 1999, offers TV writers a team-based approach to series development for the small screen. Graduates include Rob Sheridan (Little Mosque on the Prairie) and Joseph Kay (This Is Wonderland). This past year, under the guidance of show runner/executive producer Barbara Samuels and the eight writers in residence, a four-part miniseries, The Box, was developed and picked up for development by CBC as an MOW.

‘We’re proud of this collaboration with Canada’s world renowned public broadcaster. Their support for this program will ensure a strong foundation for the country’s television industry,’ said CFC executive director Slawko Klymkiw, in a release. Klymkiw was formerly CBC’s executive director of network programming.

‘Working together with the CFC, we will help create the next generation of excellence in this wonderful business,’ said CBC EVP Richard Stursberg.