NBC Universal has set its sights on Canada and, in collaboration with the Canadian Film Centre, is launching a new talent development program designed to draw out writers with original concepts that could potentially land at the U.S. studio.

The NBC Universal Content Creator Program, set to launch in the fall, will gather talent from across Canada to take part in forums and workshops in Toronto that focus on innovative storytelling, pitching and packaging. Any scripts or concepts produced through the program will be considered for TV.

‘This unique partnership will address changes in our business and will provide a hothouse environment for Canadian talent to access, collaborate with, and benefit from the expertise within the NBC Universal family,’ commented CFC exec director Slawko Klymkiw in a Thursday release.

‘We welcome this promising opportunity to work with the CFC to open new horizons for our Canadian partners and create viable original content,’ added NBC’s president of primetime entertainment Angela Bromstad.

The announcement coincides with CFC’s 20th anniversary festivities in Los Angeles. Founder Norman Jewison is being honored with a two-night tribute at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art beginning Friday.