CBC wants a new half-hour daytime drama, and has put out an open call for bright ideas from would-be creators.

‘The search is on to develop a popular new series, with high audience appeal, that will build a loyal and broad audience,’ says Rae Hull, senior director of network programming. ‘The concept should portray Canadian life as we see it in our neighborhoods, with enough spice and intrigue to make it a good fit for daytime.’

Hull says that daytime afternoon programming has missed out on the changes and innovation that have surfaced in other areas – citing kids shows and performing arts as examples. She believes that daytime drama is ripe for change.

The series-to-be will also provide a learning environment for writers, directors, actors and crew. Applicants are being asked to write a training module into their proposals, with specific attention to communities that are underrepresented on TV.

Applicants are to submit a brief pitch of not more than five pages, a development budget for a bible and first draft script, a description of the possible production model, including training elements, and background on the production companies and its principals. The deadline is June 29, after which up to 10 pitches will be selected for bible and script development, to be pared down to five by September. One or two projects will be produced as pilots in November.

For more information, visit the CBC website.

-www.cbc.ca/daytimeproject