Description
Eight Tuesdays, Oct 13–Dec 1, 5:45–7:45 p.m.
By application only (deadline Sep 18—see below)
Limited to 12 participants
Hybrid workshop*
Do you have a brilliant idea for a TV show but no clue how to write a standout pitch document?
Do you have a strong pilot script but don’t know how to flesh it out into a long-lasting series?
Do you secretly think you’re the next Aaron Sorkin or Shonda Rhimes, if only you knew the keys to writing hit TV shows?
Then this workshop is for you.
Most TV writing courses focus on writing a pilot script. Mine starts one step earlier—because before you can write a great pilot, you need a great series concept.
Drawing on my 20+ years in the TV and film industry and my work as a writer, showrunner, development executive, creative consultant and mentor, I will teach you the essential building blocks of television writing and guide you through the process of developing your own original series.
Topics include:
- Story engine, logline & hook
- Series concept & theme
- Characters & world
- Pitching your show: on the page and in the room
- Tips for writing a standout pilot
- Building or advancing a career in television
Throughout the workshop, you’ll apply what you learn to your own project and you’ll receive ongoing feedback and guidance from me to strengthen your concept, sharpen your story engine, and create a professional pitch document—the blueprint for your series and an essential tool for pitching your show.
By the end of the workshop, “logline” will probably become your favourite—and most dreaded—word!
There is no required reading for this workshop. However, I strongly encourage you to read a few articles on writing effective loglines. A logline is one of the most important tools in television development, yet it’s often overlooked or underestimated.
*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3, 1200 Atwater Avenue, Westmount, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot, contact John at john@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you.
Workshop leader
Cynthia Knight is a writer, story editor, and showrunner with over 20 years of experience in film and TV. The co-creator and showrunner of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning comedy series Mohawk Girls (CBC GEM / Peacock), Cynthia was recently a consulting producer on the show My Dead Mom for Crave, a writer on the animated series By Bunny for Sphere Media, and she wrote the international co-production feature film The Otter Club, which just wrapped production in July, 2026. A former development executive for Attraction Images and Muse Entertainment, Cynthia is also a creative consultant and teacher who offers courses, talks, and workshops on TV writing in the US and Canada.
Facebook: Cynthia Knight
Instagram: @cynthiaknightfilms
Applying to This Workshop
This workshop is open by application only. To apply, you must submit a logline and synopsis (1 page max) for the TV series you’d like to develop during the workshop. Send both materials to John Wickham at john@qwf.org, with the subject line “For Cynthia Knight.”
The deadline to apply to this workshop is September 18. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by September 29, by which time selected applicants will be invited to register.
Member
General & Professional $200
Student $120
Non-Member
$240
