Inside the Writers Room on 19-2 with Bruce Smith

Date: April 10, 2015
Time: 2:15pm – 3:45pm
Location: Ada Slaight Hall, Daniels Spectrum

In our inaugural Writing Room Intensive, writer/executive producer Bruce Smith (19-2) will work with six writers to develop the basic elements for a ‘tent-pole’ episode of 19-2. Getting a chance to experience working in the room with Bruce on Friday, April 10, the participants will propose scenarios that will provide the central dramatic context for an episode. The goal of this episode, as always on 19-2, is to convey to the audience the true experience of front line police work, drawing inspiration from real life.

On Saturday, April 11, Bruce Smith will demystify the writer’s room. How does a writers’ room work? How does it all come together? How does Bruce motivate writers? How do you find and develop the best story? Intensive participants will join Bruce on stage to break the final act beat of their tent-pole episode and present their ideas to Tom Hastings, Director of Independent Production, Bell Media. Tom will offer broadcaster notes—giving delegates unparalleled insight into the episodic television writing process.

Joining Bruce in the writing room are: Ian Carpenter, Roslyn Muir, Caitlin Fryers, Amanda Smith-Kolic, Tamara Moulin, Nathalie Younglai.

The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A with the audience.

Bruce M. Smith is currently the showrunner for 19-2 (Bravo). Most recently he was showrunner for the CRACKED (CBC). He has worked as a writer/producer on numerous dramas, including DURHAM COUNTY (HBO CANADA). Bruce has also penned multiple award-winning long form MOWs and Mini-Series including JOHN A: BIRTH OF A COUNTRY, THE SLEEP ROOM, PRAIRIE GIANT: THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY (all CBC) and THE INVESTIGATION (CTV). Bruce won a 2013 Canadian Screen Award for JOHN A: BIRTH OF A COUNTRY. He is a three time WGC award winner.

As the Director of Drama in Bell Media’s Independent Production Unit, Tom Hastings supervises the development and production of original Canadian dramatic series across Bell Media’s family of channels including CTV, Space, MuchMusic, Bravo, and The Movie Network.

He is the former Creative Head of CBC Drama.

He previously served as a Production Executive at Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., after starting his broadcast career as the Manager of Research for the newly launched National Geographic Channel Canada. 

Hastings also has extensive relationships with Canada’s independent production community, and is especially known for his respected relationships with Canadian writers and producers.

Hastings holds a doctorate degree, having obtained his Ph.D. in English Literature.