Location: Film Training Manitoba’s Office: 204-245 McDermot Ave
Date: August 2, 2025
Lecture and Q&A:
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fee: $50
Lecture. Q&A and One-on-One Bundle*:
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fee: $120.00
*Required submitted materials: Submit the first 5-10 pages and a short synopsis of your script (maximum of 500 words) to info@filmtraining.mb.ca
**Submission Deadline: July 25 (4:00 PM)
*Assigned times will be sent out with the confirmation email
About the Lecture:
Getting a job in the film industry has never been easy, and it seems the path forward shifts on a daily basis. During this one day training session, Winnipeg writer/director Collin Friesen (Schitt’s Creek, The Big White, Sorry for your Loss) will explore different ways to break through in an industry that thrives on reinvention. The instructor will be covering AI, Vertical series, Creator Culture and the very real issue of trying to get noticed. Following his two-hour lecture and Q&A, Friesen will conduct one-on-ones with Manitoba writers who pre-submit five to ten pages of a features script or TV pilot, along with a short synopsis.
This training session is designed to inspire and illuminate real pathways forward in a collaborative and supportive environment.
About the One-on-One Sessions:
During the one-on-one coaching sessions, participants will receive individual time with Collin Friesen in a 25-minute interactive discussion on career advancement on screenwriting.
In addition, the instructor and participant will review and discuss the participants’ submitted materials in a supportive and collaborative manner.
*Required submitted materials: Submit the first 5-10 pages and a short synopsis of your script (maximum of 500 words) to our email at info@filmtraining.mb.ca
**Submission Deadline: July 25 (4:00 PM)
*Assigned times will be sent out with the confirmation email
About the Instructor:
Born a “Rider” fan in Saskatchewan, Collin Friesen grew up in Winnipeg, Canada. After receiving his BA from the University of Manitoba, and a degree from Red River College, he worked as a reporter for various local TV and radio stations. But after a stint with the CBC in Alberta, he cashed in his life savings to attend the American Film Institute (AFI).
After graduating from the AFI, his first feature script, The Big White, was made into a movie starring Robin Williams and Holly Hunter. Collin also worked on the X Files spinoff The Lone Gunmen, Pop TV’s Schitt’s Creek, for other studios including CTV, FX, Fox Searchlight, Universal and HBO. His first feature as a writer/director, Sorry For Your Loss, was filmed in Winnipeg and released on Showtime. Friesen currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Stephanie Czajkowski.
Cancellation Policy
Participants must cancel up to 4 full business days prior to the course start date to receive an 80% refund. No refund will be given to participants who cancel within 4 full business days before the course start date, or if they do not attend the course.
Film Training Manitoba reserves the right to cancel, or postpone, any course where a minimum registration level has not been met. Participants registered for a course that is canceled will receive a full refund.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.