WRITE ON THE CLOCK

WRITE ON THE CLOCK  is a virtual meeting place hosted by Liesl Lafferty and Olesia Shewchuk for writers to gather and be accountable.

We offer scriptwriting workshops, short film labs, free writing drop-ins and write-a-thons.

You show up at 10:00am PT on Zoom for a quick check-in with your writing goals. The timer goes on, everyone goes on ‘mute’, and you work on your personal writing project. We close with a brief check-out at the end – did you reach your goal?  

• Writer’s Accountability Every Thursday 10am-12pm PT
• Goals on the Clock Every Monday 11am-2:30pm

Do you have a script in the drawer, a ripe idea ready to harvest, or a blank page staring back at you? Film, television, play, podcast and web series writers join Liesl Lafferty on Zoom for her Scriptwriting Workshops in 2025. We meet once a week for ten weeks on Zoom. You submit up to 12 to 18 pages every second week, hear your material read aloud, and receive facilitated feedback from associate writers. In that time you can complete a full-length draft, a pilot and pitch deck, or simply improve and complete whatever you are working on.  

Instructor: LIESL LAFFERTY  

Cost: $500 CAD per session

Dates: 

• Winter 2025 – Tuesdays – Jan 14 to Mar 25 (except Feb 18) — 10:00am to 1:05pm PT 
• Fall 2025 – Tuesdays – Sep 16 to Dec 09 (except Sep 30, Oct 14, and Nov 11) — 10:00am to 1:05pm PT 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Application for the Scriptwriting Workshop

“These workshops are a boon for any writer. I learn so much every week, and I can’t recommend this strongly enough!” – Mahara Sinclaire

“As someone who was new to a writer’s group, I wasn’t sure what to expect – BUT – this group has been incredible! I am definitely a better writer for it.” – Amanda McEwan

“The high quality of feedback from the group is helpful and immediately actionable. Liesl’s experience and insights are worth the investment in yourself and your work.” -Yvonne Shieck

Liesl Lafferty (she/her) is a Jessie award-winning director, and a Jessie-nominated scriptwriter, producer and dramaturg, focusing mainly on developing new works. She is the Head of the Firecracker Writing Department, where she facilitates Scriptwriting Workshops, provides Story Development Services, co-produces two annual events; the Igniter Comedy Film Challenge with the Canadian Film Fest, and currently in its inaugural year, The Writers Lab Canada Script Intensive. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. @liesllafferty www.liesllafferty.com

Do you want to make your own short film? Writers, actors, aspiring film directors and producers, join Olesia Shewchuk on Zoom for her popular high-paced Short Film Lab. Meet once a week for a high-paced 12 weeks. The lecture portion of the course will guide you through the process of filmmaking A to Z – from screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, gear, editing, post sound, marketing, and film festivals. The interactive portion of each class provides a supportive and mentoring environment for sharing weekly progress on your film (including having your script read out loud). You also receive two private zoom coachings on your film script and edit. No need to have a short script to start this course. The course ends with a screening of the class films. Be prepared for a ride!! 

Instructor: OLESIA SHEWCHUK

Cost: $375 CAD per session

Dates:

• PART 1 Screenwriting, Pre-Production, Production $375. Bursaries available. 
• PART 2 Post-Production Editing, Sound, Music $375. Bursaries available.
• Once you have completed the SHORT FILM LAB PART 1 and PART 2, you are eligible for the SHORT FILM GRAD LAB for your independent film projects.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Application for the Short Film Lab 

“Olesia is an excellent mentor and teacher, full of experience and enthusiasm. The course covered so much ground, and now, I have a short film!” – Liesl Lafferty, Vancouver BC

“I had been saying I was going to shoot one of my scripts for years but never knew where to start. Olesia is a master of structure and systems. She broke down the process into detailed steps. The combination of lecture, with great supporting material, practical exercises to enforce what we were learning, personal check-ins with our projects and informative resource videos and exercises for homework all worked together to provide the guidance, support and confidence needed to finally shoot my first short film. I can’t thank Olesia enough for creating this class – her passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and drive is a true gift!” – Stacee Copland, Vancouver, BC

“I can’t recommend Olesia’s Short Film Lab enough. Taught by a powerhouse of a woman, I learned so much about “how to make a film” while taking this brilliant course and I gained a greater respect for those courageous enough to tell cinematic stories. I am thrilled that the short film that I wrote and produced with the guidance of this course is in currently in post-production.” – Rene Rudge, Mukilteo WA

Olesia Shewchuk (she/her) has worked both in front of the camera as an Actor on TV (Siren, Kung Fu, Family Law) and behind the camera as a producer, director, writer, film editor, composer and story editor on over 75 short films and 5 feature films collectively. Her short films have won awards in film festivals around the world. Olesia graduated from the film production program at the Seattle Film Institute.

Are you looking to improve the business side of your acting career? In the Actor Biz Lab sessions on Zoom, which are part lecture and part workshop, you will identify your next career steps, explore your industry challenges, and design your branding. Create or update your materials – headshots, resume, demo reel, website and more. Yes, there will be homework! 

Instructor: OLESIA SHEWCHUK

Cost: $150 CAD per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Application for the Actor Biz Lab

Olesia Shewchuk (she/her) has been in roles on Netflix, NBC, Fox, TLC, ABC, Bravo, Freeform, CW and Global. She has also performed onstage in 24 theatre and musical productions including lead roles in Once, The Merry Widow, Camelot, and The Rainmaker and has sung as a soloist with orchestras including the VSO. She recently won ‘Best Actress in a Feature Film‘ at the World Premiere Film Awards for her portrayal of Carmen in the independent feature, Prof.