Mongrel Media is partnering with Toronto prodcos Sienna Films and Foundry Films to establish a new initiative, the Canadian Writers' Unit, with an eye on developing films by established and up-and-coming writer/creators.

Each year, a group of writers will be invited to participate in monthly sessions where they can discuss ideas for scripts, participate in readings, and receive feedback on their work from veteran producers.

Writers' Unit is the brainchild of Mongrel boss Hussein Amarshi, who tells Playback Daily he has been toying with the idea for several years.

"The inspiration comes from the theater community... where writers or actors who want to write plays are invited to the theater to discuss their projects together in a non-formalized setting throughout the year," says Amarshi.

When he suggested the idea to producers Julia Sereny and Jennifer Kawaja of Sienna Films (Step, New Waterford Girl) and Danny Iron of Foundry Films (Away from Her, Manufactured Landscapes), the trio jumped on board the project, and will act as advisors.

"We bring [to the initiative] a market sensibility through these producers who have a tremendous amount of experience," says Amarshi.

Six writers have been hand-picked for the inaugural year, getting underway next month with Susan Coyne (Slings and Arrows), Tricia Fish (New Waterford Girl), Anais Granofsky (The Limb Salesman), Richie Mehta (Amal), playwright Adam Pettle (Zadie's Shoes) and Rob Thompson (Journey to Little Rock).

"This is our attempt to push our industry... I hope that it inspires other people to do the same," says Amarshi.