Michael Coutanche

Education: 
BA, Wilfred Laurier University
BAA, Ryerson University
MFA, York University 

Areas of Expertise: 

Michael Coutanche’s area of expertise is in writing for television, film, radio and emerging digital platforms. His teaching and research focus is on the continuing evolution of storytelling forms and the dynamics of creative collaboration. Coutanche is long-time supporter of screenwriting talent in Canada and many of his former students have written and produced for shows such as The Office, Community, Degrassi, and Lost Girl. As a researcher, Coutanche has presented at major international conferences including the Screenwriter Research Network, the Broadcast Education Association and the Inter-Disciplinary Society. He is also the lead author of The 2012 Report on Canadian Screenwriters, a project that communicates the results of a study of the Writers’ Guild of Canada membership and reveals the socio-economic conditions of the screenwriting occupation in Canada.

Prior to joining Toronto Met, Coutanche was executive in charge of production for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he developed film and television projects including Cowboys and Indians: The J.J. Harper Story, Flower & Garnet, and Hemmingway vs. Callaghan. Before this, he held a number of positions at Alliance Communications Corporation, including manager of acquisitions and development for Alliance Atlantis Pictures.

Coutanche was recently appointed the 2015-2016 Massey Toronto Met Fellow at Massey College and is a member of the Toronto Screenwriting Conference advisory board. He is also a story editor and frequent advisor to media companies and funding organizations.