Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Parts 1, 2 & 3
January 9, 2024
A series of moderated panels featuring representatives and program alumni from the various TV writing programs. The discussions explored the application submission processes for the writing programs, including the importance of submitting the right scripts which best showcase the applicants writing and the selection process.
Please note, the below events are past events. Videos and Write-ups
(From L to R: SWN President Melessa Y. Sargent; Speakers Julie Janata, Karen Kirkland (Former VP for Nickelodeon Group), Evette Vargas, Itai Grunfeld, Cristen Aery Clear and Moderator T. Diane Anderson)
1) Featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 3:
- Nickelodeon Writing Program — A full-time, one-year paid position. While in the Program, writers meet series creators, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both live action and animated television. www.nickwriting.com
Sherley Ibarra is Nickelodeon’s Director of Talent Development & Outreach where she oversees Nickelodeon’s Writing and Artist Programs – two of the most competitive and successful vehicles for up and coming creatives. See more information on Sherley’s event by clicking here.
Itai Grunfeld is a past program alumni, working currently as a staff writer on shows at Nickelodeon.
- NHMC (National Hispanic Media Coalition) TV Writers Program — created in 2003, is an intensive 5-week, paid scriptwriters workshop that prepares Latinos for writing jobs at major television networks. The workshop is designed to familiarize participants with the format, characters and storyline structure of specific shows that are currently on the air. The goal is that the writers garner the skills necessary to obtain employment in the industry. http://www.nhmc.org/writersprogram
Evette Vargas is an alumni of the NHMC TV Writers Program and the PGA Power of Diversity Program.
- Producers Guild Power of Diversity Producers Workshop — Intensive 8-week workshop to advance your project through master classes on the art and business of creative producing with renowned professionals in film, television and new media.
- The Workshop exists to help nurture creativity and diverse perspectives from people from all walks of life. It gives select participants an opportunity to learn from some of the most successful producers in the business and network with like-minded participants. http://www.producersguild.org/
Julie Janata is volunteering as a Chair of the Producers Guild Power of Diversity Producers Workshop, as a Founding Member of PGA Womens’ Impact Network, and as Past President of Alliance of Women Directors.
- Sundance Institute – Episodic Story Lab — offers 10 writers an opportunity to develop long-form episodic content in a setting where they can hone their writing skills and learn how to navigate the changing industry. http://www.sundance.org/programs/episodic-storytelling
- Sundance Institute – YouTube New Voices Lab — is designed to support a group of 10 creators, developing scripted short-form episodic content for digital platforms (up to 25 minutes in length per episode). http://www.sundance.org/programs/episodic-storytelling#newvoices
Cristen Aery Clear is Manager of the Episodic Storytelling Initiative at the Sundance Institute, where she oversees both the Episodic Story Lab and Sundance Institute – YouTube New Voices Lab.
For more detailed information on the featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 3 and the Speakers listed in the photo above, please press here.
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(From L to R: SWN President Melessa Y. Sargent; Speakers Greta Heinemann, Charmaine DeGrate’, Christopher Mack, Niceole Levy, Carole Kirschner, Jen Grisanti and Moderator T. Diane Anderson)
2) Featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 2:
- NBC Writers on the Verge — 12-week program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. www.nbcunicareers.com/writers-verge
Jen Grisanti is an International speaker, acclaimed Story/Career Consultant, Writing Instructor for Writers on the Verge at NBC, former 12-year studio executive, including VP of Current Programming at CBS/Paramount.
Niceole Levy is an alum of the CBS Writers Mentoring Program and NBC’s Writers on the Verge, she is currently a staff writer on The Mysteries of Laura.
- CBS Writers Mentoring Program — A 6-month structured program of career development, support and personal access to executives and the decision-making process, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television. https://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/diversity-institute/writers-mentoring-program/
- Humanitas New Voices — The purpose of New Voices is to discover, nurture, empower and help launch the careers of talented emerging writers who have a fresh voice and a unique worldview. http://humanitasprize.info/welcome/?page_id=724
Carole Kirschner is the Director of the Writers Guild of America’s Showrunner Training Program, the CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program and the Humanities New Voices program.
Greta Heinemann was chosen as one of the CBS Mentoring Program fellows and shortly after was also announced as one of the Humanitas Prize Foundation’s New Voices. Greta is currently staffed on her first job at CBS’ NCIS: New Orleans.
- Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop — For over 30 years, the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop has been the premier writing program for new writers looking to start and further their career in the world of television. http://writersworkshop.warnerbros.com/
Christopher Mack is a Vice President at Warner Brothers Television. For the past eight years, he has headed the Studio’s Television Workshop, the premier writing and directing program for professionals looking to start and/or further their careers in television.
Charmaine DeGrate’ is a proud graduate of the Warner Brothers Writers Workshop. Additionally, she was a Finalist for NBC/Universal’s Writer’s on the Verge, CBS Diversity Writer’s Mentoring Program and ABC Diversity Writer’s Program.
For more detailed information on the featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 2 and the Speakers listed in the photo above, please press here.
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(From L to R: SWN President Melessa Y. Sargent, Speakers Ivy Pruss, Heather Washington (Former Manager) and Moderator T. Diane Anderson)
3) Featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 1:
- Universal Writers Program – a one-year paid writers program for experienced and up-and-coming screenwriters with unique points of view that build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories and creating films that reflect the vast diversity of today’s audiences. http://www.
universaltalentdevelopment. com/writers
Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) leads the Studio’s inclusion and diversity efforts. Under the leadership of Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley, GTDI works closely with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s Production and Human Resources teams to identify and develop a pool of creative and workforce talent that builds upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories and creating art with multi-cultural, global perspectives.
Ivy Pruss was a member of the inaugural class of the Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Fellowship. She currently works on OWN’s upcoming series, Greenleaf.
For more detailed information on the featured Writing Programs and Fellowships for Emerging Writers Part 1 and the Speakers listed in the photo above, please press here.
Please note, the above events are past events. Videos and Write-ups
