TV Writing Programs
ABC Discovers Talent Showcase-Original Scenes
Submission Deadline: TBD, 2021
Submission Materials: Original two-character scene (maximum six pages); Résumé; Application; Release Form.
About the Program (from their app)
ABC Entertainment Casting is seeking original scene submissions for our upcoming Talent Showcases. This is a one-night event produced by the ABC Entertainment Casting Department to showcase new talent to an invited industry audience. ABC has a long-standing commitment to promoting diversity in the entertainment industry through a variety of projects administered by the ABC Entertainment Casting Department. The Talent Showcase offers an excellent opportunity for talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Since 2012, 68 new writers and 68 original scenes have been selected including 2011 NY Showcase Alum Jermaine Fowler who wrote and performed his original scene, Black Genie. In 2012, NY Showcase participant Andrew Law wrote and performed his original scene, Once We Go Black, went on to join Late Night with Seth Meyers as a staff writer, and recently on the series The Good Place. In 2013, LA Showcase writer Brig Muñoz-Liebowitz wrote her original scene One Night Stand, and is currently co-executive producer on Diary of a Future President. Selected writers will have an opportunity to meet with the Walt Disney Television’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Department.
Experience in writing for television, film, or theater is strongly recommended, but not required. Those submitting must provide a completed application package adhering to the guidelines listed below. Submissions that fail to include all requested elements and follow the provided guidelines will result in disqualification.
CBS Writers Mentoring Program
Submission Period: MAR 1 – MAY 1, 2021
Submission Materials: Two samples required (Original Pilot, Stage Play or Short Fiction Story; Spec Script); Application; Letter of Interest; Work Résumé or Bio; Release form
About the Writing Program (from their site)
There are many different paths writers can follow to get their first foothold in being hired in television. As part of its ongoing commitment to create additional access for writers of diverse backgrounds CBS’ Diversity Institute has launched a different kind of writers program which highlights one of those paths. The focus of this eight-month program is on opening doors: providing opportunities to build relationships with network executives and show runners; to support new and emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft; and to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed.
The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.
The primary focus of the CBS Writers Mentoring Program is to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated diverse writers. Aspiring diverse writers with a strong desire to write for CBS television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible. All completed application materials must be received between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Any submissions received before March 1st or after May 31st, 2020 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Finalists will be notified in mid September 2020 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The program is scheduled to begin in October 2020 and continues through April 2021. CBS reserves the right to make adjustments to program schedule as necessary.
Disney GEC CTDI Writing Program
Submission Deadline: MAY 10 – JUNE 7, 2021
Submission Materials: Original Pilot Script; Another Original Script or a Spec Script; Summary Forms; Résumé; Essay; Letters of Recommendation (optional).
About the Writing Program (from their site)
Writers become employees of Walt Disney Television (WDT) and will be paid a weekly salary of $961.54 ($50,000 annualized) plus any applicable benefits for which they are eligible in accordance with the then-current Company benefits. The one-year program begins in February and ends in February of the following year. Please note that time frames are subject to change.
The primary goal for Program Writers is to staff on a WDT series as a staff writer during the one-year program; however, staffing is not guaranteed. The program also provides access to executives, producers and literary representatives through various meetings and events designed to facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a television writing career. For at least the first month the Program Writers participate in a curriculum designed to better prepare them for staffing consideration. Past activities have included workshops led by veteran television writers, producers and Walt Disney Television Writing Program alumni; improvisational workshops; and networking mixers with WDT current programming and development executives.
From self-branding to creating new writing samples, the goal is to present WDT executives and producers with viable writing candidates who will make invaluable contributions in a writers’ room.
NBC Late Night Writers Workshop
Submission Period: MAR 23 – APR 5 2020
Submission Materials: Autobiography, Monologue Jokes, Desk Bits, Sketches, Résumé, Release Form
About the Workshop (from their site)
The NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop is a multi-day program focused on exposing talented sketch and comedy writers to NBCUniversal’s late night & alternative line-up and readying them for a staff writer position. We are looking for writers who are “almost there,” but need that final bit of preparation and exposure to key industry players. We particularly encourage female writers and those of diverse backgrounds to apply. The selected writers will create new sketch material and gain insight into the dynamics of a late night writers’ room. Participants are given the chance to interact with key writers and producers from across NBCUniversal’s late night and alternative shows, as well as receive feedback on their material.
NBC Writers on the Verge
Submission Period: MAY 1 -10, 2020
Submission Materials: Two original pilots; Résumé; Application; Release form
About the Writing Program (from their site)
Writers on the Verge is a program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. We are looking for writers who are “almost there” but need that final bit of preparation with their writing and personal presentation skills. We particularly encourage writers of diverse backgrounds to apply.
The program will consist of weekly evening classes at NBCUniversal in Universal City, CA. Once accepted, students must attend all classes and turn in all written assignments.
Classes concentrate on creating exceptional material to enhance their portfolio, and understanding the dynamics of pitching oneself in the television industry. Writers are given the chance to interact with industry players ranging from network executives to show runners to agents and receive valuable feedback on their work and pitch style. Writing assignments on a NBCUniversal television show may be available after successful completion of the program but are not a guarantee. Past participants have gone on to series including “The Blacklist,” “Marlon,” “Community”, “Burn Notice”, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, “White Collar”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “Chicago Fire” and “Parenthood.”
Nickelodeon Writing Program
Submission Period: JUL 1 – AUG 1, 202
Submission Materials: Application, Spec Script, Original Comedy Pilot, One-page Résumé, Short Bio (500 words or less), Two essay questions, Release form
About the Writing Program (from their site)
The Nick Writing Program is one of the best in the biz. While in the Program, writers get paid full-time while they polish their comedy chops, network with our series creators and studio executives, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing scripts and pitching ideas for both live-action and animated television. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate yourself to the craft of writing and build your career from the ground up.
Consider the facts: Dozens of our alumni have gone on to amazing careers as television Staff Writers, Executive Producers, and show Creators at Nickelodeon and beyond, and you could too!
The Nick Writing Program is not a writing contest – It’s a launching pad for diverse and emerging creatives. Come spend a year with us at the studio in Burbank, CA. If you bring the drive, the unique voice, and the engaging ideas, we’ll give you the tools you need to succeed in the industry for years to come.
Sesame Street Writers’ Room
Submission Period: ~FALL 2020 – JAN 8, 2021
Submission Materials: Application form, Résumé, Personal statement, Original kid-friendly script (max 11 pages)
Let’s Bring More Voices to the Table! (from their site)
Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU! Fresh new writing talent from underrepresented racial backgrounds. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids concept. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more! Learn about the 2020 fellows and speakers HERE.
Universal Writers Program
Submission Period: JAN 25 – FEB 21, 2021
Submission Materials: Application, Original Screenplay, Original Treatment, Release Forms, Résumé, Personal Essay, Letters of Recommendation (optional)
About the Program (from their site)
The Universal Writers Program identifies up-and-coming and experienced 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 our audiences. The only feature film program sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), the Program develops storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in screenwriting.
The one-year paid program engages writers to create material for development consideration; however, concept development is not guaranteed. From pitch to final draft, writers are afforded creative guidance from executives, producers and designated creative consultants. In addition to penning two (2) feature-length scripts, writers participate in a curriculum designed to strengthen their creative and professional development, as well as overall knowledge of the Studio production process from pitch to premiere. The Program also provides access to agents, managers and various industry professionals through meetings and/or events.
Writers selected to participate in the Program are hired under a writing service agreement requiring an exclusive, full-time commitment of a minimum of 40 hours per week. Additionally, should a writer’s material be identified as potential development content, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) has the option to extend the writer’s contract for a term of up to one additional year.
WarnerMerdia Access Writers Program
Submission Period: MAR 8 – 21, 2021
Submission Materials: Two original 30-65 samples; No spec scripts.
About the Writing Program (from their site)
The HBO Access Writing Program is being rebranded as the WarnerMedia Access Writers
Program starting in 2021! This revamped program is being scaled across the entire
enterprise to expand the talent pool of emerging voices. The program will run from mid-July 2021 through late January 2022. The first week will be a “boot camp” with multiple sessions over the course of three days. After that, we will meet 1 – 2 times a week through January with a couple breaks for the holidays. Sessions will
generally last 1 – 2 hours and will be done virtually. Timing of the sessions are TBD. There is no stipend.
WB Writers’ Workshop
Submission Period: MAY 1 – 31, 2021
Submission Materials: Résumé; Personal Statement; Spec Script; Submission Agreement
About the Workshop (from their site)
For over 40 years, the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop has been the premiere writing program for new writers looking to start and further their career in the world of television. Every year, the Workshop selects up to eight participants out of more than 2,500 submissions and exposes them to Warner Bros. Television’s top writers and executives, all with the ultimate goal of earning them a staff position on a Warner Bros.-produced television show.
The Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop consists of three components, all geared towards preparing the writer for a successful career in television writing. The 2020-2021 Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop will run October 2020 – March 2021, with meetings on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, one evening a week from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Full participation is mandatory.