8 TV Fellowships & Programs to Help Launch Your Screenwriting Career
From my 16 years of experience running the CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program, I’ve seen television fellowships & programs jumpstart the careers of emerging writers in a meaningful way. My Program and others can help connect you with industry insiders and help you hone your craft. You’ll likely get a shot at landing a rep and a leg up in getting your first job as a staff writer. In the past two years, all of our CBS mentees were staffed. There’s no guarantee, but it gives you a real shot at breaking in.
However, the competition for these programs is intense (at CBS this year, we received 1,550 applications for 6 slots)
To stand out in that kind of crowded field, you need to spend as much effort on crafting your letter of interest as you do on your writing samples.
So how do you know which fellowships are worth putting your energy towards?
Here are 8 fellowships and programs that have proven to be ‘career changing’ for many writers (there are other solid programs, but these are at the top of my list).
I realize a lot of these program deadlines have passed for 2020, but if you want a real chance of landing a spot in one of these coveted programs next year, you’re going to have to get together your blazing hot samples, a polished resume, and the most dynamic personal essay possible to stand out from thousands of applicants. It’s never too early to start preparing.
1. CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program
Of course I’m biased, but the CBS Program is one of the best. In the 16 years we’ve been in existence, we’ve helped launch the careers of more than 65 writers of color and I’m incredibly proud that 12 of our alumni are now Showrunners. The Program includes writing a new piece of material with a network/studio mentor, spending time observing in a writers room and then I get the mentees for 16 weeks of career development workshops where I bring in agents, managers, executives and many Showrunners. You need an original sample and a spec script to apply.
Application deadline: May, 2021
More info can be found HERE
2. NBC Writers on the Verge
By helping TV writers prepare industry pitches and develop new samples, the focus of this program is getting up-and-coming TV writers staffed. This program might be right for you if you’ve got experience writing and pitching, but feel like you’re missing a bit of ‘polish’.
FYI: Writers on the Verge doesn’t accept spec scripts. Instead, hopefuls must submit two original live-action television pilots in the same genre.
Application deadline: May, 2021
More info can be found HERE
3. Warner Bros Writing Workshop
Eight writers are selected annually to participate in this over 40 year old program. The workshop usually runs from October to March and includes lectures, weekly meetings, and a “simulated writers room” to help participants complete a new spec script. This program has a terrific track record of staffing their participants at the end of the Program.
Application deadline: End of May, 2021
More info can be found HERE
4. Disney ABC Writing Program
This program has been around for more than 20 years, and has alumni who have gone on to write for shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men. The year-long paid program focuses on developing your personal brand and creating new samples. It also includes networking, workshops, and the chance to be a staff writer on a Disney series.
Application deadline: *2020 Deadline extended to June 30th (if you miss this year’s deadline check the website in early 2021 for details, but the deadline is usually in early June).
More info can be found HERE
5. Sundance Episodic Lab
This six day program held in October at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah gives writers the chance to develop their writing and pitching skills as well as workshop an original pilot script. One of the highlights of this program is the one-on-one story meetings with some of the industries top professionals.
Application deadline: The submission period for round one is usually from mid-February through mid-March.
More info can be found HERE
6. HBO Access Writing Fellowship
This program has propelled countless TV writers and writing partners. Held every two years, this fellowship gives eight writers the chance to take part in a week of Masterclasses before they enter into eight months of pilot script development with guidance and mentorship from HBO execs.
Application Deadline: February 2021
*NOTE: This fellowship runs every two years (HBO holds a directing fellowship in the in-between years).
More info can be found HERE
7. Nickelodeon Writing Program
This program offers up-and-coming writers the chance to participate in writers’ rooms, pitch ideas, and write scripts for animation and live-action shows WHILE getting paid. The program has two tracks: the 9-month General Track and the 6-month Preschool Track which focuses on writing scripts for a preschool audience.
Application deadline: August 1, 2020.
More info can be found HERE
8. Sesame Street Writers’ Room Fellowship
If you love writing children’s content, this might be your dream fellowship. 7-10 writers from underrepresented backgrounds work with Sesame Street veterans and other industry mentors to create original children’s content. The program runs from early May through July and consists of 8 weekly sessions at the Sesame Street offices in New York City. All participants complete at least one original script, and up to two writers could be granted creative development deals and further mentorship.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2021 Fellowships will be open in the Fall of 2020.
More info can be found HERE
Regardless of which Program you apply to, I wish you the best of luck!
Have you been part of a TV screenwriting fellowship? How did it help your career? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!