Industry programs and workshops
The twelve-month Program typically begins in February and ends in January of the following year. For at least the first month of 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 Program alumni; improvisational workshops; and networking mixers with executives. You must be 21 or older to be eligible. The Program has had a nearly 100% staffing rate each year. It also has a long history of being the only staffing/writing initiative in the entertainment…
The Black List and Women In Film will invite six to eight promising non-professional television writers who identify as women to the Lab. You must be competent to contract and over the age of 18. You must not have earned more than $25,000 in the aggregate in connection with any prior television writing work. Application period: Typically fall More info
Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. The fellowship is open for screenwriters who have not earned more than $25,000 writing fictional work for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of one writer, or of two writers who collaborated equally, and must be written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible. Application period: Typically January - April More info
The Disney Entertainment Content Directing Program guarantees episodes to first-time TV directors on Disney Entertainment’s scripted series. Program Directors receive professional development, mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and access to the company’s creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni. In 2022, the program expanded into the daytime scripted space, with potential activations in DGE unscripted anticipated in 2023. Application period: Typically June More info
The Paramount Directing Initiative will select directing candidates for episodic network television and match them with directors of CBS Television Network and Studio drama and comedy series. The goal is to bridge the gap for those talented directors attempting to break into network television and create meaningful connections with producers and executives. This program is looking for candidates that: Demonstrate a visual perspective in telling a story. Are able to execute the best possible performances while capturing the artistic thematic nature of a show. Are able to maximize every potential opportunity in enhancing…
The Apple Studios Directors Program is an inclusive initiative focused on expanding opportunities for mid-career directors across the US. The six-month program offers masterclasses focused on building and sustaining a career as a working episodic director. The program will feature discussions with seasoned industry professionals focusing on the craft and business of directing, opportunities to participate as shadowing directors on Apple Studios series, and a one-of-a-kind experience in Apple Park tailored to inspire innovation and creativity. Application period: Typically February - March More info
