INFO: Issa Rae’s ColorCreative TV and Project Greenlight Digital Studios are seeking underrepresented voices in the media for their writing contest called “The New Normal.” Three winning writers will be teamed with a seasoned showrunner, director and line producer to create a digital anthology series. Each winner will receive $5,000 prize money and one of the writer’s pitches will be selected for development.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2016, 11:59pm PST
projectgreenlight.com/contests/the-new-normal-writing-contest
2016 SCRIPT PIPELINE TV WRITING CONTEST
INFO: Script Pipeline is searching for the next extraordinary television writer. Finalists are given exposure to Script Pipeline’s industry partners (approximately 200 qualified contacts). The intent of the contest is to circulate exceptional material, launch careers, and push scripts closer to production.
PRIZES:
Grand Prize Winner – $10,000, announced August 2016:
- Exposure to Script Pipeline’s industry network and a personalized circulation plan
- 1-on-1 consultation sessions with the Script Pipeline development team
Runner-up – $1,000, announced August 2016:
- Exposure to Script Pipeline’s industry network and a personalized circulation plan
- 1-on-1 consultation sessions with a development executive
The Grand Prize Winner and Runner-up will also receive the following finalist benefits:
Finalists (8) – announced July 1st, 2016:
- Exclusive invitations to private industry/writer events throughout the year
- Circulation to 200 companies and long-term development assistance
Semifinalists – announced late June, 2016
Quarter-finalists – announced mid-June, 2016
SUBMISSION FEE: $50
DEADLINE:
- Early Submission – March 1, 2016
- Final Submission: May 1, 2016
scriptpipeline.com/shop/tv-writing-contest
CHAMPION OF CHANGE FOR AAPI ARTS & STORYTELLING
White House Initiative on AAPIs
INFO: As a part of AAPI Heritage Month (May 2016), the White House Initiative on AAPIs is seeking nominations for Champions of Change for AAPI art and storytelling – individuals who have raised the visibility of diverse AAPI experiences and created dialogue around issues the community faces. The Champions of Change program honors individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities
Nominees may include:
- Storytellers who have included and continue to include AAPI characters in their films, television shows, and literature to address pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more.
- Poets and spoken word artists who highlight AAPI experiences in their work in order to advance pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more;
DEADLINE: March 9, 2016
DIVERSE VOICES SCREENPLAY CONTEST
WeScreenplay
INFO: WeScreenplay’s contest is focused on promoting and encouraging diverse voices and stories. The contest encourages stories that are told from perspectives – through the author and/or characters (ethnic minorities, women, women over 40, LGBTQ members, senior citizens, faith-driven characters, etc.) – that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. The contest accepts Features, TV Pilots, Web Series, and Shorts.
PRIZES:
- Grand Prize - $1,654 ($1,000 in cash, $654 in prizes) + Script Distribution to Managers, Producers, and Agents
- Honorable Mention by Category - $654 in prizes each
- Finalists (Top 20) - $69 in prizes each
DEADLINE AND FEES:
- Regular - March 15th, 2016 ($39 entry fee)
- Final - April 15th, 2016 ($49 entry fee)
wescreenplay.com/contests/diverse-voices
CBS WRITER’S MENTORING PROGRAM
The CBS Diversity Institute
INFO: CBS’ Diversity Institute has launched a six-month writers program to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated diverse writers. The focus of the 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. Each participant will be teamed with a mentor (a CBS network or studio executive) with whom they will meet on a regular basis, to discuss their work, get creative feedback on their material and get advice and support in furthering their career. In addition, participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting once a week with various CBS show runners and other industry professionals and will be given the opportunity to spend time observing in a writing room, as well as in the CBS current and development departments.
DEADLINE: May 1, 2016
cbscorporation.com/diversity/diversity-institute/writers-mentoring-program/