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 – $15,000, announced July 2017:
- 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 late July 2017
- 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, 2017:
- Exclusive invitations to private industry/writer events throughout the year
- Circulation to 200 companies and long-term development assistance
Semifinalists – announced late June, 2017
Quarter-finalists – announced mid-June, 2017
SUBMISSION FEE: $55
DEADLINE: May 1, 2017
scriptpipeline.com/shop/tv-writing-contest
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, 2017
cbscorporation.com/diversity/diversity-institute/writers-mentoring-program/
NHMC TV WRITERS PROGRAM
National Hispanic Media Coalition
INFO: The NHMC Television Writers Program is an intensive scriptwriters workshop to prepare and place Latinos in writing jobs for the major television networks. The program was created in accordance with NHMC’s mission to improve the image of American Latinos as portrayed by the media, and increase the number of American Latinos employed in all facets of the media industry and with the idea that if there are more diverse writers present at the writer’s table, more diversity will be reflected on TV.
The television scriptwriters workshop is designed to familiarize participants with the format, characters and storyline structure of specific shows that are currently on the air. The five-week, total immersion workshop is mentored and guided by former NBC V.P of Script Development, Geoff Harris and is conducted in Burbank, CA. A total of 10 writers are accepted nationwide from an established network of non-profit agencies, schools, universities, guilds and media organizations. The program normally takes place in the Fall of each year, wrapping up before Thanksgiving.
Participants must be willing to take a leave of absence from work or school, as the program is a full time commitment (Monday-Friday).
The NHMC Television Writers Program is for seasoned writers who are capable of writing at least a one half-hour comedy or a one-hour dramatic television script in English within a five-week period of time. Each selected participant is expected to complete at least one script by the end of the five-week session, which will then be read by network executives. Those writers whose scripts show promise will be interviewed and mentored by the network executives with the objective of placing them on a show.
AWARD: $250 per week (plus Southwest Airline vouchers, housing, and meals will be provided to accepted participants who hail from out of state).
SUBMISSION DATES: August 6, 2017