Workshop Intensive: Writing for Kids' TV
BIPOC TV & Film
DEADLINE: December 5, 2021 at 8:00 pm ET
INFO: The BIPOC TV & Film Writing for Kids' TV Workshop Intensive is a 16-week program designed for emerging to mid-level BIPOC screenwriters in Canada as they develop a pilot script for kids' TV (preschool, ages 6-9, tween or YA). Participants also are introduced to other industry professionals to build and enhance their networks as they launch their writing career in Children’s TV.
The program is designed to provide participants with an in-depth overview of the business and craft of writing for children’s TV. We cover story structure, standards and practices, buyers and genres, demographics, live-action vs. animation, pitching, how to take a meeting, general industry etiquette, and introduce participants to network execs and kids’ content producers from Canada and the US.
You will participate in online interactive classes, led primarily by John May (Sesame Street, 16 Hudson, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, How to Be Indie) on the what's what and who's who of writing for children's television (preschoolers to teens). You will also be assigned writing exercises to further hone your craft. By the end of the program, you will have written your first kids' TV writing sample, under the supervision of industry mentors. This program also provides mentoring support and panel discussions with guest speakers from the children's media sector (writers, producers, etc).
Writers who are Indigenous (First Nations, Inuits, Metis) and racialized people with disabilities and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ are highly encouraged to apply. Indigenous participants will receive a stipend to cover costs related to accessing appropriate tech, Internet services, and personal, child/family care.
20-25 WRITERS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THIS PROGRAM.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Identify as Black, Indigenous or as a Person of Colour*
Lives in Canada
Can commit to attending all sessions**
mailchi.mp/1f60781bb8fa/kidstv2022
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Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative
Mike Gauyo / Stage 32
DEADLINE: December 15, 2021
INFO: Mike Gauyo (Insecure, Ginny & Georgia) and industry-leading training platform Stage 32 open submissions to the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative under the Black Boy Writes Media banner. (Read the full Deadline article here.)
The initiative, which launched at the top of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2022 class will open November 15th 2021 and close December 15th 2021. The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Mike and the initiative's Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly Writer Roundtables with established writers/industry leaders. Past participants include Amy Aniobi of Insecure, Kay Oyegun of This Is Us, and Golden Globe Winning & Oscar-NominatedWriter Kemp Powers writer of Soul and One Night in Miami.
In addition, mentees will participate in writing workshops and notes sessions to prepare mentees for Fellowships, Generals, and Staffing. They will also participate in general meetings with Networks and Production Companies. Past participants include Nick Jr., OutTV, Plan B, and Array. And at the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Mike Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and Lit Managers at Writ Large, for representation consideration.
Mentees will also receive education and training through Stage 32 Next Level Education in the form of a free webinar of their choice and Stage 32 Script Services in the form of a free pitch session with the executive of their choice. Each mentee will also receive the latest in Final Draft software.
stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/Black-Boy-Writes-Media-and-Stage-32-present-Black-Boy-Writes-and-Black-Girl-Writes-Mentorship-Initiative
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Micro Budget Film Fellowship
Reel Sisters
DEADLINE: December 21, 2021
APPLICATION FEE: $15
INFO: Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship offers women of color a chance for $5000 to produce a web series pilot.
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy qualifying festival devoted to women filmmakers, is pleased to announce our first fellowship opportunity for an emerging women of color filmmaker!
Our fellowship recipient will receive $5,000 to produce the first episode of your web series, which you can use as a calling card to attract a producer and other film opportunities. You will be guided on your journey in learning the art of creating a high quality micro budget film. Story is Queen.
Be prepared to begin production and shooting of your web series project shortly after you are selected as the Reel Sisters Fellow!
Public Announcement of Fellowship Recipient: February 15, 2022.
https://africanvoices.submittable.com/submit/200664/reel-sisters-micro-budget-film-fellowship-5-000
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Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room
DEADLINE: January 10, 2022
INFO: 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 writers with diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural identities. 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 2021 fellows and speakers HERE.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Up to 8 writers with diverse racial, ethnic and cultural identities will be selected
Sessions will take place virtually from May through July 2022
Includes eight, three-hour sessions on creating original children's content
Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives
Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script
Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship
APPLICATION INCLUDES:
Application form
Resume: this can feature your overall work experience, NOT only writing experience
Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children's educational media, how your experiences influence the stories you tell, why you value diversity/representation in children's media, etc. (up to 250 words)
Original script sample: 11-page maximum, it should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, it can be an excerpt from a larger piece you've written, it must be kid-friendly content for viewers up to age 12...we're looking for great characters and stories that inspire kids to be smarter, stronger and kinder!
More info on your script: what's the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)
ELIGIBILITY:
Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Participants must be 21+ years old
Must have a diverse racial, ethnic, or cultural identity.
No extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a network or cable scripted/narrative series
Participants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 8 sessions, which will be held virtually from May to July 2022