The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) have partnered with STARZ to create the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive for emerging writers from intentionally exploited communities who are looking to break into a career in TV writing for premium cable.
The STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive will select 10 writers to participate in phase one of the program, taking place from August 22nd to September 16th, where writers will be mentored by industry professionals to hone their understanding of TV writing and develop an episode treatment and pitch.
“Powered by the generosity and commitment of STARZ, NALIP is thrilled to join forces with NewFilmmakers LA to launch the STARZ #TaketheLead Writers’ Intensive aimed at empowering and employing emerging writers from historically underrepresented communities,” said Karla Pita Loor, chair of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. “Through programs and partnerships such as these, NALIP advances its commitment to correcting the systemic under-representation and chronic misrepresentation of Latine and all BIPOC communities on-screen and behind the scenes.”
Following phase one, four writers will be selected by a Jury to move forward to phase two of the intensive from October 3rd to November 4th, where they will write a full episode spec script, receiving support from creatives and executives.
“Providing opportunities like the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive are central to the missions of NFMLA and NALIP. Both of our organizations work throughout the year to cultivate opportunities for untapped talent and we couldn’t be more excited to launch this premium TV writers program in partnership with STARZ. The program combines education, access and a real shot at a writers’ room and that is the kind of access that next-gen talent really needs” says Co-Founder and Executive Director of NFMLA, Larry Laboe.
Program applicants are required to be a Writer from a traditionally underrepresented background in the TV writing industry and must have had at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film (must be credited as the sole writer) that has been accepted into a film festival. Alternatively, candidates can also qualify by having a story department related credit such as writer’s assistant, staff writer, showrunners assistant, script coordinator, etc., on a TV show. The program will announce the 10 writers who have been accepted into the program on August 8th.
“STARZ is thrilled to partner with NALIP and NFMLA, who proudly serve intersecting communities throughout all media,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming at STARZ. “It’s incredibly important to have underrepresented writers from all backgrounds tell their own stories and we are delighted to provide a great level of access through this new program.”
For more info on how to submit to the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive visit Coverfly. Deadline to submit materials is on July 29.
