Making an Impact: In its ten years, a total of 60 emerging diverse writers have graduated from the CBS Writers Mentoring Program. 29 careers have been launched. The goal of the program is to positively impact the presence of diverse writers throughout the industry.
How it Works
There are many different paths writers can follow to get their first foothold in being hired in television. As part of its ongoing commitment to create additional access for writers of diverse backgrounds CBS' Diversity Institute has launched a different kind of writers program which highlights one of those paths.
The focus of this six month 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.
The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.
Each participant will be teamed with two different mentors.
- One is 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.
- The other is a show mentor who is a senior-level writer on a current CBS drama or comedy series. This relationship builds over the course of the Program and is focused on helping the participant with creative feedback on their writing as well as help and advice on career goals.
Once a week, participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting with various CBS show runners and other industry professionals. Speakers include executive producers, agents, managers, development and current executives and others. The purpose of these gatherings is for participants to gain a better understanding of how the business works from many different perspectives as well as creating the opportunity to make critical networking connections.
Another important part of the Program is the opportunity for each participant to spend time observing in their show mentor's writing room, as well as in the CBS current and development departments.
Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the Program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond.
The CBS Writers Mentoring Program helps aspiring writers to understand the unwritten rules of breaking in and moving up. It is a combination of mentoring and networking opportunities. Program opportunities such as mentoring, workshops, and observing can be scheduled around participants' existing work commitments. In order for a participant to get the most out of the Program a meaningful commitment of time and effort are required.
It's been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the Program, participants should be available to 1) attend a once a week (evening) workshop and 2) attend meetings or observe in various situations for a minimum of five full days (not necessarily in sequence) over the course of the six-month Program.
Eligibility
The primary focus of The CBS Diversity Institute’s Writers Mentoring Program is to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated diverse writers. Aspiring diverse writers with a strong desire to write for CBS television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible.
SUBMISSION PERIOD OPENS MARCH 3RD
All completed application materials must be received between March 3, 2014 and May 1, 2014. Any submissions received before March 3rd or with a postmark after May 1st, 2014 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Finalists will be notified in mid September 2014 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The Program is scheduled to begin in late September 2014 and continues through April 1, 2015. CBS reserves the right to make adjustments to Program schedule.
Application Materials
Each submission must be complete in order to be considered. A complete application packet includes:
- Application
- Letter of Interest
- Work Resume or Bio
- Two (2) Writing Samples: one (1) half-hour or one-hour episodic spec script based on a current prime time television series which aired new episodes during the 2013/2014 season on any network or cable channel and (1) original work of writing - Pilot scripts are now accepted - (original pilot, screenplay, stage play or short fiction story). Original material should match in tone the spec script.
- A signed and notarized Submission Release form for the writing samples.
Contact information must include an e-mail address for further communication from CBS.
Applications cannot be processed until they are complete.
Writing samples will not be returned.
Mail the completed packet to:
CBS Diversity Institute,
Writers Mentoring Program4024 Radford Avenue
Broadcast Center, 3rd FloorStudio City, CA 91604 ~ 2015 Writers Mentoring Program ~
Application Instructions
Submission Period: MARCH 3, 2014 - MAY 1, 2014
Application Materials
1) ApplicationPlease download the
Application Form on this page and print or type your information. Be sure to include e-mail contact information, as this is necessary for any further communication from CBS. Inquiries should be made via email, rather than telephone.
2) Resumé or BioPlease include an up-to-date work resume or bio.
3) Letter of InterestYour letter should be addressed to the CBS Writers Mentoring Program and will be used to evaluate your personal qualifications for participation in the Program. Please tell us why you should be selected as a part of the Program and what talents and personal qualities you have to offer as part of a future writing staff on a television show. Include a few lines about the value of your diverse voice as a writer, and its impact on television writing. PLEASE keep your letter to one typewritten, double-spaced page.
4) Writing SamplesThe CBS Writers Mentoring Program is seeking creative, talented and highly motivated individuals to participate. In order to evaluate a writer's originality, one (1) original writing sample is required.
PILOT SCRIPTS ARE NOW ACCEPTED. This can be an
original pilot, screenplay, a stage play or a short fiction story.
We request that your original sample be similar in tone to your spec sample. In order to evaluate a writer's ability to capture the tone and structure of an existing television show, one (1) episodic writing sample is required. The writing sample can be either a half hour or an hour episode, based on a primetime drama or comedy series which aired new episodes, on any network or cable channel, during the 2013-2014 television season.
It is strongly recommended that all writing samples be registered with the Writers Guild of America, west, Inc. or the Library of Congress. For information on registration of material at the Writers Guild of America go to
www.wga.org or contact the Intellectual Property Registry department at (323)782-4500. To contact the United States Library of Congress, go to
www.copyright.gov or call (202)707-5959.
5) Submission Release FormsA completed, signed and notarized release form MUST be included, otherwise your submission will not be processed. Please download the Submission Release Form here. The form must be signed and notarized.
Applications cannot be returned.
Application Process
Writing samples must be submitted in PDF file format (Acceptable digital formats: "Thumb drive", "flash drive", "USB drive", or CD).
Application packets should be sent to:
CBS Diversity Institute
Writers Mentoring Program
4024 Radford Avenue
Broadcast Center, 3rd floor
Studio City, CA 91604
All Submissions Must Be Mailed. No Hand Deliveries Will Be Accepted. All applications must include an e-mail address in order to receive further communication from CBS. If any of the application items are missing, the application will not be processed. Finalists will be notified in mid September, 2014 and a personal interview will be scheduled shortly thereafter. The 2015 Writers Program is scheduled to begin in late September 2014 and continues through April 1, 2015.
Participation in the CBS Writers Mentoring Program in no way guarantees future employment.
* Or such later date as to be determined by CBS.
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