WRITERS
ABOUT
In its eighteenth year, over 100 emerging diverse writers have graduated from the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program. Over 120 careers have been launched including 14 alumni showrunners. The goal of the program is to positively impact the presence of diverse writers throughout the industry.
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 Paramount's Office of Global Inclusion has launched a different kind of writers program which highlights one of those paths. The focus of this eight month program is on opening doors: providing opportunities to build relationships with network and studio 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 the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television. Each participant will be teamed with an executive mentor. A Paramount 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. Once a week, for 16 weeks participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting with various Paramount show runners and other industry professionals. Speakers include executive producers, agents, managers, development and current executives and show runners. 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 a writers room. 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 Paramount 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 has 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 eight-month program. The primary focus of the Paramount 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 Paramount television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible. All completed application materials must be received between April 1, 2022 and May 1, 2022. Any submissions received before March 1st or after May 1st, 2022 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Finalists will be notified in mid September 2022 (or such later date as may be determined by Paramount). The program is scheduled to begin in October 2022 and continues through April 2023. Paramount reserves the right to make adjustments to program schedule as necessary.
2022-2023 Writers Mentoring Program Applications are open April 1st 12:01 AM PST – May 1st 11:59 PM PST
FAQ
Two writing samples are required. The original work can be an original pilot, a one act stage play or a short fiction story. Short film scripts will not be accepted. We request that your original sample be similar in tone to the spec sample. The short fiction piece should be approximately 3,000 words. Spec scripts should be a half hour or hour episode based on a primetime drama or comedy series which aired or was released, during the 2021 – 2022 season and was broadcast on a network, cable, streamer.
Unacceptable materials include: treatments, outlines, newspaper or magazine articles, novels, short film scripts, motion picture screenplays and sequels to motion pictures.
Please do not resubmit, regardless of how much it’s been updated.
Yes. We must receive an application for each team member as well as a resume or bio and letter of interest. We also require agreement to the terms and conditions from each team member. Please be sure to note the full name of your writing partner in the script submission sections of the application, and to include BOTH writers’ names’ on submitted scripts.
Yes, however, Paramount does not provide any travel or accommodation reimbursement. You must also have a work visa.
The program is held in Los Angeles, and all participants will need to be close to Los Angeles for the duration of the program in order to participate in program activities. As stated above, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. For the past two years the program has been virtual, however if health and safety considerations allow the program to be in person, participants will need to be close to Los Angeles from January to the end of April to participate in program activities.
The program is expected to run approximately eight months, beginning in October. Program hours and activities will vary, but regular meetings with mentors and fellow program members are an intrinsic part of the program and may require a time commitment of up to twenty hours a month. Additionally, to get the maximum benefits from the Program, participants should be available a minimum of five full days (not necessarily in sequence) over the duration of the eight months.
Up to 8 participants will be selected each year
The Paramount Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation.
Matches are made based on career interests and mentor availability. Finalists will meet with a potential mentor.
Your application MUST be RECEIVED no later than May 1st 11:59 PM PST. The site will not accept applications past the May 1st 11:59 PM PST deadline. However, we encourage you not to wait until the last minute to submit your application.
Finalists will be chosen and invited for a personal interview by late October. PLEASE NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES.
Yes. All applicants must submit either a work resume or a short biographical summary as part of the selection process.
Yes. The Hero Succeeds: The Character-Driven Guide to Writing Your TV Pilot by Kam Miller. One of the best books on developing a television series and writing a great pilot script. Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development by K.M. Weiland. A good resource for creating multidimensional characters. The Art of Dramatic Writing: Its Basis in the Creative Interpretation of Human Motives by Lajos Egri. The Hidden Tools of Comedy: The Serious Business of Being Funny by Steve Kaplan. Helpful strategies for understanding how to write comedy. Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV and Digital Entertainment by Carole Kirschner. Writer’s Wright Journal. A journal to help you stay motivated. The Executive Chair by Kelly Edwards’ / ‘Writers’ Room Survival Guide by Niceole Levy
One page double spaced, no smaller than 12 point font.’