THE CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE
Writers Mentoring Program
Making an Impact: Results
In its first four years, a total of 28 emerging writers of color have graduated from the Program and 15 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.
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One 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.
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The other 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.
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 with a focus on writers of color. 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 Deadline for the 2008-2009 Program
All completed application materials must be received between April 1, 2008 and June 1, 2008. Any submissions received before April 1st or with a postmark after June 1st, 2008 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Semi-finalists will be notified beginning in October 2008 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The Program is scheduled to begin in early November 2008 and continues through June 1, 2009. 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 copies each of two (2) Writing Samples: one (1) original piece of work which can be a screenplay, a stage play or a short fiction story (no original television pilots will be accepted) and one (1) half hour or hour episode based on a current, primetime television series that aired new episodes on any network or cable channel during the 2007/08 season
- 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:
The CBS Diversity Institute, CBS Television City, 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Click here for instructions to download the Writer's Mentoring Program Application
Click here to download the Submissions Release Form PDF (15 KB)