Mentorship Matters Program

Mentorship Matters is an intensive, year-long mentorship program that pairs emerging writers of color with working TV showrunners.

Who you know matters.

88% of TV writers are white. The problem is systemic.

For too long our industry – both on camera and behind the scenes – has served a predominately white demographic.

Even as attention is finally being paid to this issue, writers’ rooms are getting smaller, with showrunners turning to their friends and predominantly white colleagues for referrals when hiring their staffs.

Whether we like it or not, success in this business has always had to do with who you know. That’s how the “old boys’ club” worked – and why it stubbornly survives to this day. And that is why the majority of white-led writers rooms still have no writers of color.

We are here to change that sh*#t. From the inside.

We are seeking talented, hardworking, ambitious writers of color who are ready to staff on a series. Selected Mentees will be paired with a Showrunner Mentor for one year.

• We will help you develop and polish an original writing sample.
• We will introduce you to agents, managers, executives and fellow showrunners.
• We will advise you on how to take these meetings and what to expect from them.
• Though we cannot guarantee anyone employment, we will support you creatively, professionally and do everything in our power to get you writers room ready by the end of the year.

Requirements

Required Materials

Letter of Interest:
1 page, double spaced, 12pt font

Brief background, including:

• Where are you from? How does your background influence your writing?
• How long have you been writing?
• What kinds of stories are you most interested in telling?
• Do you have a favorite genre – or a specific strength as a writer?
• What steps have you taken/are you taking now to pursue a career in television?
• What existing shows could you see yourself writing for?
• How do you think your unique voice/perspective will contribute to a Writers Room?

Resume
Relevant education and work experience.

Writing Sample
Original comedy or drama pilot.

Video Introduction
1 Minute (file size < 1GB)

• What do you want us to know about you?
• What do you hope to get out of the Program?