CBS Writers Mentoring Programme

[Tami]

CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE

[url=\"http://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/cbs_network/institute/writers_program.php\"]Writers Mentoring Program[/url]

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 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.

* 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 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, a participant 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 CBS' Diversity 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
All completed application materials must be received between April 1, 2007 and June 1, 2007. Any submissions received before April 1st or with a postmark after June 1st, 2007 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Semi-finalists will be notified in October, followed by a personal interview. Those selected for the Program will be notified in October 2007 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The Program is scheduled to begin in early November 2007 and continues through June 1, 2008. 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) 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 2006/07 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.

***Please visit the [url=\"http://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/cbs_network/institute/writers_program.php\"]site[/url] for mandatory info pages regarding this programme.***

[Josh]

This is really neat! It will really open up doors of opprotunity to those who would like to be a writer for television. Kudos to CBS!