How Does a screenwriter Get their Foot In The Door? A List of entry level programs

Just like being in front of the camera, people break into the entertainment industry in different ways. We all have our own stories. Luckily these days, top industry professionals offer programs to help you "skip" the line. Now, don't get it twisted. These programs are not shoe-ins. Just because you are accepted and excel in a program doesn't mean that you will get hired after walking across the proverbial stage with your certificate of completion. The industry has its ups and downs, high and lows. You may be the best writer or director out there but if the industry isn't looking for you...you won't be found. With that said, we're all just looking to perfect our craft. So instead of looking at these programs as the fountain of youth that will fix all of your unemployment problems, look at them as an opportunity to develop your skills not only with professionals but with your peers, who will soon be running the industry.

CBS DIVERSITY

Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 6 months
Application Opens: March

​Directors
Experience Required: DGA Member
Paid: No
Length: 1 year
Application Opens: March

​Talent
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Unknown
Application Opens: Showcase in January

Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion

Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: Yes
Length: 1 Year
Application Opens: May
Program Announcements: Facebook

​Directors
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: Stiped (if shadowing)
Length: 2 Years
Application Opens: October (odd calendar years)
Program Announcements: Facebook

Actors
​Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 2-3 week rehearsal period and showcase
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook

​Production
Currently on hiatus

NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs (T.I.P.S.)

Actors
Experience Required: No
Paid: No (includes travel stipend)
Length: Varies
Application Opens: February

Writers on the Verge
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook

Late-Night Writers Workshop
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 2-day workshop in NYC
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook

Comedians
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Audition in Chosen City/Showcase in LA
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Extra Info:

Directing Fellowship
​Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: Varies
Application Opens: June
​Program Announcements: Facebook
Extra Info: Short Cuts, Scene Showcase

Nickelodeon Writing program

Experience Required: Yes
Paid: Yes
Length: up to 1 year
Application Opens: January
Program Announcements: Faceook

Warner brothers television workshop

Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Varies
Application Opens: May

Directors
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: January


Check out the Development Lab Application to join a proven system that helps you craft a pitch that sells in less than 6 months, pitch to our panel of industry pros, and book a general meeting!

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AUTHOR

Shannan E. Johnson is a former creative executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen, a script consultancy that develops screenwriters from idea to pitch to become more confident storytellers ready for a professional screenwriting career, and consults with scripted development teams at entertainment companies to streamline their notes process to get to pre-production more efficiently.