Image: The 2016/2017 Emerging Writers Fellowship Writers (L to R) Juel Taylor, Josephine Green, Brian Buccellato, Leon Hendrix and Roseanne McAleese
Applications are now open for the Universal Writers Program, a year-long paid fellowship program for up-and-coming screenwriters. The program seeks to identify writers with unique, global perspectives and to develop storytellers with the intent to incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in screenwriting.
The primary goal of the one-year program is for the selected writers to create material for development consideration; however, concept development is not guaranteed. In addition to penning two feature-length scripts, writers will participate in a curriculum designed to strengthen their creative approach, personal presentation skills and overall knowledge of the studio production process.
The writers are guided by executives, producers and designated creative consultants. The program also provides access to agents, managers and various industry professionals through meetings and/or events designed to facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a screenwriting career.
The Universal Writers Program typically starts at the beginning of April and runs until the end of March of the following year. The number of writers selected to participate varies each year. All of the participants will be based at the Universal Studios Lot in Universal City, California, for the duration of the program and all will be hired under a writing service agreement requiring a full-time commitment at least 40 hours per week. In return, each will be paid an annual salary of $72,662. Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States and be at least 21 years of age by 31 March 2018.
To apply for the program, writers should supply:
- An original screenplay capturing the writer’s unique voice and culturally inclusive perspective. Material should tonally match the Universal Pictures and Focus Features slates and must not exceed 120 pages.
- An original treatment for a project other than the submitted original screenplay.
- A resume outlining their work history. This may include both entertainment and non-entertainment related positions.
- A personal essay up to 750 words on the topic “tell us a story in which you were faced with adversity and how you overcame that challenge.” The essay should capture the writer’s unique personal story in a way that articulates their perspective on multiculturalism and inclusion.
- Up to two letters of recommendation (optional).
Both the screenplay and treatment must be wholly original. Adaptations, biopics and screenplays based on underlying materials are not eligible. There is no application fee, however, there is a cost in registering a script and treatment with the Writers Guild of America.
Applications for the Universal Writers Program close at 11.59pm PST on Monday 6 November. For full fellowship and application details visit the Universal Global Talent Development & Inclusion Website.
