Today, HBO announced that it has launched the HBOAccess Writing Fellowship, which is seeking emerging writers from diverse backgrounds.
This HBOAccess Writing Fellowship is designed to give emerging, diverse writers the opportunity to develop a half-hour or hour script suitable for HBO or Cinemax.
Applications for the program will be accepted beginning March 4, 2015.
HBO’s new fellowship will have participants attending a week of master classes at HBO’s Santa Monica campus during the week of August 17 – 21 from 10am – 5pm.
The program will select up to 8 diverse writers to take part in the classes which will focus on:
- character and story development
- pitching ideas and projects
- securing an agent
- networking
Once the classes are completed the participants will go on to an eight-month writing phase where s/he will be paired with an HBO development executive and guided through the script development process.
There will be monthly group meetings during which projects will continue to be work-shopped. At the end of the 8 months, HBO will hold a reception for industry professionals where the writers will be introduced to the entertainment community.
The HBO Writing Fellowship will offer support to up to 8 diverse writers interested in building a career in series television. Writers will develop original pilots and be considered for series staffing opportunities.
HBO Writing Fellowship Application Process
The HBOAccess Writing Fellowship is open to writers 21 and older. These writers must be able to work in the U.S.
Applicants may have previously served as staff writer for up to 13 episodes. They should not have more than 1 feature film released by a studio, independently or shown in major film festivals. Or had 2 plays produced on or off Broadway.
What To Submit
Submissions must be an original 1/2 hour or 1 hour teleplay, screenplay or play. No short stories, novels, graphic novels, or blogs will be accepted. No spec material will be accepted.
All submissions must be made through the online portal, Without A Box, and will require a resume, a writing sample, a completed release form and a personal essay in 500 words or less explaining how his/her background has influenced his/her storytelling. For more information on eligibility, visit http://www.hbo.com/hboaccess
You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen in order to apply. However you must have a right-to-work permit prior to applying to the program. This program is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.
NOTE: This program is free of charge to the candidates. Those who work for HBO directly are ineligible for the program.
The interviews will be held May-June 2015.
This is a FANTASTIC opportunity to really get your foot in the door with a great company. My feeling is — if you meet the requirements — it is a NO THINK decision to apply.
GO FOR IT!
