Though supporting filmmakers is a big part of what we do here there’s obviously numerous avenues in the arts were the talents of writers and directors could be used to find consistent work. We all don’t have the ability to live off just our feature films. What can you do to get work between the 2-3 years (or even more) it takes to get your features off the ground?
Yesterday Tamir Muhammad and his Feature Programming team unveiled the TFI Professional Partnership (now called Net|Work) during the Tribeca Film Festival. Current grantees and alumni were invited to a sort of test balloon of the initiative where TFI have partnered with leading companies to seek ways to translate their skills into other areas such as television, web, marketing and education. The partnering companies—NBC Universal and Warner Bros.—were on hand to explain their workshops and fellowship programs while also taking questions from our grantees and alums (more companies will be added in the future). The accordance with the partnership: companies will select at least two TFI grantees for further one-on-one development and consideration for their business needs.
On hand were Chris Mack, Vice President of the Warner Bros. Workshop; Julie Ann Crommett, Manager of Entertainment Diversity Programs at NBCU; and Karen Horne, President of Programming Talent Development and Inclusion at NBCU.
The programs they head (listed below), do everything from helping you get an agent to putting you on set of current network shows to see if you have what it takes to make it in TV.
They also gave a few secrets yesterday about the industry:
Stay tuned to our website for more updates on the evolution of Professional Partnership and how you can be considered for this initiative by becoming a TFI grantee.
Here’s more info on the programs NBCU and WB currently have:
Company-wide initiative to discover diverse voices both in front of and behind the camera.
Writers on the Verge (Early Career Programs) A 12-week program focused on polishing television writing skills and readying the participants for a TV staff writer position.
Directing Fellowship Program Program designed to take directors accomplished in their respective fields (features, commercials, music videos) and have them work alongside episodic TV directors.
A nationwide search for stand-up comedians of diverse backgrounds.
Late Night Writers Workshop A two-day workshop focused on identifying talented comedy sketch writers both in New York and Los Angeles.
NBC Scene Showcase A 6-8 week workshop of original scenes by diverse writers, cast with up-and-coming actors and guided by directors of diverse backgrounds presented in a one-day showcase for executives, producers, casting directors and other industry professionals.
Casting Apprentice Program 18-24 month rotational program designed for individuals with diverse backgrounds who aspire to join a casting office.
Diverse Staff Writer Initiative To further encourage diversity among NBCU’s writing staff, the company provide funding for a diverse staff writer position, open to all primetime scripted NBC, USA and Syfy Network series.
Writer’s Assistance Program Funds writer’s assistant position on three NBC primetime scripted shows. Applications are accepted by referral only.
Talent Scholarships NBC and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater partner for a Diversity Scholarship intended for students with advanced skills in improvisation. NBC will sponsor one student for a one-year program.
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For more information on all contact diversity@nbcuni.com
The Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop consists of three components, all geared towards preparing the writer for a successful career in television writing. Weekly lectures feature guest speakers currently working in television and include a mix of showrunners, directors, actors and agents. Each seminar will teach a new skill essential for surviving and excelling in a writers’ room as a staff writer and beyond. In the winter, the Workshop participants are divided into smaller groups for an intensive writing experience. Each participant will be required to complete a new spec script under the same deadlines found on a show currently in production. How participants perform during this exercise will determine whether they will be chosen for a possible staffing position on a Warner Bros. show. Yes, the stakes are that high! Upon completion of the program, Studio executives will help participants, who pass the Writers’ Room, obtain a staff position on a Warner Bros. television show currently in production. We can’t guarantee you will get staffed, but we will get your material in front of the people who make the ultimate decisions – the showrunners. USC/Warner Brothers Producing and Directing Class Through USC, Warner Brother’s offers a summer Producing and Directing class. One day per week, the class travels to Burbank to spend the day at Warner Bros. Students will visit all major departments (costume design, lighting, set design, post-production, and so on), receiving a first hand, in depth teaching from those who do this work professionally. Through weekly meetings on the Warner Brothers lot, students meet filmmakers and professionals who have contributed to prestigious motion pictures such as The Dark Knight, Superman Returns, The Departed, 300 and Ocean’s 13.