Paramount Global has chosen the nine writers who will participate in the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program for 2024-2025. Selected in the program’s 20th year are Jamil Akim O’Quinn, Wei Ling Chang, Adrian Colón Jr., Jai Franklin Sarki, Seth Harrington, Natalie Higdon, writing team Dijorn Moss & Trinea Moss and Nick Spates.
The Paramount Office of Global Inclusion helms the program. It is an eight-month-long program that provides mentorships, career development, support and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes for new writers in television. The program’s end goal is to prepare them for a television career.
For 16 weeks, participants will attend small workshop-style meetings with showrunners, executive producers, agents, managers and development and current executives to better understand how the writing and television business works. The writers are paired with an executive from the Paramount studio brands for regular meetings, fostering discussions about their work and receiving valuable...
The Paramount Office of Global Inclusion helms the program. It is an eight-month-long program that provides mentorships, career development, support and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes for new writers in television. The program’s end goal is to prepare them for a television career.
For 16 weeks, participants will attend small workshop-style meetings with showrunners, executive producers, agents, managers and development and current executives to better understand how the writing and television business works. The writers are paired with an executive from the Paramount studio brands for regular meetings, fostering discussions about their work and receiving valuable...
- 1/17/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Within a week of the 146-day Writers Guild of America strike ending, all seven writers in the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program for 2022-2023 have landed jobs.
“Now that writers’ rooms have resumed, our Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has demonstrated remarkable success, with all seven 2022-2023 season participants securing staff positions in a matter of days. This achievement highlights the invaluable support, guidance and exposure the Mentoring Program provides to emerging writers,” said Marva Smalls, executive vice president and global head of inclusion at Paramount, in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited for their future prospects and remain ever committed to diversity and inclusion in the television industry.”
Camille D’Elia has been staffed on “CSI: Vegas,” India Gurley on “Fire Country,” Daniela Labi on “S.W.A.T,” Kahlil Maskati on “So Help Me Todd” and Lizzie Perrin on “Matlock.” Edith Rodriguez is working on an unannounced series, and Teresa Tuan is writing for “Watson Independent,...
“Now that writers’ rooms have resumed, our Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has demonstrated remarkable success, with all seven 2022-2023 season participants securing staff positions in a matter of days. This achievement highlights the invaluable support, guidance and exposure the Mentoring Program provides to emerging writers,” said Marva Smalls, executive vice president and global head of inclusion at Paramount, in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited for their future prospects and remain ever committed to diversity and inclusion in the television industry.”
Camille D’Elia has been staffed on “CSI: Vegas,” India Gurley on “Fire Country,” Daniela Labi on “S.W.A.T,” Kahlil Maskati on “So Help Me Todd” and Lizzie Perrin on “Matlock.” Edith Rodriguez is working on an unannounced series, and Teresa Tuan is writing for “Watson Independent,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
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Amazon Studios and Prime Video aimed to “earn the trust” of its audiences and film and TV employees with disabilities earlier this year but adding “accessibility” to its core diversity, equity and inclusion values.
Speaking on behalf of the studio at TheWrap’s annual industry conference TheGrill, head of U.S. and worldwide Deia content Jerome Core shared why and how the company is ensuring “all of our initiatives, all of our policies” incorporate a newfound emphasis on inclusion for the disability community.
“In February, we added the ‘A’ to our name, so we are now the Deia team — ‘A’ for accessibility,” Core said. “We really wanted to make sure that all of our initiatives, all of our policies, everything was including accessibility.
Core spoke on the importance of...
Amazon Studios and Prime Video aimed to “earn the trust” of its audiences and film and TV employees with disabilities earlier this year but adding “accessibility” to its core diversity, equity and inclusion values.
Speaking on behalf of the studio at TheWrap’s annual industry conference TheGrill, head of U.S. and worldwide Deia content Jerome Core shared why and how the company is ensuring “all of our initiatives, all of our policies” incorporate a newfound emphasis on inclusion for the disability community.
“In February, we added the ‘A’ to our name, so we are now the Deia team — ‘A’ for accessibility,” Core said. “We really wanted to make sure that all of our initiatives, all of our policies, everything was including accessibility.
Core spoke on the importance of...
- 10/6/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Shari Lynette Carpenter, Miko Lim and Oscar Rene Lozoya have been selected to participate in the 2023-2025 Paramount Directors Initiative, Paramount Global said Thursday.
The two-year program, now in its 19th year, matches the program’s directors with CBS Television Network, CBS Studios, Paramount Television Studios and Paramount Global drama and comedy series directors. The primary focus of the initiative is to provide access and opportunities to directors, with a focus on those from underrepresented groups.
Throughout the program, the directors will receive exposure to the Paramount Global network episodic directing process. In addition to getting a chance to observe the in-depth, technical aspects, participants develop relationships with showrunners, producers, network executives and other significant decision-makers.
The program also now guarantees participants an episode of television to direct on the CBS Television Network.
“At Paramount, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to creating compelling and meaningful content for our audiences,...
The two-year program, now in its 19th year, matches the program’s directors with CBS Television Network, CBS Studios, Paramount Television Studios and Paramount Global drama and comedy series directors. The primary focus of the initiative is to provide access and opportunities to directors, with a focus on those from underrepresented groups.
Throughout the program, the directors will receive exposure to the Paramount Global network episodic directing process. In addition to getting a chance to observe the in-depth, technical aspects, participants develop relationships with showrunners, producers, network executives and other significant decision-makers.
The program also now guarantees participants an episode of television to direct on the CBS Television Network.
“At Paramount, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to creating compelling and meaningful content for our audiences,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global has announced the seven writers who will be participating Writers Mentoring Program for 2023-2023. Currently in its 19th year and helmed by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the eight-month program provides mentorships, access and opportunity for writers.
For 16 weeks, the writers will attend small workshop-style meetings with showrunners, executive producers, agents, managers, and development and current executives to gain a better understanding of how the business works from many different perspectives.
Each of the writers are paired with an executive from the Paramount studio brands including Paramount Television Studios, CBS Studios and CBS Television Network with whom they will meet on a regular basis to discuss their work and receive creative feedback on their material, advice and support in furthering their career.
“The Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has proven to be a force for change in our company and the industry at large,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, executive...
For 16 weeks, the writers will attend small workshop-style meetings with showrunners, executive producers, agents, managers, and development and current executives to gain a better understanding of how the business works from many different perspectives.
Each of the writers are paired with an executive from the Paramount studio brands including Paramount Television Studios, CBS Studios and CBS Television Network with whom they will meet on a regular basis to discuss their work and receive creative feedback on their material, advice and support in furthering their career.
“The Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has proven to be a force for change in our company and the industry at large,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, executive...
- 12/6/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Black List is teaming with the NAACP and CBS Studios’ production venture for a new initiative aimed at supporting TV scriptwriters telling authentic stories about the Black experience.
Announced Tuesday, the partnership will see The Black List assist CBS Studios/NAACP Production Venture in identifying a shortlist of writers, after which one WGA-minimum script deal will be extended to a writer identified by the initiative.
The program launches on Aug. 16 and runs through Nov. 16, and will consider writers with feature films, pilots, plays or theatrical musicals hosted on the Black List website at no additional charge. Those who don’t currently have a script hosted on the site are encouraged to host their script on the site for at least a week before the deadline to guarantee eligibility.
“The NAACP’s response to the release of Birth of a Nation remains a...
The Black List is teaming with the NAACP and CBS Studios’ production venture for a new initiative aimed at supporting TV scriptwriters telling authentic stories about the Black experience.
Announced Tuesday, the partnership will see The Black List assist CBS Studios/NAACP Production Venture in identifying a shortlist of writers, after which one WGA-minimum script deal will be extended to a writer identified by the initiative.
The program launches on Aug. 16 and runs through Nov. 16, and will consider writers with feature films, pilots, plays or theatrical musicals hosted on the Black List website at no additional charge. Those who don’t currently have a script hosted on the site are encouraged to host their script on the site for at least a week before the deadline to guarantee eligibility.
“The NAACP’s response to the release of Birth of a Nation remains a...
- 8/16/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Black List will assist CBS Studios/NAACP in identifying a shortlist of talented writers who exemplify authentic storytelling of Black narratives through a submission period on blcklst.com that begins August 16 and is open until Nov. 16.
Interested writers with feature films, pilots, plays or theatrical musicals hosted on the Black List website can opt into consideration for this opportunity at no additional charge. Writers who do not currently have a script hosted on blcklst.com are encouraged to sign up and host their script for at least a week before the deadline to guarantee eligibility for this opportunity. They may also opt in to consideration for any of The Black List’s dozen other writer opportunities at no additional charge.
The Black List will then use all available data related to script submissions to determine a shortlist to be shared with CBS Studios/NAACP. Shortlisted writers may be asked to provide additional materials,...
Interested writers with feature films, pilots, plays or theatrical musicals hosted on the Black List website can opt into consideration for this opportunity at no additional charge. Writers who do not currently have a script hosted on blcklst.com are encouraged to sign up and host their script for at least a week before the deadline to guarantee eligibility for this opportunity. They may also opt in to consideration for any of The Black List’s dozen other writer opportunities at no additional charge.
The Black List will then use all available data related to script submissions to determine a shortlist to be shared with CBS Studios/NAACP. Shortlisted writers may be asked to provide additional materials,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Sommer Carbuccia’s time-traveling comedy short “Mac & Cheese” was awarded best film at the 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards. “Mac & Cheese” took home a total of three prizes at the annual event, with Amanda Pinto winning best director and Jake Nathanson scoring best editor.
The ceremony returned in-person for the first time in two years on Thursday night at Sony Pictures Studios’ Cary Grant Theater in Los Angeles. Christine Bélange and Liz Whitmere won the writing prize for their work on “Superhero Inc.” while “Seven” star Natalie Trevonne was saluted with best actor.
Jennifer Montzingo’s “Ily”, which centered on a group of disabled actresses, earned the nod for best awareness campaign. At the beginning of the awards presentation, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group president Josh Greenstein gave opening remarks and introduced the challenge’s founder, Nic Novicki.
Presenters included “Sound of Metal” star Paul Raci, “As We See It” actors Rick Glassman,...
The ceremony returned in-person for the first time in two years on Thursday night at Sony Pictures Studios’ Cary Grant Theater in Los Angeles. Christine Bélange and Liz Whitmere won the writing prize for their work on “Superhero Inc.” while “Seven” star Natalie Trevonne was saluted with best actor.
Jennifer Montzingo’s “Ily”, which centered on a group of disabled actresses, earned the nod for best awareness campaign. At the beginning of the awards presentation, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group president Josh Greenstein gave opening remarks and introduced the challenge’s founder, Nic Novicki.
Presenters included “Sound of Metal” star Paul Raci, “As We See It” actors Rick Glassman,...
- 5/7/2022
- by Ashley Hume
- Variety Film + TV
It’s Scene 1, Take 1 for the 2021-22 class of ViacomCBS’ Directors Initiative. This year’s group, which is guaranteed to helm an episode of television on CBS, includes Julie Herlocker, Joy T. Lane Steven J. Kung, Pat Santana and Bao Tran.
The initiative provides a platform for experienced directors to gain access to showrunners, executives, managers and agents and the opportunity to shadow CBS Television Network and CBS Studios shows throughout the year. The program helps directors develop meaningful relationships with industry professionals that are essential to getting hired.
“The ViacomCBS Directors Initiative gives television directors the access, exposure and opportunity to be successful in this industry,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, EVP Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion, Global Inclusion, at ViacomCBS. “The success of this initiative has created a growing community of support, where past participants, who are now in positions of influence, are mentoring and hiring current participants.”
One of last year’s participants,...
The initiative provides a platform for experienced directors to gain access to showrunners, executives, managers and agents and the opportunity to shadow CBS Television Network and CBS Studios shows throughout the year. The program helps directors develop meaningful relationships with industry professionals that are essential to getting hired.
“The ViacomCBS Directors Initiative gives television directors the access, exposure and opportunity to be successful in this industry,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, EVP Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion, Global Inclusion, at ViacomCBS. “The success of this initiative has created a growing community of support, where past participants, who are now in positions of influence, are mentoring and hiring current participants.”
One of last year’s participants,...
- 12/15/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
ViacomCBS announced the five participants for its 2021-2022 Directors Initiative: Julie Herlocker, Bao Tran, Joy T. Lane, Pat Santana and Steven J. Kung.
The initiative provides a platform for experienced directors to gain access to showrunners, executives, managers and agents as well as the opportunity to shadow CBS Television Network and CBS Studio shows throughout the year. The program helps directors develop relationships with industry professionals, networks that are essential to finding work in the field. In its 18th year, the program will guarantee all participants of the initiative an episode of television to direct on the CBS Television Network.
“The ViacomCBS Directors Initiative gives television directors the access, exposure and opportunity to be successful in this industry,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, executive vice president of entertainment diversity and inclusion and global inclusion at ViacomCBS. “Last year’s participant, Morenike Joela Evans, has recently helmed the ‘iCarly’ reboot for Paramount Plus...
The initiative provides a platform for experienced directors to gain access to showrunners, executives, managers and agents as well as the opportunity to shadow CBS Television Network and CBS Studio shows throughout the year. The program helps directors develop relationships with industry professionals, networks that are essential to finding work in the field. In its 18th year, the program will guarantee all participants of the initiative an episode of television to direct on the CBS Television Network.
“The ViacomCBS Directors Initiative gives television directors the access, exposure and opportunity to be successful in this industry,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, executive vice president of entertainment diversity and inclusion and global inclusion at ViacomCBS. “Last year’s participant, Morenike Joela Evans, has recently helmed the ‘iCarly’ reboot for Paramount Plus...
- 12/15/2021
- by Katie Song and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
ViacomCBS announced the seven writers selected out of 1,000 applicants to participate in the Writers Mentoring Program for 2021-2022. Currently in its 18th year and helmed by the ViacomCBS Office of Global Inclusion, the program provides mentorships, access and opportunity for writers.
The eight-month mentoring program pairs writers with ViacomCBS executive mentors, who help them develop a new piece of material. Following the mentorship period, the writers participate in a 16-week workshop designed to teach them everything about the television business, as well as provide them access to agents, managers, executives, showrunners and producers.
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these emerging writers in their craft, our Writers Mentoring Program helps to provide opportunities and build relationships with network executives and showrunners,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion, Global Inclusion, ViacomCBS.
“Many of our participants from last year are now staffed on network shows, including the...
The eight-month mentoring program pairs writers with ViacomCBS executive mentors, who help them develop a new piece of material. Following the mentorship period, the writers participate in a 16-week workshop designed to teach them everything about the television business, as well as provide them access to agents, managers, executives, showrunners and producers.
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these emerging writers in their craft, our Writers Mentoring Program helps to provide opportunities and build relationships with network executives and showrunners,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion, Global Inclusion, ViacomCBS.
“Many of our participants from last year are now staffed on network shows, including the...
- 11/17/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
ViacomCBS’ 2021 Showcase is going virtual this year — and they have set the producing team for the annual event that highlights diverse talent in the industry. Tess Paras will executive produce and direct while Tien Tran will serve as executive produce and return as head writer. Frank Garcia-Hejl joins as producer and associate director and rounding out the team is Tyler Davis who will serve as producer and associate head writer. This year’s group of performers and event date will be announced at a later date.
Showcase has developed into a hybrid comedy show with Broadway-worthy live performances and original, creative writing. The show is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry. Alumni of the Showcase include Emmy Award winners Kate McKinnon and Tiffany Haddish as well as Diona Reasonover (NCIS), Justin Hires...
Showcase has developed into a hybrid comedy show with Broadway-worthy live performances and original, creative writing. The show is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry. Alumni of the Showcase include Emmy Award winners Kate McKinnon and Tiffany Haddish as well as Diona Reasonover (NCIS), Justin Hires...
- 1/13/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Who will help police TV’s crime and legal dramas in the wake of the civil unrest that erupted this summer after George Floyd’s death at the hands of law enforcement?
CBS Television Studios, for one, has signed an agreement with 21Cp Solutions — a law enforcement and public safety advisory group — to consult with the writing teams on Blue Bloods, the NCISes and more of their police, crime and legal series. The 21Cp advisers will be comprised of former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics, and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: Zoey's Playlist,...
CBS Television Studios, for one, has signed an agreement with 21Cp Solutions — a law enforcement and public safety advisory group — to consult with the writing teams on Blue Bloods, the NCISes and more of their police, crime and legal series. The 21Cp advisers will be comprised of former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics, and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: Zoey's Playlist,...
- 8/12/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
CBS TV Studios has struck an exclusive agreement with 21Cp Solutions, the country’s preeminent law enforcement and public safety advisory group, to consult with the writing teams on their police, crime and legal drama series.
The group of advisers includes former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics, and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
21Cp Solutions includes a diverse and seasoned group of professionals who have worked with local, state and federal jurisdictions and communities to advance 21st century policing and lead some of the most significant police reform efforts in the country.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the Studio’s roster and the Network’s schedule for decades,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios.
“We have an opportunity to build on that successful foundation going forward, and having the insightful and highly respected advisors from 21Cp Solutions...
The group of advisers includes former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics, and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
21Cp Solutions includes a diverse and seasoned group of professionals who have worked with local, state and federal jurisdictions and communities to advance 21st century policing and lead some of the most significant police reform efforts in the country.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the Studio’s roster and the Network’s schedule for decades,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios.
“We have an opportunity to build on that successful foundation going forward, and having the insightful and highly respected advisors from 21Cp Solutions...
- 8/12/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
CBS TV Studios will have 21Cp Solutions, a law enforcement and public safety advisory group, as consultants this coming season for the studio’s police and legal dramas.
The group of consultants includes former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the studio’s roster and the network’s schedule for decades,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “We have an opportunity to build on that successful foundation going forward, and having the insightful and highly respected advisors from 21Cp Solutions at our disposal is a valuable resource to our creative process.”
Also Read: After George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, TV Rethinks If Cops Should Always Be the Good Guys
According to CBS Television Studios, 21Cp Solutions is a “diverse and seasoned group of professionals who have worked with local,...
The group of consultants includes former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the studio’s roster and the network’s schedule for decades,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “We have an opportunity to build on that successful foundation going forward, and having the insightful and highly respected advisors from 21Cp Solutions at our disposal is a valuable resource to our creative process.”
Also Read: After George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, TV Rethinks If Cops Should Always Be the Good Guys
According to CBS Television Studios, 21Cp Solutions is a “diverse and seasoned group of professionals who have worked with local,...
- 8/12/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
CBS Television Studios has signed an exclusive agreement with law enforcement and public safety advisory group 21Cp Solutions to consult with the writing staffs of CBS crime procedurals and legal dramas, Variety has learned exclusively.
The move comes in the wake of national protests against police brutality, and in Hollywood, discussions about entertainment’s role in how law enforcement is perceived by the public. 21Cp Solutions works with cities, states and federal jurisdictions to “advance 21st century policing and lead some of the most significant police reform efforts in the country.”
The group is made up of police chiefs who have “turned around troubled police departments and renewed the community’s confidence in their agencies,” lawyers and community leaders who have overseen public safety and reform efforts, and social scientists and academics studying public safety.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the Studio’s roster and the Network’s schedule for decades,...
The move comes in the wake of national protests against police brutality, and in Hollywood, discussions about entertainment’s role in how law enforcement is perceived by the public. 21Cp Solutions works with cities, states and federal jurisdictions to “advance 21st century policing and lead some of the most significant police reform efforts in the country.”
The group is made up of police chiefs who have “turned around troubled police departments and renewed the community’s confidence in their agencies,” lawyers and community leaders who have overseen public safety and reform efforts, and social scientists and academics studying public safety.
“Police and legal series have been a mainstay of the Studio’s roster and the Network’s schedule for decades,...
- 8/12/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
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