Issa Rae is joining forces with BET to elevate diverse TV writers. The “Insecure” co-creator and star’s ColorCreative company has launched a contest for emerging writers alongside BET Networks and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Shadow and Act reports. The inaugural ColorCreative Script to Screen Contest will give participants the chance to pitch a comedy or drama pilot. The winner will receive $25,000 and the opportunity to have their pilot developed and produced by ColorCreative for BET.
ColorCreative aims to increase opportunities for women and minority TV writers, and showcases their work in and outside the studio system.
In order to apply to the Script to Screen Contest, writers should submit a one-page pitch for a drama or comedy pilot. ColorCreative is seeking “creative ideas that showcase [the writer’s] individuality and unique point of view.” The potential pilots should present an “important and/or an untapped part of the Black experience that would fit BET’s programming and audience. The series can be about anything as long as you stay true to the culture and are specific about your theme and perspective.”
Contest officials will read the pitches and select quarter finalists, who will be asked to submit a full script. The contest’s three finalists will receive a trip to ABFF 2018 in Miami where they will network with industry vets and attend a luncheon with BET and ColorCreative. They’ll receive feedback on their scripts and submit revised versions. The Grand Prize winner will then be selected.
“ColorCreative’s mission has always been to provide opportunities for underrepresented writers by developing and producing their work. With this latest initiative, I couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with BET Networks to help identify a fresh voice and an original idea that highlights the Black American experience,” said Deniese Davis, ColorCreative co-founder and chief operating officer.
The deadline to submit the one-page pitch is May 2, 2018. For more information about the contest and to apply, go to ABFF’s website.
ABFF 2018 will run June 13–17.
