Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department is now accepting applications for next year’s Universal Writers Program.
Per Deadline, the Universal Writers Program is seeking experienced screenwriters committed to “incorporating multicultural and global perspectives in screenwriting.” The one-year paid programs guides writers as they develop two feature scripts. It is the only feature film program sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW).
Participants receive production mentorship from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, and first-look producers. This year’s advisory group includes Simpson Street’s Kerry Washington, UnbeliEVAble’s Eva Longoria, Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, and Pascal Pictures’ Amy Pascal.
“Each year when we open submissions, we notice an enthusiastic rise in awareness surrounding our program, which solidifies the importance of a platform like this for so many talented voices looking to tell their stories,” said Janine Jones-Clark, GTDI’s senior vp. “We have been seeing tremendous success with our ever-growing pool of program alumni, and we could not be more excited to identify a new class of writers to collaborate with next year.”
Next year’s program will begin in May. Selected applicants must agree to an exclusive, full-time commitment of a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Applications for the 2020 Universal Writers Program are due October 1. Interested applicants may apply here.
