The sixth edition of SeriesFest, a non-profit org and festival championing episodic storytelling, has confirmed several programs dedicated to gender parity and inclusivity. In addition to announcing the winner of its Women Writing Competition, SeriesFest has again partnered with Shondaland for the Women Directing Mentorship. According to Variety, the fest has also introduced the Executive Elevation Mentorship Program, which aims to increase diversity among show business’ top decision makers.
Christina YR Jun won the Women Writing Competition, presented by SeriesFest in partnership with Kyra Sedgwick’s Big Swing Productions, for her original script “Jackpot.” She will be recognized with a year-long development deal with Big Swing and a live read of her screenplay.
“We’ve really enjoyed our collaboration with SeriesFest. We share a common mission of embracing and uplifting female creators. Christina is a powerhouse talent and we look forward to working with her on ‘Jackpot,’” Sedgwick said.
The Women Directing Mentorship is “a competition that is designed to discover aspiring female directors and provide a launchpad for their careers.” The program recipient receives mentorship and a $5,000 stipend. Rachel Myers, the winner of the inaugural program, shadowed director Tessa Blake on an episode of Shondaland’s “Station 19.”
“We’re excited to broaden our initiatives and provide real opportunities for minorities who are still very much underrepresented in the television landscape,” stated SeriesFest founders Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook. “While statistics are showing an improvement, there’s still a long way to go. As two women who have experienced challenges first-hand, we will continue to put this conversation front and center to raise awareness, and most importantly, opportunities. We’re grateful to have such inspirational industry leaders participate in our mission.”
“The Women’s Directing Mentorship with SeriesFest and Shondaland was a full professional immersion into the mechanism of how television is made,” said Myers. “Walking step-by-step through the process with a seasoned director helming the ship from prep through shoot to the edit was an amazing experience. I’m very grateful to SeriesFest and Shondaland for opening the door for more opportunities for women directors for TV and new voices in telling stories.”
Submissions for the Women Directing Mentorship will be accepted April 22-June 25. The winner will be announced in September. Find more info here.
The inaugural Executive Elevation Mentorship Program will pair participants with “influential entertainment executives of color,” such as Cheri Barner of Management CBM and Elsie Choi of Rideback, for six months.
“As the industry continues to rapidly evolve, the need for great storytelling and great storytellers remains the same. All of the most impactful story-making that I have been part of has happened as part of a community, and welcoming in new voices while nurturing them as they find a footing is something that we should all be very mindful of,” said mentor and producer Chiké Okonkwo. “I’m excited to be part of SeriesFest’s Executive Elevation Mentorship Program, and look forward to meeting some of tomorrow’s voices, today!”
The submissions period for the Executive Elevation Mentorship Program is open through May 26, and selected participants will be announced by the end of June. Find more info here.
In addition, SeriesFest will host a “Station 19” watch party April 22 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. A Q&A with showrunner Krista Vernoff will follow. The org will also live-stream the Creator Hangout: Focus on Female Filmmakers panel on April 23 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on YouTube. Myers, Ruthie Marantz (“The Charms”), Annabel Essink (“Edward’s Miraculous Bookstore”), Misha Calvert (“All Hail Beth”), Milena Govich (“Chicago Med”), and Kate Chamuris (“Breakfast in Bed”) are set to participate.
SeriesFest: Season Six will be held digitally, due to the coronavirus outbreak. It will take place June 18-24.
