Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab Launches HBCU Partnership To Cultivate BIPOC Content Creators

Valerie Complex
·2 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios announced the launch of The Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab, an initiative designed to create partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to cultivate diverse creator pipelines within the entertainment industry.

The Storytellers Lab bridges the gap between talent and industry leaders through a nine-month immersive experience that equips BIPOC students with the skills and insights to become the next generation of content creators.

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Working in collaboration with Paramount’s Content for Change global initiative, participating students will receive access to mentorship and masterclasses with leaders across Paramount Global as well as insider perspectives on the creative processes of content development. The Storytellers Lab program will culminate with the development of a compelling social media spot showcased on MTV Entertainment Studios influential digital platforms.

The inaugural class of the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab includes 12 HBCUs:

  • Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL)

  • Cheyney University (Cheyney, PA)

  • Chicago State University (Chicago, IL)

  • Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)

  • Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC)

  • Fisk University (Nashville, TN)

  • Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL)

  • Lincoln University (Lincoln University, PA)

  • Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)

  • Savannah State University (Savannah, GA)

  • Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)

  • Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)

“This first-of-its-kind program builds upon our existing relationship with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, underscoring our steadfast commitment to fostering diverse talent and amplifying underrepresented voices to create meaningful pathways for the next generation of storytellers,” said Ti-Shea Meadows, VP of Operations, Channel Planning and Culture, SHO/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks and Head of the Storytellers Lab.

“This unprecedented collaboration leverages Paramount’s Content for Change initiative to tackle the lack of diversity in entertainment by transforming our content ecosystem, from centering fresh perspectives in storytelling to building new points of access in our creative supply chain to strengthening our culture, and we are thrilled to collaborate with these incredible schools and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios” said Melissa Potter, Executive Director, Content for Change, Paramount Global.

Beyond a program, the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Storytellers Lab is a catalyst for change. National events on participating campuses will be rolling out in the spring. Follow #StorytellersLab to on social platforms to learn more.

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