Universal Launches Fellowship for Aspiring Scribes
Emerging writers, rejoice! Universal Studios has created a new program just for you.
With terms approved by the Writers Guild of America West, the studio announced a fellowship for new scribes on Thursday. Participants will work with U execs and other staffers to get inside knowledge and hone their skills. It’ll also give U a way to scope out young talent: Selected applicants will work with the studio exclusively, pitching ideas and working on the studio’s internal slate.
A Universal spokesperson confirmed participants would be paid, but declined to say how much.
U plans to select up to five aspiring scribes for the year-long program, and will begin accepting applications Sept. 3. Aspiring scribes will have to submit a screenplay and other background materials.
Exec VP of production Scott Bernstein brought the idea of a fellowship to the studio’s diversity council and developed it in collaboration with SVP and CFO of film production Arturo Barquet. Bernstein. The council, led by U co-chairman Donna Langley, has made the program a top priority.
U isn’t the first studio to offer a program for aspiring scribes. 20th Century Fox launched its Emerging Writers program back in 2011 to find talented young film scribes, while both Fox and WB have programs geared toward TV writers.
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