Objective

In its sixteen years, over 100 emerging diverse writers have graduated from the ViacomCBS Writers Mentoring Program. Over 75 careers have been launched. The goal of the program is to positively impact the presence of diverse writers throughout the industry.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Notification:

Rules

Please visit website for rules and guidelines.

Awards

The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.

Each participant will be teamed with an executive mentor. A ViacomCBS network or studio executive with whom they will meet on a regular basis, to discuss their work, get creative feedback on their material and get advice and support in furthering their career. Once a week, participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting with various ViacomCBS show runners and other industry professionals. Speakers include executive producers, agents, managers, development and current executives and show runners. The purpose of these gatherings is for participants to gain a better understanding of how the business works from many different perspectives as well as creating the opportunity to make critical networking connections.

Another important part of the program is the opportunity for each participant to spend time observing in a writers room, as well as in the ViacomCBS current and/or development departments. Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond. The ViacomCBS Writers Mentoring Program helps aspiring writers to understand the unwritten rules of breaking in and moving up. It is a combination of mentoring and networking opportunities. Program opportunities such as mentoring, workshops, and observing can be scheduled around participants’ existing work commitments.