Disney Entertainment Television (DET) is thrilled to announce that they are now accepting applications for their 2024 Writing Program. This prestigious initiative, now in its 34th year, is designed to provide emerging and diverse writers with a unique opportunity to secure their first staff writer position on a Disney series. This program, managed by DET’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (CTDI) team, not only jumpstarts careers but also offers invaluable mentorship and advanced professional development.
What sets this program apart is its remarkable track record. According to program organizers, it has maintained a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade. That’s an impressive statistic, showcasing the commitment to nurturing talent within the industry. Writers selected for the program become contract employees of Disney, receiving a weekly salary and benefits for one year, or until they are staffed on a show and compensated at Writers Guild of America (WGA) scale.
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But it’s not just about employment. The program offers a comprehensive learning experience. During their year in the program, writers engage in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and have the chance to meet and learn from some of the industry’s best, including DET creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni. Networking opportunities, mixers, and professional development sessions all contribute to the holistic development of these emerging writers.
What’s more, this year brings an exciting addition to the program. In honor of the renowned director and producer John Singleton, CTDI and FX are launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative. John Singleton, the youngest and first Black person to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, left an indelible mark on the industry. He co-created the FX drama “Snowfall” and directed episodes for FX’s “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” earning an Emmy nomination for Limited Series Directing.
The FX Singleton Scholars initiative is a fitting tribute to John Singleton’s legacy. It is designed to encourage and empower the next generation of diverse artists by providing dedicated funds to support two FX Singleton Scholars. These scholars will embark on their journey to secure their first staff writing and episodic directing credits on an FX series, thanks to the DET Writing and Directing Programs.
Nick Grad, President of FX, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative: “The legendary John Singleton had a profound impact on FX and the many people who considered him a mentor and friend. In his honor, FX is proud to partner with the DET Directing and Writing Programs so that John’s legacy will continue to inspire diverse storytellers and meaningfully support creatives embarking on their own careers in television.”
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The DET Writing Program has been a crucial starting point for many influential figures in the industry. Show creators, co-creators, and showrunners such as Zahir McGhee (“Queens”), Raamla Mohamed (“Reasonable Doubt”), Saladin Patterson (“The Wonder Years,” “Dave”), Aseem Batra (“I Feel Bad”), Ayanna Floyd Davis (“The Chi”), Dailyn Rodriguez (“Queen of the South”), and Anthony Sparks (“Queen Sugar”) all began their careers with this program. Their stories are a testament to the program’s effectiveness in nurturing creative talent.
Tim McNeal, Senior Vice President of CTDI, emphasized the program’s role in shaping the future of television: “The DET Writing Program connects emerging, diverse creative talent to opportunities across Disney and helps them build lasting, successful careers in television. We’re looking for writers with bold voices who will shape Disney storytelling and the future of our industry. We are excited to welcome the next cohort of writers and the first FX Singleton Scholars in 2024.”
In summary, the Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program is an exceptional opportunity for emerging and diverse writers to jumpstart their careers in the entertainment industry. With a proven track record of success and the addition of the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, this program continues to shape the future of television by fostering the next generation of creative talent. If you’re a budding writer with a bold voice, this program could be your gateway to success in the world of Disney storytelling.