Just like being in front of the camera, people break into the entertainment industry in different ways. We all have our own stories. Luckily these days, top industry professionals offer programs to help you “skip” the line. Now, don’t get it twisted. These programs are not shoe-ins. Just because you are accepted and excel in a program doesn’t mean that you will get hired after walking across the proverbial stage with your certificate of completion. The industry has its ups and downs, highs and lows. You may be the best writer or director out there but if the industry isn’t looking for you…you won’t be found. With that said, we’re all just looking to perfect our craft. So instead of looking at these programs as the fountain of youth that will fix all of your unemployment problems, look at them as an opportunity to develop your skills not only with professionals but with your peers, who will soon be running the industry.
VIACOM CBS DIVERSITY
Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 6 months
Application Opens: March
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 6 months
Application Opens: March
Directors
Experience Required: DGA Member
Paid: No
Length: 1 year
Application Opens: March
Experience Required: DGA Member
Paid: No
Length: 1 year
Application Opens: March
Talent
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Unknown
Application Opens: Showcase in January
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Unknown
Application Opens: Showcase in January
Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion
Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: Yes
Length: 1 Year
Application Opens: May
Program Announcements: Facebook
Paid: Yes
Length: 1 Year
Application Opens: May
Program Announcements: Facebook
Directors
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: Stiped (if shadowing)
Length: 2 Years
Application Opens: October (odd calendar years)
Program Announcements: Facebook
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: Stiped (if shadowing)
Length: 2 Years
Application Opens: October (odd calendar years)
Program Announcements: Facebook
Actors
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 2-3 week rehearsal period and showcase
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 2-3 week rehearsal period and showcase
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Production
Currently on hiatus
Currently on hiatus
FOX
Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: January – May
Application Opens: October
Program Announcements: Facebook
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: January – May
Application Opens: October
Program Announcements: Facebook
NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs (T.I.P.S.)
Actors
Experience Required: No
Paid: No (includes travel stipend)
Length: Varies
Application Opens: February
Experience Required: No
Paid: No (includes travel stipend)
Length: Varies
Application Opens: February
Writers on the Verge
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Late-Night Writers Workshop
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 2-day workshop in NYC
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: 2-day workshop in NYC
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Comedians
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Audition in Chosen City/Showcase in LA
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Extra Info: N/A
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Audition in Chosen City/Showcase in LA
Application Opens: Varies
Program Announcements: Facebook
Extra Info: N/A
Nickelodeon Writing Program
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: Yes
Length: Up to 1 year
Application Opens: January
Program Announcements: Twitter
Warner Brothers Television Workshop
Writers
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Varies
Application Opens: May
Experience Required: No
Paid: No
Length: Varies
Application Opens: May
Directors
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: January
Experience Required: Yes
Paid: No
Length: 12 weeks
Application Opens: January
Written by: Shannan E. Johnson