New Information About WB TV Writing Fellowship
Jul 12th, 2007 by DanO
I just got back from a Q&A session with the new head of the Warner Bros. TV Writing Fellowship program, Chris Mack. Here’s the notes about the revamped program:
This year they are taking 10 applicants total ("more drama than comedy because that’s the current marketplace"). For fifteen weeks the Fellows will meet every Wednesday night from 7p-10p on the Warner Bros lot. During that time, they will receive revision notes on their spec script from Warner Bros Current executives as well as write another sample piece, preferably original (not a pilot, but a short story, 1 act play or short film.)
At the end of the 15 weeks, there will be an agent mixer where Warner Bros will pitch you for representation. You will also be optioned by Warner Bros so they have the exclusive right to staff you during the next staffing season.
They WANT to staff you on one of their shows. They have an incentive program in place that goes like this: if a showrunner on one of their shows wants to staff you, Warner Bros will not make that showrunner pay for you for the first 14 weeks (note: you will get paid, it just won’t come out of the showrunner’s budget.) That’s a no brainer for a showrunner with a strained budget and not enough bodies in the writer’s room.
What are they looking for in a script?
1. That you know the show well (the stories, characters, dialogue and script formatting are dead on for the show)
2. That your own voice comes through (have something to say)
3. A story that stands out (the storytelling is on par with a sweeps episode of that show)
What are they NOT looking for?
1. No scripts for cancelled shows.
2. Don’t write a spec of a "hot" show if you don’t like or watch that show. They would prefer you spec a lesser known show that you love rather than a better regarded show you don’t watch. Passion trumps trend chasing.
3. No original material (though they may require it next year.)
Other notes:
1. Writing Partnerships are encouraged, but you will be treated as one entity and will have to split your pay.
2. You can submit more than one spec, but you have to pay the entry fee for each one.
3. They are looking for people that can go on to become show runners with Warner Bros in 10+ years.
That’s it. Deadline is August 15. Program starts end of October.
More information about the Fellowship can be found here.
Thanks so much for the information.
You do a good thing here.
[…] EDIT: Notes from Q&A session with Fellowship Director Chris Mack can be found here. […]
Do you know if this is a paid fellowship? I’d like to apply next year, when I plan to move to LA area.
thanks!
In previous years, they charged participants about $500 to be in the program. This year they have dropped that requirement, but they do not provide any living expenses like the Disney Fellowship program does.
This is probably their policy because it is not a full time Fellowship, just 3 hours a week for 15 weeks so they expect you to fend for yourself financially while in the program. Fortunately, they are now accommodating those of us with day jobs by moving the Fellowship meeting hours from Wednesday afternoons to Wednesday evenings.
That being said: beg, borrow and steal to move to Los Angeles if you get accepted into the program. With graduates being offered to Warner Bros showrunners at no cost for the first 14 weeks of employment, it’s one of the best opportunities to break into the business hands down.
Thanks for this info. I hadn’t been able to find these kinds of details anywhere else. I applied this year and I was already nervous but hearing how small it’s going to be (10 people) has probably just tripled my anxiety.
If you don’t get in this year, there’s always next year. The program has been running for quite awhile (15 years?) and Warner Bros renewed commitment to it this year is encouraging.
I’m going to try to gather more information about the revamped program when it gets going later this year.
I read on the wb website that applicants will be notified by oct 8th. I presumed this meant all applicants as opposed to just semi-finalists.
Has anyone who heard anything back regarding for this year’s workshop? Have they made their interview selections for 08?
I’m embarrassed to confess my anxiety….
I’m hoping that they will be notifying everyone. I have not heard yet and my anxiety is growing as well. If I AM accepted, I hope I find out before October 8th because I have to buy a plane ticket out to LA (I’m just outside of Washington DC). Good luck SAF
Thanks, Mike! At least we’re in the same boat. I luckily have relatives in LA and God knows I’ll be on the first flight out if I make the cut. I’ll keep you in the loop as well, for better or worse. Cheers.
FYI — from my internet research in the past WB did send out rejection letters around a month after the deadline. This could mean (I pray!) we’re still in the runing.
Has anyone heard anything at this point? Today was supposed to be the magic day according to the WB website, but DanO’s post here indicates that the program doesn’t get underway for a couple more weeks. Maybe we still have some time until we hear any news. Fingers eternally crossed…
The official WB Writer’s Site says:
“Applicants will be notified in writing by October 8, 2007. Interviews for semi-finalists will be held October 10-12, 2007.”
So I’m guessing if you haven’t heard by now, you’ll have to try again next year.
I received my rejection in the mail today. It was dated October 5th. So, I’m guessing if you haven’t received a letter yet you will today or tomorrow. Good luck to everyone who made it to the final round!
There is a thread going on at the TVWriter message boards where people are announcing the results of their application. One poster so far got the invitation to the semi-final interview: http://www.screenandtvwriter.com/phpBB//viewtopic.php?t=6729
I’ve added a new post to the blog on what to do if you didn’t get into a TV Writing Fellowship.