If you're trying to get a place in Hollywood, winning screenwriting contests might not be the best use of your time, but getting into a writing program with a lot of mentors and a foot in the door is incredibly smart and beneficial. 

The Paramount 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 executive mentors from Paramount Global. Under the supervision of their mentors, participants will write a new writing sample. Once a week, for 16 weeks, participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting with various showrunners and other industry professionals. Speakers include agents, managers, development and current executives, and showrunners. There is also a half-day mock writers' room for mentees to experience the process in a safe environment.

You will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be ongoing 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.

It has been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the program, participants should be available to 1) attend a once-a-week (evening) workshop, 2) attend a half-day mock writers' room, and 3) have ongoing interaction with their mentors via Zoom, phone call, or email.

Aspiring diverse writers with a strong desire to write for Paramount television series are encouraged to apply here.

You must be 21 or older and able to work in the United States to be eligible. All completed application materials must be received between April 1, 2023 and May 1, 2023.

Any submissions received before April 1st or after May 1st, 2023 will not be considered.

What are you waiting for? Kickstart your writing career by applying for the Writers Mentoring Program now.

Source: Paramount

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