Fox Sets Judges For New Diverse Writers Program

COMMENTS (9)

• Really? Fox received “hundreds of entries” for this thing? HOW? Both my manager and I repeatedly tried to submit material to this “contest,” and not only did the Fox link not function, there was NO way to contact anyone regarding the problem. While I’m truly thrilled for the people being considered (who says sarcasm doesn’t come through in print?), I think it absolutely sucks that the submission process for what should have been a terrific opportunity for all who were qualified to participate was so inherently fucking flawed.

  Comment by Gay is a minority in Hollywood? Count me in! — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 10:31am PST  Reply to this post

  • Wow…that sucks. But at least you HAD a prayer. This kind of contest is B.S. If they’re trying to get unknown writers, then they should accept submissions from people who don’t even HAVE representation yet either. We don’t all suck. Some of us just don’t have people to refer us to managers or agents!

    Comment by Unmanaged writer — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 11:42am PST  Reply to this post

• Massive kudos to whomever invented this new initiative-

  This re-envisioning of “diversity” programs is pure genius.

  It’s broadly inclusive (not just for people of color) and no longer ghetto-izes the winners as “undeserving” affirmative action beneficiaries. In the past, “real” staff looked on the diversity hires as under-qualified, unrelatable burdens paid for out of a separate budget while those who got the mainstream hook-up scoffed.

  This new program has enhanced fairness & equity of opportunity across communities, includes media non-profits in the process and addresses that “new, never staffed” writers aren’t just 22-year-olds with relatives in the business. And it exposes even the losers to getting read and meeting the top-tier of working professionals in the business. It raises consciousness about the diversity of appealing to Fox’s audience while incentivizing writers, reps and producers to the enhanced opportunity for slots off which to make money and ratings.

  It’s really beautiful that the program creates a touch more access and process than just the agencies/managers/submission released development depts. that treat you like an amoeba if you don’t have relatives or heavy-duty contacts already in the industry.

  And even if you’re not the one winner, going through the program has legs. You’ll have met folks and gotten read by them which is a helluvalot more than a lot of other “for pay” contests that are dead ends.

  Who woulda thought Murdoch & Co. coulda come up with a program this strategic, even-handed, productive and even progressive?

  Fox is taking the Industry to school on this one. Wow to the tenth power!!

  Comment by Ashanti Chiang — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 3:45pm PST  Reply to this post

  • How long have you worked there?

    Comment by So... — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 11:57pm PST  Reply to this post

    • Never. But I’ve certainly had my fill of the traditional route to a writing career dead ends. And the bullshit Diversity programs that protect the same old privilege for the connected few.

      Honestly, this could make a tiny shift – a crack big enough for some new blood to squeeze through.

      Too optimistic?

      At least it’s different.

      Comment by Ashanti Chiang — Saturday January 21, 2012 @ 10:22am PST  Reply to this post

• Fox’s exact reply to me when I inquired about this program after the info was published on Deadline:

  From: Audience Strategy
  Subject: RE: Tell me more!
  Date: November 5, 2011 4:07:00 AM GMT+08:00
  To:

  Please check back with us in 2012. Thanks!

  And the deadline was November 9th huh?

  Comment by Bernice Low — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 4:42pm PST  Reply to this post

  • did you not read the instructions?

    http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/fox-launches-diverse-writers-program/

    The deadline for submissions is November 9. Candidates can’t apply directly. They have to be nominated through one of the program’s partnering organizations (list below) or submitted through a talent agency/management company. Candidates must have published/produced material “or other accomplished presentation of their work” in TV, film, literature or theater. For more information, go to http://www.fox.com/audiencestrategy and click on Fox Writer’s Initiative under the Fox Writers Programs menu. Here is the list of participating organizations:

    * Film Independent
    * Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
    * National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
    * New York Foundation for the Arts
    * Visual Communications
    * Writer’s Bootcamp
    * National Association of Latino Independent Producers
    * Organization of Black Screenwriters
    * East West Players
    * Women In Film Los Angeles
    * Media Access Awards

    Comment by john marzan — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 9:05pm PST  Reply to this post

    • I am almost sure that when the original post came out on deadline, there was no mention of submission via a manager but just a website address. That may have been updated later but am pretty sure that wasn’t on the original post. In any case, bygones.

      Comment by Anonymous — Friday January 20, 2012 @ 10:57pm PST  Reply to this post

• When will the finalists be announced?

  Comment by justcurious — Friday February 10, 2012 @ 10:42am PST  Reply to this post