Television Writing Program Roundup

'Tis the season for deadlines and personal statements and cramming to finish those scripts!

Yes, it's time to submit to the television writing programs. For aspiring TV writers, these programs are opportunities to be recognized, learn from insiders, and slide into the business. They used to be diversity programs, but now most are open to anyone. (Caucasian males, that means you...)

As I rush (not good) to finish my scripts, I'll be sharing info and insight on applying for these programs on my blog. Today, we'll start with the basics -- what television writing programs are out there?

Open for submissions now:

CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program
http://diversity.cbscorporation.com/page.php?id=23
Requires: Spec TV sample
Deadline: May 1, 2012

CAPE New Writers Award
http://capeusa.org/CNWA/
Requires: Spec TV sample or original TV pilot
Deadline: May 25, 2012

Opening for submissions soon:

Disney|ABC Television Writing Program
http://www.abctalentdevelopment.com/programs/programs_writings_fellowship.html
Requires: Spec TV sample
Deadline: May 31, 2012

Warner Bros. Television Writing Workshop
http://writersworkshop.warnerbros.com/web/index.jsp
Requires: Spec TV sample
Deadline: June 1, 2012

Austin Film Festival Teleplay Competition
http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/submit/
Requires: Spec TV sample or original TV pilot
Deadline: June 1, 2012

NBC Writers on the Verge
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/earlycareerprograms/writersontheverge.shtml
Requires: Spec TV sample
Deadline: ???

So yeah, you gotta write a spec script. More on that coming soon...