TV Writing Fellowships

After our wonderful Script Chat with guest Jane Espenson, I thought about what she said about getting into her position by having a fellowship at ABC.

So I looked up the available fellowships once again to put in one place. I've had most of these in my favorites file for a long time. And I've only had the nerve to enter one. I hope this is helpful

WB Workshop

I don't think I told a lot of people, but I entered the WB Workshop/Fellowship. So I'll start with this. The workshop runs from October to March, and after the workshop the students are (hopefully, but not promised) placed on WB shows. The entry window for the workshop is May 1 to June 1, so the deadline for 2010 has passed.

Disney/ABC

This is a paid one year fellowship. Currently pays $50,000 plus benefits. I like this.
The application period starts in spring. Writing Program semi-finalists are contacted in November. Those who are selected to move on to the finalists’ round are typically notified in December, and will be required to participate in an in-person interview with a panel of Disney|ABC Television Group executives, established television producers. The Writing Program commences in January and concludes in January of the following year.

The spec requirements here were copied directly from the Disney/ABC web site.
"Among the extensive criteria for spec scripts are: accuracy in character voice; story structure; effectiveness in capturing the series’ tone; and innovation. No materials will be returned after the judging process. No previous professional writing experience is necessary, but strong spec script writing samples are required. Individuals selected as finalists might be asked to provide an additional writing sample. Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States."
ABC also offers a soap opera fellowship. Just sayin'

Nickelodeon Fellowship

The submission period will begin on January 2nd and run through midnight on February 28th. Semi-finalists are notified in August.This fellowship wants only half hour comedic specs. This is a full-time one year fellowship. You can not have a job while doing this fellowship.

***added after original post***

NBC/Uni Writers on the Verge

This is a 12 week program that runs from the end of September to the end of January. The program focuses on polishing the writer to be prepared for a staff writing position.
The entries are open from the end of May through the end of June.

The web site states, "Past participants have gone on to series including Community, Burn Notice, White Collar, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Friday Night Lights and Chuck."

Check out the web sites for more information. Also there is a screenwriting competition that helps writers meet TV industry folks.

Scriptapalooza has a great contest
Deadline is October 1, 2010, so act fast if you are interested.
This was the only reputable contest I found while searching.

I hope this helps a little so you don't have to do a google search to learn a little more about the fellowships.

Also, please remember, when you are submitting a spec script for TV, it's not like features. If you are wanting to write for Modern Family, you will send them specs of Cougar Town or Big Bang Theory. Never send a spec of the show you want to write for, because no matter how good it is, it won't be as good as their writers.

TTFN, Jamie

Jim Uhls Screenwriter Interview

Callie Khouri Screenwriter Interview

Jose Rivera - Screenwriter Interview

John Hamburg Screenwriter Interview

Ted Griffin - Screenwriter Interview.

Cowboy Up

Let's say there is a director whose movies you love, and the script you've written is just up his alley. What can you do to get that script in the director's hands?
First, if you have a membership to IMDB.com you can search the director's name and find out who his agent or manager is, then use the Hollywood Creative Directory to get the phone number to the office. Now once you make this call, you'd better be 110% sure of yourself, and have your pitch down so tight you can say it backwards and have it make sense. Because you will have to be quick and convincing to get a word in before the assistant or receptionist says, "I'm sorry, we don't accept unsolicited manuscripts."
And even though I shouldn't have to say it, be as nice and charming as possible to whomever answers that phone, because he/she may the next executive at CAA. If you can at least get your log line in before she gives you the "I'm sorry..." line, you may be past the unsolicited part all together.
If you have as good a pitch as a fellow screenwriter friends does, you just may get the assistant's email address, and now your script isn't unsolicited!
Yes, it's possible, but you had better be able to daylight to vampires if you want to try this tact. This technique isn't for the weak or unsure. So if you think you are up to it, "cowboy up" and do your research.
First impressions are lasting, so make a fantastic impression and whatever response you receive, be pleasant and thank the assistant for their time. Hollywood is a VERY small town when you are trying to break in, and day after tomorrow that assistant may the the director of the next box office hit. Don't laugh, stranger things have happened!
One caveat, some people will tell you this isn't a good technique and warn you against it. But if you have an incredible script and are comfortable selling yourself, it can be worth a try. Phone calls aren't recommended, but they aren't forbidden like in the literary industry.