TV Writers Access Project Call for Submissions
Historically underrepresented writers encouraged to submit by Dec. 3 deadline.
(11/12/2021)
On Monday, November 8, you may have seen a message in your inbox asking for submissions for the TV Writers Access Project. The Writers Access Project has been around for just over a decade and is part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to increase diversity and promote inclusiveness in the entertainment industry. The program is designed to identify and honor excellent writers who are members of historically underrepresented communities—and puts them in front of showrunners who are eager for these talented, experienced, fresh voices.
“Without question, the most influential experience of my career has been the TV Writers Access Project,” past honoree Karen Struck (The Good Doctor, For Life) told Connect. “The program reshaped both how I thought of myself as a writer and how I presented myself. Even though I had been a staff writer previously, the program gave me a new perspective on the skills that are paramount to advancement: pitching, meetings, writers' room effectiveness, and polishing my personal story.”
Qualifying WGAW members can submit one piece of literary material: one spec script for a television series in first run on either network, cable, or streaming service; or one original spec pilot teleplay, in either the half-hour or one-hour format. Scripts will be submitted to a panel of WGAW members, including current and former showrunners and writer-producers, who will serve as judges for the project. No names or other identifying information will appear on the literary material submitted to the judges to ensure an unbiased process.
Scripts will be considered in five categories:
- BIPOC writers
- Disabled writers
- Women writers
- Writers age 55 and over (as of November 8, 2021)
- LGBTQ+ writers
Scripts that pass through the first and second round of judging will be selected as TV Writer Access Project honorees. These final selections will be made available to showrunners and other hiring executives for their consideration in the upcoming television staffing season.
“The Writers Access Project is a unique and valuable program aimed at getting talented, experienced writers back where they belong: in the writers’ room,” said past judge Elaine Ko (Modern Family).
In addition to having their work highlighted within the Guild, honorees will be offered a seminar series with showrunners to prepare for staffing season.
“A huge bonus was the camaraderie of others with shared goals and challenges, which led to lifelong friendships,” added Struck.
The program is open to current and post-current WGAW members with the deadline for submissions falling on Friday, December 3 at 6pm. You can learn more about the program’s timeline, criteria, judging process, and find instructions on how to apply at: http://www.wga.org/tvwap