Who you know matters.

For too long our industry – both on camera and behind the scenes – has served a predominantly white demographic.

Even as attention is finally being paid to this issue, writers’ rooms are getting smaller, with showrunners turning to their friends and predominantly white colleagues for referrals when hiring their staffs.

Whether we like it or not, success in this business has always had to do with who you know. That’s how the “old boys' club” worked – and why it stubbornly survives to this day.  And that is why the majority of white-led writers’ rooms still lack diversity.

We are here to change that sh*t.  From the inside.

We are a group of committed television showrunners with series on air and/or in development on broadcast networks, cable networks, and streaming platforms. We are volunteering to leverage our connections to advocate for and help create real opportunities for undiscovered diverse writers.

Mentorship Matters is a non-profit organization.

Your voice matters.

We are seeking talented, hardworking, ambitious writers who are ready to staff on a series. Selected Mentees will be paired with a Showrunner Mentor for one year.

• We will help you develop and polish an original writing sample.
• We will introduce you to agents, managers, executives and fellow showrunners.
• We will advise you on how to take these meetings and what to expect from them.

Though we cannot guarantee anyone employment, we will support you creatively, professionally and do everything in our power to get you writers' room ready by the end of the year.

The number of Mentors and Mentees will vary each year. Past Mentors include Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Alan McElroy, Alexander Woo, Andrew Chambliss, Angela King, Dara Resnik, Davita Scarlet, Erica Oyama, Erika Green Swafford, Erin Levy, Gabriel Garza, Gianna Sobol, Graham Roland, Hilly Hicks, Ian Goldberg, Ira Parker, J. David Shanks, Jen Braeden, Jennifer Cacicio, Jennifer Cecil, Jenniffer Gomez, K.C. Perry, Kelly Galuska, Keto Shimizu, Lauren Mackenzie & Andrew Gettens, Lewaa Nasserdeen, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Matt Tarses, Melanie Marnich, Melinda Hsu Taylor, Monica Macer, Neil Reynolds, Niceole Levy, Peter Ocko, Raelle Tucker, Scott Reynolds, Speed Weed, Terri Kopp, Valerie Armstrong, Vera Santamaria, Vijal Patel and Wendy Mericle. 

Melanie Marnich

"Mentorship Matters has already become one of the most effective, thoughtful and proactive mentorship programs I've been involved with. The mentee I've been working with is a terrific talent, a writer of vision and energy who has what it takes to succeed in this business. But he really needed the support of someone who could help him polish his writing samples, help him make contacts, get meetings...get through the door. This is exactly what has happened during our time together. I've been honored to introduce him to execs I know, to help him land his first job, and to keep cheering him on as he blazes his trail. He deserved and earned the break that this program has given him. And he is thriving."

Aaron Rahsaan Thomas

"During my experience in Mentorship Matters, it has been my pleasure to participate as a mentor. My mentee has secured representation and earned his first opportunity as a Staff Writer. His success is a testament to his talent, hard work and the benefits of Mentorship Matters, through which we discuss everything from notes on writing, to how to navigate politics in the writers' room, to how to strategically build a career (even after being staffed), to what to wear in a Zoom meeting."

Jennifer Cacicio

"I've been so privilege to be working with my mentee. Guiding her through the pilot process was a total pleasure, and I am constantly inspired by her. She is one of the most hard-working, talented, collaborative, generous, and kind young writers I've worked with, and every colleague I've introduced her to has felt exactly the same. I have zero doubt she will be staffed very soon. I would hire her in a heartbeat, and I will just as soon as I have the chance."

Deadline articles here and here.