Now in its 19th year, 135 emerging diverse writers have graduated from the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program. Over 125 careers have been launched, including those of 18 current showrunners.

As part of its ongoing commitment to create additional access, exposure and opportunity for talented and motivated writers of diverse backgrounds, Paramount's Writers Mentoring Program is an eight-month program with a three-fold focus: It opens doors by providing opportunities for mentees to build and foster relationships with showrunners and network and studio executives. It supports emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft by working with executive mentors. And it helps writers hone the essential interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed.

Each participant will be teamed with executive mentors from Paramount Global. Under the supervision of their mentors, participants will write a new writing sample. Once a week, for 16 weeks, participants will be invited to attend a small workshop-style meeting with various showrunners and other industry professionals. Speakers include agents, managers, development and current executives and showrunners. There is also a half-day mock writers room for mentees to experience the process in a safe environment.

Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond.

It has been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the program, participants should be available to 1) attend a once a week (evening) workshop 2) attend a half day mock writers room and 3) have ongoing interaction with their mentors via zoom, phone or email.

Program elements such as mentoring, weekly workshops the mock writers room can be scheduled around participants’ existing work commitments.