For all those who are having a hard time being heard above the fray–

Dear WGAW members –

I am delighted to let you know that the Writer Access Project is returning. Inaugurated last season, this project is designed to identify excellent diverse writers with television experience and to bring these writers’ scripts to the attention of showrunners, creative executives and agents for consideration during staffing season. Writers with previous television writing experience are invited to submit a spec script and spec pilot in one of five categories: minority writers; writers with disabilities; women writers; writers over age 55; and gay and lesbian writers.

Last year twenty-eight writers or writing teams were selected as Writer Access Project “winners” and their work was made available to showrunners, network and production company executives, and agents. In addition the group was offered a fascinating talk from an experienced showrunner about how best to promote oneself in a meeting. We received 160 submissions and 150 producer-level writers served as judges in two rounds of judging. The overall response to the project, based on surveys of participants and judges, was extremely encouraging.  We intend to continue to build the program with increased publicity and promotion to the entertainment community when this year’s winners are selected.

We have made some improvements to the program based on input from last year’s participants:

1. The deadline for submission will be November 30, allowing greater time for preparation of the required materials.

2.  Current active and Post-current active members are eligible to submit (see more details in the Guidelines).

3.  We intend to announce the winners of this year’s project earlier (by mid-March) to allow more time for showrunners to read the work of WAP winners.

There are some additional changes in the Guidelines and requirements for submission, so please review them carefully.  The Guidelines and Application can be found at:  http://www.wga.org/content/default.aspx?id=3436

Please contact the WGAW Diversity Department if you have any questions: [email protected] or 323-782-4589.

We hope many of you will submit your material for consideration as part of this program and that you will benefit from the experience.

Best,

Kimberly Myers

Director of Diversity

Writers Guild of America, West

7000 West Third Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048