Fox Selects 12 Diverse Writers for Competitive Writing Program

Feb 27, 2015 12:00 PM ET

21CF Social Impact

Fox Audience Strategy has announced the finalists for the fourth annual Fox Writers Intensive, a competitive fellowship at the Fox Studios Lot in Los Angeles for writers with diverse voices and backgrounds. This year, FWI selected twelve writers and writing teams for the program, which allows participants to work closely with Fox showrunners, writers, directors, and creative executives.

"Authenticity is essential to successful storytelling. That process starts with hiring writers with diverse and authentic points of view, and that's exactly who we want to engage through the Fox Writers Intensive," said Nicole A. Bernard, Executive Vice President of Audience Strategy for 21st Century Fox.

With the help of the nonprofit Film Independent, FWI offers trained writers a fourth-month curriculum focused on developing original material, learning and honing writing skills for multiple mediums, and exploring the business of media and entertainment. Upon completion of the program, finalists receive priority staffing meetings for the established FWI Staff Writer position on Fox productions. The program also aims to provide each writer with a first-look deal on his/her original scripts.

At the conclusion of the intensive, one finalist will be named the 2015 FWI Fellow, who will be awarded either a purchase and development deal on his/her original script or a "first-look" deal from FOX Broadcasting Company or any of its affiliated entities.

This year's FWI finalists were selected from more than 400 nominations and submissions by talent representation and arts organizations across the country. Visit Deadline Hollywood for the full list of finalists.

Fox Audience Strategy is a cross-divisional resource to help Fox film and television businesses engage and appeal to a culturally diverse audience. FAS works with the Fox businesses to encourage more diverse hiring and authentically reflect diverse audiences. Learn more at FoxAudienceStrategy.com.