Universal Pictures launches Emerging Writers Fellowship

Universal Pictures has created an Emerging Writers Fellowship designed to identify and cultivate new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling. Emerging writers who are chosen to participate in the program will work within the studio to hone their skills and gain access and exposure to Universal executives, producers and other key industry professionals. The announcement was made by Universal Pictures co-presidents of Production, Peter Cramer and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum who will oversee the fellows. “This fellowship is a great opportunity for aspiring writers but it’s also a great opportunity for Universal,” said Cramer. “As audiences continue to be even more discerning about the films they see, finding new voices with unique and creative ideas is extremely important for our business,” added Kirschenbaum. Under terms approved by the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), the Emerging Writers Fellowship will allow Universal the opportunity to expand the community of writers with whom the studio works. The Fellowship was an idea championed by executive vice president of Production Scott Bernstein. Bernstein brought the idea to Universal’s Diversity Council and developed it in collaboration with Arturo Barquet who is senior vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Film Production at Universal. The Diversity Council, which is led by Universal Co-Chairman Donna Langley, has made the Emerging Writers Fellowship one of its key initiatives in expanding the number of diverse talent within Universal Pictures’ workforce both in front of and behind the camera.{More info;www.nbcunicareers.com/universal-pictures%E2%80%99-emerging-writers-fellowship}