Amazon MGM Studios has joined Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Writers Guild Foundation to support the 4th annual cohort of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program.
The Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program’s mission is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, writers with disabilities, and writers over the age of 50, with tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, ultimately resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.
Writers reflecting intersectional identities in film and television are crucial; they create stories that resonate authentically with a wide range of audiences, leading to deeper emotional connection and broad appeal. Customers are increasingly seeking content that reflects their own identities, cultures and experiences, and this program aims to unlock new voices that deepen connection with viewers.
With a competitive 1% admissions rate, 18 candidates were selected by an admissions committee of over 55 television creators, executive producers, showrunners, and writers, many of whom previously worked as writers’ assistants and script coordinators, including Sera Gamble (You), Courtney Lilly (Black-ish), Wendy Mericle (Arrow), Rachel Shukert (Glow), Kevin Biegel (Cougar Town), and Nicole Yorkin (Hit & Run).
The 12-week course, founded in partnership with Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time) and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), begins in January and will be taught by instructors Debbie Ezer (Based On A True Story) and Clay Lapari (Wonder Man), who have extensive experience as support staff and writers for television.
“Amazon MGM Studios is committed to being a place where all talent is valued and supported, driving meaningful progress in the industry” said Amazon MGM Studios global head of Customer Inclusion Amanda Baker-Lane. “We are proud to help The Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program continue to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in television.”
Since its launch in 2021, graduates have been hired as support staff and staff writers on shows at Netflix, Warner Bros, Hulu, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Showtime, Sony, CBS, Disney+, Apple TV+, BET, The CW, Peacock, and more.
“Last year was challenging, to say the least,” says program co-founder and WGF Board Member Mike Royce. “And it made us even more determined to keep providing underrepresented writers with training to be a writers' assistant and script coordinator - crucial positions that even in a tough job market can spark opportunities for staffing. If you’re a showrunner and/or show creator in need of a WA or SC, look no further than this list of incredibly capable and well-trained graduates.”
For more information on the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program, click here.