Announcing the Start of the Fall 2009 Television Writers Program – National Hispanic Media Coalition

The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) proudly announces the start of the Fall 2009 Television Writers Program, an intensive five-week workshop sponsored by ABC/Disney, NBC, Southwest Airlines and the National Latino Media Council (NLMC).

“This year’s program was the most competitive we have ever had,” said Alex Nogales, NHMC President & CEO.  “The ten writers participating in this year’s workshop bring a wealth of television writing experience to the table.  This program will sharpen their skills even further and the participating network executives will be mentoring them with the goal of bringing as many of them into writing positions in the entertainment industry.”

By presenting its 7th Annual Latino Television Writers Program workshop – which runs from November 9th through December 11th in Los Angeles, California – the NLMC continues to strengthen its commitment to increasing Latino employment in the media industry.

The writing program helps participants hone their craft and establish relationships with key Industry executives.  During the workshop, participants write at least one spec script of a current primetime television series.

Participants in the 2009 workshop have also earned the unique opportunity of having their scripts reviewed by Network Television Executives.  Those Writers that demonstrate particular promise will be subsequently mentored by these same Network Executives with the goal of hiring them to write for one of their television shows.

“This is a robust opportunity to discover new writing talent and also to enhance our diversity efforts in network television,” explained Robert Mendez, Sr. Vice President of Diversity, Disney ABC Television Group.

This year’s writers include the following Stuart Altman, Zach Cannon, Gustavo T.Cruz, Rick Escamilla, Vince Navarro, Manuel Nieto, Jr., Silvia Olivas (Producer, Moesha), Sierra TellerOrnelas (2009 IAIA Writers Workshop participant), Spiro Skentzos and Shelly Acosta Smith (2002 Feature Writing Fellow).

“We at NBC look forward to once again participating in this unique workshop,” stated Karen Horne, NBC’s Director of Entertainment Diversity Initiatives.  “We have a great group and expect great things from them.”

The Writers Program is not for beginners. It is intended for experienced writers, with the ability to write a one half-hour sitcom, or a one-hour television drama script during the five-week workshop.

Former participants in the Program have gone on to become staff writers on the following series: Medium, Samantha Who?, The Unit, Lincoln Heights, Kath and Kim, Third Watch and Grey’s Anatomy, among other shows.

For more information on the program, please visit www.nhmc.org/writers.

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