Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program

Application Guidelines

Your one-stop-shop for questions about the WASSTP admissions process.

 

the basics

MISSION

The program’s mission is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, 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. These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job.

This program is not a writing fellowship. Its purpose is to provide support staff training for emerging writers who are typically excluded from writers’ rooms. You must be interested in pursuing employment as a Writers' Assistant or Script Coordinator to be considered.

ELIGIBILITY 

This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:

  • At least 18 years of age.

  • Able to demonstrate their ability and interest in writing for TV.

  • Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role.

  • Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements.

  • Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors.

  • Eligible to work in the U.S.

WGF will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or national origin. Participants who violate this rule will be immediately removed from consideration for the program at the discretion of WGF staff.

Please note: this program is designed for emerging writers who have not previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator. Applicants who have support staff experience are not eligible to apply. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

If you intend to apply, please be ready to share the following information: 

  • A summary of your writing experience or education

  • Your preferred genres and creative influences

  • Sample loglines

  • A brief personal statement (500 words or less)

  • Your professional resume

Check out the FAQs below for details on each requirement.  

TIMELINE 

Information about the next admissions cycle will be available in Spring or Summer 2024.

FAQS

Below, you will find answers to common questions about the application. If your inquiry is not addressed here, please email apply@wgfoundation.org for special assistance. 

You can also check out last year’s info session here for helpful insight and advice on the program from instructors Debbie Ezer and Clay Lapari, alongside alumni Yousif Nash and Lynn Maleh.

WRITING BACKGROUND

  • No, professional writing experience is not required.

    However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. As previously stated, this program is not a writing fellowship. It is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.

  • Your choice of genre will influence your area of focus through the program and subsequent hiring outreach upon graduation. If you share equal interest in multiple genres, please make a note of this on your application.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT 

  • Your personal statement should describe who you are, your interest in writing for the screen, and what you hope to gain from this program. We encourage you to describe how your identity, experiences, culture, or background informs your writing.  

    Statements are limited to a maximum of 500 words.

  • The personal statement is a key component of the admissions process. This is your opportunity to convey who you are as a writer and what makes you unique.  

    Why have you chosen this path? What challenges have you overcome to get here? Who inspired you? Consider these prompts as you start writing.

    Authenticity is strongly encouraged.  

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 

  • No, you may submit a standard resume for this program. Previous professional writing experience is not required.  

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