For the writer in you...here are some entertainment industry diversity and fellowship program opportunities that recently came through our in-box. Take advantage and spread the wealth!
Cosby Writing Fellowship | www.cosbyprogram.com

Established by Drs. Bill and Camille Cosby in 1993, at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The fifteen-week intensive workshop was designed with a two-fold purpose: To assist writers in the completion of a film or television script and to deepen the participant’s appreciation for and comprehension of African American history and culture.

Disney Writing Fellowship | www.abctalentdevelopment.com

Begun in 1990 in partnership with the Writers Guild of America, west, this has become one of the industry's best known and most respected writing fellowships. Fellows receive a weekly salary for a one-year period (currently amounting to $50,000/year plus benefits). The program is an intensive, hands-on experience that involves workshops, seminars and mentorships with creative executives from ABC, ABC Television Studio, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Lifetime and Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group.

Fox Diversity Program | www.fox.com

The Fox Entertainment Group again invite submission of original television pilot scripts in the multi-camera comedy, single-camera comedy, animated and drama formats. Writers selected this year will be invited to attend a six week session at Writer's Boot Camp with subsequent consultations with WBC mentors during which their scripts will be rewritten and improved. The goal is to achieve scripts at a level of professional execution that may be submitted to Fox programming executives.

CBS Television Program | www.cbscorporation.com

This program links aspiring writers with mentors from the ranks of CBS Network and CBS Paramount Studio executives. Also, writers are mentored by producer mentors from series airing on CBS. Additionally, there are weekly sessions with successful writers, producers and show runners examining in very specific and practical terms many aspects of the experience of being a television writer in Hollywood.

The Nickelodeon Writers' Program | www.nickwriting.com

Developed to broaden Nickelodeon's outreach efforts, the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship is designed to attract, develop and staff writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences on Nickelodeon Network productions. Operating in a three-phased structure, the Fellowship provides a salaried position for up to one year and offers hands-on experience writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both live action and animation television.

Warner Brothers Comedy and Drama Writing Program | www2.warnerbros.com

For over 30 years, Warner Bros. TV has committed to fostering new talent and providing opportunity for aspiring television writers. The Writers Workshop is the premier writing program for new writers looking to start and further their writing career. The Workshop teaches every aspect of spec script writing and features exposure to Warner Bros. TV's top television writers and executives, all with the goal of staffing graduates on a Warner Bros. TV show.

NBC Diversity Initiative for Writers | www.nbcunicareers.com

NBC is proud of the existing diversity of the writers who pen its Primetime Series. In order to further encourage diversity among our writers, NBC provides funding for a minority staff writer position for all scripted NBC Primetime Series. These positions are filled with writers selected and hired by the show runner/producers of each show, with the guidance of the network and studio(s). Scripts are accepted year-round for screening, however, positions are generally filled during the March - June staffing season.

 The Writers Guild of America | www.wga.org

The WGAW's Diversity department works with producers, studio and network executives, and writers to increase employment opportunities and to develop access/talent development programs and also hosts events, panels, and seminars to promote a more positive image of historically underemployed writers, to increase the industry's awareness of the unique obstacles often faced by these writers, and to encourage positive change in hiring practices.

WHOSE BARRIO? is an emotionally charged look at the changes in Manhattan’s Spanish Harlem as real estate speculation pushes rents and property values past the point of affordability for most area residents. By interviewing long-time East Harlemites and new arrivals, and digging deep into the flavor of a neighborhood long regarded as a cultural homeland for Latinos and other ethnic groups, the film reveals a complex web of individual and community interests. Directed and produced by Ed Morales and Laura Rivera, WHOSE BARRIO? is having its world premiere at the New York International Latino Film Festival on August 2, 2009.

They producers are seeking: Salsa – Fania style songs; Mambo – Palladium years style songs; Danzon; Danza and Puerto Rican Folk Conjunto.

For more info or to submit your music contact: Ed Morales, 347-271-4615, 646-342-2100, emorale@optonline.net

Limité Magazine is an academic journal dedicated to capturing the echelon of modern world culture - elevating the unique and inspiring in fashion, design, travel, the arts, and pure expression. Fueled by a desire to serve as the voice uniting cultures from around the globe, Limité celebrates diversity, creativity, and the modern lifestyle of today’s man and woman.

Whether derived from the styled catwalks of Milan or the graffitied streets of Brooklyn, it is the select works that alter the way we see our world that become Limité features. The men and women who are the tastemakers, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and determined underdogs all contribute to the living trans-world culture that is Limité.

Ideal Candidates:
We feel this position is ideal for college students (but not limited to) looking to gain valuable REAL experience with a fast-paced, up & coming online media company that focuses on dissecting pop culture in a relevant and intelligent manner.

Contributor Duties:
You will be responsible for various cultural and product reviews, conduct interviews and manage press release submissions for the online magazine. Experience is not necessary for the position, although we do recommend a writing background (literature, communication or any other liberal arts majors).  Most importantly, we need those with a lot of fire and enthusiasm and the ability to learn and contribute great editorial ideas. 

Incentives:
The position/internship is currently unpaid, but affords lots of networking opportunities at exciting industry events, school credit, work reference and valuable editorial experience. We also give you the opportunity to bolster your writing portfolio and provide an expansive PR platform to build on your own creative projects.

Contact:
If you are interested in this position, please drop an email inquiry to the Limité Staff at: limite@freshmediainc.com

Manny Perez and the Crook Brothers breathe life into Manny's latest script and creative endeavor in this City Of God and Amorres Perros'esqe film about the personal journey of a brave man who risks everything to find justice. La Soga is a visceral and gripping story of redemption that lays bare brutality and corruption. The film is set in the neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic and Washington Heights, New York. Peep the trailer below.

For more info visit the official movie site at: www.lasogamovie.com

In this scene, Leonardo DiCaprio wears República Eyewear's Habana frame in black.

Tyler Perry Studios "Extras Casting Department" is looking for Extras for the next feature film "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself." Filming will begin in Atlanta Monday, March 16, 2009 - April 20, 2009.

If you are interested in working as an Extra send a photo and resume to tpsmovies1@yahoo.com. If you do not have a resume please include your contact information (PHONE NUMBER), height, weight, and date of birth with the email. You may also mail your photo to the address below no later than March 13, 2009.

The following talent is requested: Ages 20 and up ONLY!
African American Females and Males
Caucasian Females and Males
Hispanic Females and Males
Must have set etiquette
Must have professional work attitude
Must be available for a 12-14 hour day if booked

Extra Compensation: $90.00/12 hr day

Also looking for Stand Ins*:
If you are interested in working as a Stand In send a photo and resume to brit_grooms@yahoo.com. Please put "STAND IN" in the subject line of the email. If you do not have a resume please include your contact information (PHONE NUMBER), height, weight, and date of birth with the email. Please email your information no later than Monday, March 9, 2009.

The following talent is requested for Stand Ins:
Ages 20 and up ONLY!
African American male or female -4'9", 140lbs
African American male or female-5'5", 160lbs
African American female- 5'2", 110lbs

Requirements:
Must be available for a 12-14 hour day if booked
Must have set etiquette
Must have a professional work attitude
Must have a flexible schedule
Must be available to work 3-16-09 through 4-25-09

*Previous stand-in experience is a plus but not necessary.

Stand In Compensation: $125.00/12 hr day

No phone calls will be accepted.

TPS / Extras Casting
Attn: Heather
541 10th Street # 172
Atlanta, GA 30318
tpsmovies1@yahoo.com

The 5th Annual Connecticut Film, Writers, Music & Interactive Festival and Conference is accepting film and script submissions for the June 2-7, 2009 festival being held in downtown Danbury and on the campuses of Western Connecticut State University, the Northeast's gateway to the film, music and digital media industry. The festival and conference will feature the exhibition and competition of more than 130 independent films, 100 music performances and 100 workshops, panels and keynotes as well as dozens of parties, industry VIP events and network opportunities. The last day for submissions is April 15th, 2009.

Connecticut has become a hotbed of filmmaking activity in the last 2 years generating more than $600 M dollars of business as a result of the most competitive film, music and digital media state tax credits in the nation.  The festival is part of the marketing push to create new jobs and businesses in the state, which in turn is now attracting top talent who are relocating to the state and creating new talent through the abundance of educational opportunities and immersive courses offered by public and private universities and the state film office. 

For more info visit: www.ctfilmfest.com

Dir. Alex Rivera. (2008, MEXICO-U.S., 90 MIN, SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES)
In the near future, the world's borders are completely sealed…except for a giant digital network linking people around the world. In Mexico, workers plug their bodies into computers to labor from afar for huge first-world companies. Some even sell their memories online. But not everyone is happy to become a virtual robot. Three strangers in Tijuana eventually risk their lives to connect with each other--and break the chains of technology.

Event will feature:
• Recent shorts by director Alex Rivera
• SLEEP DEALER—a new sci-fi film set in the dystopian Tijuana of the future
• Q and A with Rivera, hosted by film critic, Jason Silverman
• Afterparty follows at Fontana's, featuring Nacotheque and Colombian electro-rockers Monareta

Screening info
El Museo's Teatro Heckscher
1230 Fifth Avenue
bet 104th and 105th St.
New York, NY
Admission: Free

Sleep Dealer after party
Featuring Colombian electro-rock band Monareta, fresh from the release of their new album Picotero. Plus, DJs Marcelo Cunning and Amylulita throw down rock en español, electronica, cumbia, baile-funk y más.

Nacotheque at Fontana's
135 Eldridge Street
New York, NY

Some of you may know her from her most recent 2008 film “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” but like many actors, this young lady has been doing it since ‘91 when she made her small screen debut on “Law & Order.” Since then she’s has gone on to appear in more than twenty-five film and TV projects including: The Sopranos; Guiding Light; CSI: Miami and The Shield for which she is currently nominated for an Alma Award in the Best Supporting Actress category. In 2007, she got her EP on in the animated film “Red Princess Blues Animated: The Book of Violence.”Here is Medellin fly-girl, Paula Garcés.
--
STATS:
Name: Paula Garcés, www.paula-garces.net
Job title:  Actress
In the field(s) of: Film & Television
Originally from: Medellin, Colombia
Motto to live by: No matter what family and friends come first…everything else is secondary.

THE 5Q'S:
How did a girl from Medellin, Colombia wind up being one of Hollywood’s most employed Latina actors? I have been very lucky and blessed with my acting career. I think my success is due to a combination of persistence, dedication and a lot of luck.

Since you’ve done all three, talk about main differences between working on a TV project versus working on a Film project versus working behind the scenes as an Executive Producer? Which do you prefer and why? I love working on TV projects the pace is fast and you get to see the results a lot faster than in film. I also love working on film its a lot more relaxed usually I'm on location somewhere cool that I have not been before and since the pace is a lot slower you can really work out the scenes. Producing is a lot of fun because you get to create an idea from the ground up. Its a lot of hard work but when you see the finished product and you see an audience enjoy it, its a lot like watching your baby grow up. Its extremely rewarding to create something from beginning to end. I really enjoy working in both TV and films I have been really fortunate to work with some of the most talented actors, producers, writers, and directors in the business but I have to say producing Red Princess Blues has been the most difficult and the most fun I have had in my career yet.

What motivates Paula Garcés? I've always had an incredible need to express myself creatively and acting has provided a great platform for me to do that. I have been motivated by that need to express myself since I was a little girl and as time went on I have been motivated by my friends and my family. I have been really lucky to have a close knit family and group of friends who believe in me more than I believe in myself at times and never let me give up on my dreams.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself having my own production company that produces many TV projects and films that include giving work to so many of my talented friends who deserve a break and deserve to be working on really great productions.

In November of 2008, McCain or Obama?
I'm an Obama girl!!!!!!!!!!

Screenings will take place in Houston & Miami on 08.18.08, NYC on 08.19.08 and Chicago & Los Angeles on 08.21.08.

Capadocia is set in a fictional women's prison in Mexico City. Corruption runs rampant as prison rights attorney Teresa Lagos (Dolores Heredia) fights for a humane rehabilitation program, while corporate shill Federico Marquez (Juan Manuel Bernal) schemes to privatize the prison and use the women as cheap manual labor.

To receive a pass for you and a guest RSVP to a city near you:

Houston | capadociahou@hbo.com

Miami | capadociamia@hbo.com

New York | capadociany@hbo.com

Chicago | capadociachi@hbo.com

Los Angeles | capadociala@hbo.com

[ via: www.casanaranjablog.blogspot.com ]