Fox Writers Program Grows to Include Book, Film Components

Fox is expanding its writers program.

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The second annual Fox Writers Intensive is growing to offer a potential book development and publishing opportunity with HarperCollins and a first-look gig with screenwriter think tank Fox Writers Studio.

Established in 2011 by the Fox Audience Strategy unit to nurture the careers of experienced writers with diverse voices, 20th Television and FX have also signed on to provide development support for the winning finalist's original script.

STORY: Fox Writers Intensive Selects 2012 Fellow, Inks Development Deal

Additionally, funding for one staff writer position will be earmarked for FWI finalists on all new and returning Fox network series starting next fall.

Upon completing the workshop, Fox will select one finalists as the Fox Writers Intensive Fellow, whose original script will be purchased and developed by Fox, 20th Television and FX, receiving one-on-one meetings with network and studio heads. Additional finalists will receive the opportunity to apply for the Fox Writers Studio on a first-look basis, with another finalist granted the opportunity to pitch their script to HarperCollins.

"We were absolutely thrilled by the level of engagement and enthusiasm we saw in our inaugural Fox Writers Intensive class this past year -- the caliber of writers who applied for and ultimately participated in the intensive was incredible -- and we cannot wait to bring 10 more up-and-coming writers into the Fox fold,” said Nicole A. Bernard, senior vp Fox Audience Strategy. “By expanding the opportunities for staffing and professional growth to the participants, we are building the most robust, multiplatform engaging experience for writers as well as an extremely valuable pipeline of talent for our film, television, publishing and digital entertainment businesses.”

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Launched in 2011 and administered by Film Independent, the program offers trained writers a four-month curriculum focused on developing original material, learning and honing writing skills for multiple mediums and exploring the business of media and entertainment. Once the 10 participants complete the program, Fox will work to staff participants on Fox projects and provide each writer with a first-look on their original scrip.

Candidates for the FWI will be considered through nominations by one of the initiative's partnering organizations, with the referring 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the winning fellow receiving a financial grant earmarked for its writing program.

Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 19. For more information: www.fox.com/audiencestrategy.

STORY: Fox Targets Diversity in New Writers Program

Thomas Wong, the first FWI fellow, inked a development deal with Fox to develop his project, Queen, after the group of 10 finalists received guidance from a crop of participating writers including Bones' Hart Hanson, Friday Night Lights' Patrick Massett and The Departed's Roy Lee.