Paramount Writers Mentoring Program

Paramount

For over two decades the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has helped emerging writers enter the television business, launching more than 125 writing careers. Alumni include over 20 showrunners and executive producers.

Paramount's Writers Mentoring Program offers an eight-month opportunity for writers. It focuses on building relationships, improving writing skills, and developing essential interpersonal and industry "soft skills."

Participants in the program will work with executive mentors from Paramount to create a new writing sample. Weekly workshop-style meetings will be held for 16 weeks, featuring showrunners and industry professionals such as agents, managers, and executives. Mentees will also have the opportunity to participate in a half-day mock writers room experience in a supportive setting.

Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond, as well as a supportive and vibrant alumni community.

It has been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the program, participants should be available to:

• attend a once a week (evening) workshop
• attend a half day mock writers room and
• have ongoing interaction with their mentors via zoom, phone, in-person, or email. Program is designed so that participants can continue with their existing work commitments. 

The Paramount Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television. Aspiring writers with a strong desire to write for Paramount television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older and able to work in the United States to be eligible.

All completed application materials must be received between April 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026. Any submissions received before April 1st or after May 1st, 2026 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Finalists will be notified in late Fall (or such later date as may be determined by Paramount). The program is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and continues through April 2027. Paramount reserves the right to adjust the program schedule as necessary.