NHMC's Series Scriptwriters Program

Applications Now Open!

Eligibility
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have access to reliable internet connection to participate in daily video conferencing
- Entertainment industry experience is not required
- Writing teams cannot apply


Submission Rules

The deadline to submit the application is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024.

Program Dates: 5/28/24 – 7/19/24

This program is virtual, to run Monday-Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings over the course of the 8 weeks. On-screen participation in all meetings is mandatory.

Aspiring Latinx writers with a strong desire to write for streaming & television are encouraged to apply!


For any questions, please contact specialevents@nhmc.org
For partnership opportunities, please contact partnerships@nhmc.org
Required Application Criteria


Resume (maximum 1 page)

Please submit a current professional resume. Make sure to include any relevant writing experience. However, this is not exclusively a writing resume, do include any experience that you feel enhances what you bring to the table as a writer even if it’s not directly writing-related.

Bio (maximum 200 words)

Think of your Bio and Statement of Purpose as non-fiction writing samples. These are equally as important as your script in giving us a sense of your unique voice. With your bio, think of it as part of what you might say in your elevator pitch about yourself. Tell us a story about who you are beyond what you have included on your resume.

Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words)

Use this section to answer the following questions: Why do you write? What motivates you to tell those stories? What is your personal connection to your material? Why is writing for the small screen your passion?

List of Writing Samples

Please provide a list of your completed writing samples - title and logline (1-2 sentences max) only. On this list please include reference to any pilots, specs, features, shorts, short stories, published articles, etc, which you’ve written. If any of the work was with a writing partner or team, make note of which items were written as a collaboration. Note: All samples you list should be work you feel is polished enough to be read by execs, showrunners, etc.

Writing Sample

Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script. We will accept the following:

- 1-hour (max 59 pages)
- Half-hour (max 35 pages)

Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:

- Drama
- Dramedy
- Comedy
- Animation

Writing Samples NOT Accepted:

- Features
- Short Film script
- Novels
- Plays
- Poems
- Any other alternative samples

Logline (1-2 sentences)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be Latino to apply?

A: No, the program is open to people of all races and ethnicities.

Q: Is the NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program open to all ages?

A: No, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the program.

Q: How much does it cost to apply?

A: Thanks to our sponsors, the NHMC Series Scriptwriter's Program is a completely free program from the application to the program itself.

Q: Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply to the program?

A: No.

Q: What kind of writing sample should be submitted? Is there a length restriction? Can I submit more than one?

A: Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script. We will accept the following:

- 1 hour (max 59 pages)
- Half-hour (max 35 pages)

Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:

- Drama
- Dramedy
- Comedy
- Animation

Only ONE writing sample can be submitted.

Q: Will the judges provide feedback on the work that I submit for my application?

A: Due to the amount of applications received, judges are unable to provide feedback on submitted work.

Q: Will you return my application materials that were submitted if I am not accepted?

A: No, any materials submitted will not be returned to the owner.
Photo from left to right: Geoff Harris - mentor, Wilmer Valderrama, Omaira Galarza - mentor, Natalie Wood, Sofia Brown de Lopez, Zayda Exeliz, Jeanette Dilone, Victoria de la Concha, K. Broch, Diego Lanao, Ruben Mendive, Hayley Muñoz, Paloma Lamb

December 22, 2023

Wilmer Valderrama Salutes 2023 Graduates of National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Series Scriptwriters Program: ‘Aim for Excellence’

By: William Earl

From Variety: “Aim for excellence — Brown excellence,” actor-producer Wilmer Valderrama told this year’s graduates of the National Hispanic Media Coalition‘s Series Scriptwriters Program as the eight-week intensive came to an end earlier this week.

Valderamma, the “NCIS” and “That ’70s Show” star, is a multihyphenate, activist and entrepreneur and a member of NHMC’s Visionary Alliance of entertainment industry figures who support the organization in Hollywood. He addressed the 10 participants in the TV and film writing program that includes virtual instruction, networking and mentoring opportunities. NHMC has run the Series Scriptwriters writer development program for more than 20 years.

“The writers in the program are an answer to the need to increase Latino representation in our writers rooms and make sure we are telling our own stories,” Valderrama told the group on Dec. 19 via video conference. “As we become the majority as the audience, consumers and storytellers, it is more vital than ever that we are committed to uplifting and supporting new voices.”

Participants in the NHMC program have gone to work on series and pilots for streamers including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu and Max and for such studios as NBCUniversal and Paramount. Valderrama acknowledged that the graduates face an uphill climb as they build their careers. He emphasized that every step they take forward as creators is meaningful for past, present and future generations.

“There will come a time when you’ll feel like the only Brown writer in the room. Instead of it being daunting, think of it as an opportunity to be bold,” Valderrama urged. “The Latino revolution will come in the form of content. Immortalize what you want, the community deserves it. Make sure the leading roles in your stories look like you — this is a love letter to your parents and grandparents. Aim for excellence. Brown excellence.”

To read more from Variety.com, click the link here.

About Our Scriptwriters Program

For nearly twenty years, the NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program has helped launch the careers of more than 200 Latinx writers.

Ten diverse Latinx writers nationwide are selected for a five-week intense writers lab. At the end of the program, these writers will have either a half-hour or hourlong original series pilot, which they will pitch to Industry leaders, beginning with our partners at ABC & NBC. Over the 5-week duration writers work with a professional writing mentor, meet and speak with professional industry writers, and build a community of Latinx writers. The program is officially conducted virtually.

Our writers have worked on shows that can be viewed on Netflix, CW, NBCUniversal, HBOMax, Hulu, ViacomCBS, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Meet Some of our Alumni

Advanced Search >
Ana Maria Defillo
Writer/Producer
April M. Sanchez
Writer
Carmen Corral
Writer
Eli Vazquez
Writer, Director
Henry Alexander Kelly
Comedy Writer
Jorge Rivera
Writer
Jorge Thomson
Showrunner's Assistant
Linda Fleur Sweigart
Writer
Linzy Beltran
Writer
Luis R. Quintero
Director, Producer, Writer
Michel Lichand
Writer
Rolando Gomez
Producer, Writer
Solange Morales
Writer
Yasmine Campbell
Writer

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward the Latino communities.
© 2024 National Hispanic Media Coalition // communications@nhmc.org // o. (626) 792-6462
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